Q: Recently contacted by an agency regarding surplus funds from my deceased sister's property.
Are those agencies reputable? I'm her only surviving family member, both our parents are deceased. I find nothing noted in our County's surplus listings, nor state listings. How can I verify if there is actual funds? And, do I need to go through the agency who contacted me, or an attorney?
A: This is most likely a scam. If there were surplus funds from any source (even a utility deposit) they would, in good time, be deposited with the state comptroller. They could not be accessed until then.
A: It may or may not be a scam. If it's NOT a scam, it's probably a company that will collect a hefty contingency fee for assisting you. You would be better off with hiring your own probate lawyer.
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