Ohioans are stepping forward to claim abandoned money and the Ohio Department of Commerce says they are proud to return it to Ohioans’ pockets.
“This money serves us all better when it’s in the hands of the rightful owners. Check recipients can buy a tank of gas, pay off bills, make a needed home repair or even expand a business,” said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.
During the first quarter of FY 2012 (July 1, 2011 – September 30, 2011), the Division paid 39.8% more claims and 35.5% more money than during the first quarter of FY 2011. The Division has paid 14,473 claims worth a total of more than $14.6 million so far this fiscal year.
Director Goodman attributed the dramatic increases to the Department of Commerce’s aggressive outreach program. Director Goodman said he is proud of the Division of Unclaimed Funds employees who are going the extra mile to reunite Ohioans with their money.
Unclaimed funds consist of monies or the right to monies that have been dormant or forgotten. These funds are reported to the State for safekeeping until the rightful owners can be found. Some common examples include: dormant checking and savings accounts, forgotten rent and utility deposits, uncashed checks, undelivered stock certificates, and uncashed insurance policies.
Superintendent of Unclaimed Funds Yaw Obeng encourages Ohioans to visit the Division’s website at www.com.ohio.gov/unfd/TreasureHunt.aspx to check for unclaimed funds. The service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Individuals without Internet access can write to the Division with the names to be checked and the Ohio counties in which the individual(s) have lived. The Division’s address is:
Ohio Department of Commerce
Division of Unclaimed Funds
77 South High Street, 20th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
