• Oakland County property owners whose properties were foreclosed on April 1, 2024, have the right to claim any surplus proceeds from the sale of their foreclosed property and must file a claim to receive any available proceeds by July 1, 2024.
• Property owners should be cautious of property scams targeting individuals with delinquent taxes or foreclosed properties, such as deed transfers, upfront fees, or phantom help scams.
• Oakland County property owners with surplus proceed claims questions or delinquent property taxes should contact the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for assistance at (248) 858-0611 or visit oakgov.com/treasurer.

Pontiac, Mich., June 26, 2024 —  Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg is issuing an urgent reminder to residential and commercial property owners whose properties were foreclosed on April 1, 2024. Property owners must file a claim to receive any available proceeds from the foreclosure sale by July 1, 2024. Oakland County property owners are reminded to avoid property scams that can result in losing money and creating additional financial challenges.

Throughout the three-year property tax foreclosure process, the Oakland County Treasurer’s office diligently works to inform, educate, and help residential and commercial property owners retain their properties and, in the event of foreclosure, claim surplus sales proceeds.

"We are committed to ensuring that every property owner who has faced foreclosure is aware of their right to claim any surplus proceeds from the sale of their property. Property owners must act quickly to file their claims before the July 1 deadline,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “We are also deeply concerned about the increasing property scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Property owners must be vigilant and avoid falling prey to these scams."

Under Michigan law, property owners have the right to claim any surplus proceeds from the sale of their foreclosed property. These proceeds are the funds remaining after the delinquent taxes, penalties, fees, and other liens have been paid off. To claim these funds, property owners must submit a one-page claim form to the Oakland County Treasurer's Office by July 1, 2024.

After foreclosure, the Oakland County Treasurer's Office mailed notices to the 2024 foreclosed property owners with the required form and submission instructions. A person who intends to claim excess sale proceeds must complete and return a notarized Form 5743 Notice of Intention to Claim Interest in Foreclosure Sales Proceeds. The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office provides free in-person notary services.

 The form must be received at the Oakland County Treasurer's Office by July 1, 2024. Per Michigan law, claim forms postmarked by July 1, 2024, but not received at the Oakland County Treasurer's Office will not be processed.

Oakland County Treasurer's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road Dept. 479
Pontiac, MI 48341

The Oakland County Treasurer's Office also cautions property owners to be vigilant against property rescue scams. Scammers often target individuals with delinquent taxes or foreclosed properties, promising to "rescue" their property or provide financial solutions. These scams frequently result in the loss of property or money, including:

• Deed Transfer Scams: Scammers may ask you to transfer the deed to your property, promising you can stay as a renter and buy it back later. Often, these promises are false, and you may lose your home permanently.
• Upfront Fee Scams: Legitimate foreclosure assistance services will never require an upfront fee. Be wary of anyone demanding payment before providing help.
•  Phantom Help Scams: Scammers may offer to negotiate on your behalf for a fee but provide no real assistance, leaving you in a worse financial situation.

If you or someone you know has delinquent property taxes in Oakland County, contact the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for assistance. For more information, call (248) 858-0611 or visit oakgov.com/treasurer.

Lakeshore Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to people with low incomes, older adults (60+), and survivors of domestic violence. For more information or assistance, visit lakeshorelegalaid.org or call (888) 783-8190.

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For interviews or more information, please contact:

Renée Walker

walkerr@oakgov.com

313.719.8038