Your Questions, Answered

  • It’s very possible — and many people are surprised to learn they are.

    Funds can become owed to individuals for many reasons, including surplus proceeds from tax sales or foreclosures, uncashed checks, refunds, escrow balances, or other assets held by state or county agencies. In many cases, people are never properly notified, or the notices are sent to outdated addresses.

    Before we ever ask you to sign anything, we take steps to verify whether funds appear to exist in your name. If we don’t believe there is a legitimate claim to pursue, we’ll tell you honestly. Our goal is to help you recover what is rightfully yours — not to waste your time.

  • We understand why this question comes up — and it’s a fair one.

    Beacon Sterling Recovery Group, LLC is a Maryland-based, registered business that provides recovery and administrative assistance services. We are a private company, not a government agency, and we make that clear at every step.

    Clients are always informed that they may file claims directly with the appropriate government office at no cost. Many choose to work with us because the process can be confusing, time-consuming, or frustrating, and they prefer professional guidance.

    We do not charge upfront fees, do not guarantee outcomes, and do not pressure anyone to move forward. Transparency and informed choice are central to how we operate.

  • We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront.

    Our fees are only due if funds are successfully recovered, and they are clearly disclosed before you agree to anything.

    • Unclaimed Property Recovery: 20% of the amount recovered

    • Surplus Funds Recovery: Up to 30% of the amount recovered

    There are no hidden fees, retainers, or surprise charges. If no funds are recovered, you owe nothing.

  • Timelines vary depending on the agency, the type of funds, and how quickly required documents are processed.

    As a general estimate:

    • Unclaimed property claims often take 4–12 weeks

    • Surplus funds from county or court proceedings can take 8–16 weeks, sometimes longer

    We monitor the process and follow up as needed, but final timelines are determined by the government offices involved. Throughout the process, we keep you informed so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your claim.

  • The exact requirements depend on the type of claim, but most cases require:

    • A valid government-issued photo ID

    • Basic contact information

    • Proof connecting you to the property or funds (when applicable)

    • Signed authorization documents allowing us to assist with your claim

    We guide you step by step and explain why each document is needed. Your information is handled securely and used only for the purpose of your claim.

  • Yes — you can file claims on your own, and we encourage clients to make the choice that’s best for them.

    Many people choose to work with us because:

    • The process can be confusing or time-consuming

    • Requirements and forms vary by agency and county

    • Missing or incorrect information can delay claims

    • They want help tracking progress and following up

    Our role is to reduce stress, avoid mistakes, and manage the process from start to finish. We explain your options clearly so you can decide whether professional assistance makes sense for you.

  • Beacon Sterling Recovery Group is based in Maryland, and we proudly serve clients throughout the state. Because of our location and proximity to neighboring regions, we also assist eligible clients in select cases outside of Maryland, including parts of Washington, D.C. and Virginia, as well as other states where recovery services are permitted.

    The availability of services depends on:

    • The type of funds involved

    • The agency or court holding the funds

    • State-specific requirements

    If you’re unsure whether your situation falls within our service area, we encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to review your case and let you know — honestly — whether we can assist or point you in the right direction.

We believe clients deserve clear information, honest answers, and respectful support. Whether you decide to work with us or pursue a claim on your own, our goal is to help you make an informed decision.

Protecting Yourself From Unclaimed Property Scams

Unclaimed property and surplus funds are real — and every year, billions of dollars are held by state agencies, courts, and local governments waiting to be claimed.

Unfortunately, the same space has also attracted bad actors who misrepresent themselves, pressure consumers, or falsely imply government affiliation.

This page explains how to recognize legitimate recovery services, how to verify claims independently, and how to make an informed decision before authorizing anyone to act on your behalf.

Check If You May Be Owed Funds

  • Unclaimed funds are often tied to:

    • Foreclosures or tax sales

    • Estates and probate matters

    • Dormant bank accounts

    • Refunds, overpayments, or court-held surplus proceeds

    Because people may not realize money is owed to them, scammers sometimes exploit confusion or urgency.

    Important to know:

    Unclaimed property is real — but you should always take time to verify before signing anything.

  • Understanding the difference helps protect you.

    Official Government Agencies

    • Operate under a state or court authority

    • Allow individuals to file claims directly at no cost

    • Do not charge contingency fees

    • Will never ask for payment to “release” funds

    Examples include:

    • State Comptroller or Treasurer unclaimed property offices

    • County courts holding surplus funds

    Government agencies do not hire private companies to contact you on their behalf.

  • Beacon Sterling Recovery Group, LLC is a private financial recovery firm.

    We:

    • Are not a government agency

    • Do not represent the State of Maryland or any court

    • Work only with written authorization

    • Operate on a contingency basis (no upfront fees)

    • Are paid only if funds are successfully recovered, as outlined in a written agreement

    Private firms exist to assist individuals who prefer professional support, document handling, and claim tracking — especially in complex or time-consuming cases.

  • Be cautious if someone:

    • Claims to be a government employee but asks for a fee

    • Uses urgent or threatening language (“act immediately or lose your money”)

    • Requests upfront payment before any recovery

    • Refuses to provide a written agreement

    • Will not give you time to review documents

    • Discourages you from verifying information independently

    A legitimate recovery firm will never pressure you or discourage verification.

  • You always have the right to verify — and we encourage it.

    Before authorizing any recovery service, you should:

    1. Search Official Records Yourself

      Visit your state’s official unclaimed property website or court records to confirm funds exist.

    2. Confirm the Business Entity

      Verify the company’s registration with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) or equivalent state registry.

    3. Review the Agreement Carefully

      A legitimate firm will provide:

      • Clear fee disclosure

      • No guarantee of recovery

      • Written authorization requirements

      • Cancellation rights where applicable

    4. Take Your Time

      There is no requirement to sign immediately. Funds do not disappear simply because you take time to review.

  • At Beacon Sterling Recovery Group, we believe informed clients are protected clients.

    That’s why we:

    • Encourage independent verification

    • Clearly disclose our role as a private recovery firm

    • Never imply government affiliation

    • Never charge upfront fees

    • Never guarantee outcomes

    • Provide written agreements before any work begins

    You are always free to:

    • File claims on your own

    • Decline our services

    • Seek independent advice before signing

  • Some clients choose professional assistance when:

    • Claims involve estates or deceased relatives

    • Documentation requirements are complex

    • Multiple agencies or courts are involved

    • Time or administrative burden is a concern

    Using a private recovery firm is optional, not required.

  • Your Right to File Directly With the State

    You always have the right to search for and claim unclaimed property on your own.

    Maryland residents can access the State’s official unclaimed property program through the Maryland Comptroller’s Office:

    https://www.unclaimed-property.marylandcomptroller.gov

    This website is operated by the State of Maryland and allows individuals to search records and submit claims without using a third-party service.

    Beacon Sterling Recovery Group is a private recovery firm. We assist clients who choose professional help — but using our services is never required.

  • If you’ve been contacted about unclaimed funds — by us or anyone else — and want to understand your options, we’re happy to explain the process without obligation.

    Knowledge and clarity come first.

  • Beacon Sterling Recovery Group, LLC is a private financial recovery firm. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. You may file claims directly with state or court agencies at no cost.

    Our services are optional and provided only under a written contingency-based agreement.