Office of the State Treasurer: AUGUST IS UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AWARENESS MONTH

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER

August 04, 2008

Montgomery–Treasurer Kay Ivey announced today that the month of August as “Unclaimed Property Awareness Month” and encourages all Alabamians to see if they are entitled to part of the $319 million piece of pie waiting in Montgomery.

“Unclaimed property can be in the form of uncashed checks, stocks, bonds, dividend checks, utility deposits, and even items found in abandoned safe deposit boxes. After a business has held unclaimed property for a number of years set by law, they turn it over to the state treasury and we hold it until individuals come forward to claim it,” Ivey stated.

Treasurer Ivey went on to announce that over $52 million has been received this fiscal year in unclaimed property, and over $19 million has been returned to the citizens of Alabama. Last year, a record amount of $23 million in unclaimed property was paid out to 26,770 claimants.

“So much hard work goes into collecting these funds from businesses, banks, and insurance companies that are unable to contact property owners,” Ivey said. “All the hard work is worthwhile when owners are located and are able to connect with their assets. It is like playing Santa Claus year-round.”

Ivey encourages all Alabamians to search for their name on the Unclaimed Property database by visiting the Treasury Web site at http://www.treasury.alabama.gov. Claims may be filed online or by calling the Treasurer’s Office and requesting a claim form. The Unclaimed Property division of the Treasurer’s Office can be reached at 1-334-242-9614 Monday through Friday, 7 am to 6 pm.

“We’ve got money that belongs to people in every nook and cranny in Alabama,” Ivey stated. “Go online or call us, and if you find your name and you can prove you are who you say you are, my staff and I would love to send you a check.”