Michigan County Treasurer urges foreclosed property owners to file claims and beware of fraud

(CBS) – The Treasurer of the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office urges individuals whose property was foreclosed on April 1, 2024, to apply for payment of available sale proceeds by July 1, 2024.

Treasurer Robert Wittenberg said property owners should be wary of real estate scams targeting people with delinquent taxes or foreclosed properties, such as transfer of title, prepayment or bogus assistance scams.

“We are committed to ensuring that every property owner facing foreclosure is aware of their right to claim the excess proceeds from the sale of their property. Property owners must act quickly and file their claims before the July 1 deadline,” Wittenberg said. “We are also deeply concerned about the increasing number of real estate scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Property owners must be vigilant and avoid falling victim to these scams.”

Following the foreclosure, the Treasury Department sent notices to the owners of properties foreclosed in 2024 with the required form and filing instructions.

Under Michigan law, property owners have the right to collect the excess proceeds from the sale of their foreclosed property, which is the amount remaining after taxes, penalties, fees, and other liens have been paid.

To apply for these funds, property owners must submit a one-page application form to the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office by July 1, 2024. Application forms postmarked by July 1 but not received by the Treasurer’s Office will not be processed.