Real property receivers are most commonly appointed at the request of secured creditors who are often charged with the expenses of the receivership. However, secured creditors are not the only parties who may petition for the appointment of a real property receiver.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and Commodities Futures Trading Commission often seek appointment of receivers in civil enforcement actions, including in actions alleging operation of Ponzi-like investment schemes. Receivers are generally tasked with taking over entities used to perpetrate schemes, conducting forensic accountings, reporting their findings to the appointing court, and recovering funds, where possible, for distribution to defrauded investors.