03/12/2026
⚠️ Beware of Scams – A Close Call We Experienced
I want to share something that recently happened to us so others in the recovery industry can stay alert.
Someone contacted our firm claiming to be the former owner of a foreclosed property in Delaware and said they were trying to recover surplus funds.
As part of our verification process, we asked for documentation.
Everything seemed legitimate.
• The ID matched the name
• The tax statement matched the property address
• A notarized document was provided with a stamp from an active notary public
On the surface, it looked completely real.
Our attorney even began preparing the recovery process.
But something still felt… off.
Out of caution, we decided to contact the notary public directly whose stamp appeared on the document.
Her reaction was immediate — she was shocked.
The stamp and signature looked incredibly convincing, but she told us she had never met this individual and never notarized the document.
We immediately called the claimant and asked him to explain.
He mumbled something unclear… then hung up.
Within minutes, his phone number was disconnected.
If we hadn’t double-checked, the case could have moved forward with the wrong identity. Funds might even have been released before anyone realized what happened.
Even though everyone involved might technically have been paid, it wouldn’t have been the rightful owner — and that’s simply not the right thing to do.
So this is just a reminder to everyone in this space:
✔ Verify identities carefully
✔ Never rely on a notarization alone
✔ When in doubt, call the notary directly
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even experienced professionals can be fooled.
Stay vigilant.
If you work in surplus funds recovery, foreclosure recovery, or unclaimed property, please share this so others keep it on their radar.
You never know who you might help avoid the same situation.
