FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
"SFR" is Sierra Funds RecoveryWhat are unclaimed funds?
How does SFR find unclaimed funds?
How did my name get listed in an unclaimed funds database?
Can I claim the funds on my own?
How much does it cost to do it myself?
How much does it cost to have SFR process my claim?
What happens if SFR is not successful in collecting my money?
How long will it take to have the funds sent to me?
Unclaimed funds are funds held by an agency for an owner or recipient who is entitled to the money, but who has failed to claim ownership of it. Unclaimed funds may arise out of a variety of circumstances. For example, delivery of a payment may not be possible because of faulty or incomplete address information for the recipient or dividend checks from federal court cases may not be cashed. The U.S. Treasury, as custodians of these funds, has established policies and procedures for holding, safeguarding, and accounting for these funds.
How does SFR find unclaimed funds?
SFR has research specialists who search databases and onsite records at many of the Federal U.S. Government Agencies who hold unclaimed funds.
How did my name get listed in an unclaimed funds database?
There are a number of ways your name is associated with an unclaimed fund. Generally, it is because a court or government agency tried to contact you via the mails at the address they have on record. If you have moved, or the address is incorrect, the mail is returned. The name on record and the amount is then recorded in an "unclaimed funds" listing.
Can I claim the funds on my own?
Yes, however in 85% of the jurisdictions we research funds in, recovering these funds requires a motion be filed with the agency that is holding the funds. Precise documentation is usually required. The services of an attorney to properly present your claim can be costly. Attorneys must be paid whether or not the recovery is successful. SFR has the specialized knowledge required to properly present your claim. We charge a fee only if we are successful in collecting the money.
Most companies or individuals for example, use us because it is cost effective for them to outsource this work to someone that is familiar with all of the requirements and local rules of the different sources.
How much does it cost to do it myself?
Most of the time, that depends on the rates that an attorney charges you per hour. The cost of using an attorney can easily exceed the fee SFR charges.
How much does it cost to have SFR process my claim?
We charge a percentage of the amount of the claim. This is amount is set in an explicit agreement with you and may vary depending on the complexity of the recovery. We receive our fee only if we are successful recovering the funds. You pay nothing "up-front".
What happens if SFR is not successful in collecting my money?
If SFR is not successfully claiming the funds, you pay nothing. Courts and agencies that hold unclaimed funds have very specific requirements for establishing a claim. Unsuccessful recoveries occasionally happen when you are not able to provide the information required to meet the requirements.
How long will it take to have the funds sent to me?
Recovery time depends on the caseload of the court or agency that is holding the funds. When SFR has received all the required documentation from you, we submit the claim to the court or agency. It can take as long as 120 days or more for the claim to be granted and the funds recovered. Some jurisdictions process the claim as quickly as two weeks.
"It's your money. We can get it back for you"
©2003 Sierra Funds Recovery Inc. Information@SierraFR.com