NOTE: I do not get any compensation for you clicking on links in this article. Bummer . . .
Oddly enough, many Americans have unclaimed money they didn't even know about. According to a recent article by CNBC, 1 in 10 Americans have unclaimed money.
When I first found out about how each state kept its own database on unclaimed money, I thought it was a scam. But, after going through the process a couple of years ago and claiming my previously lost money, I found out it was not.
How It Works
The more common examples are when someone doesn't withdraw all their money from a bank account or has leftover money left in a closed account (such as overpaying on an internet bill and not ever using the credit given).
According to state laws, the companies must follow a procedure where the unclaimed property (cash) is turned over to the government and listed on a database for the rightful owner to claim.
So, what steps do you need to follow to find out if you have unclaimed money out there like I did? Here ya go!
First. Go to MissingMoney.com
Of course, do your own outside research before diving into all this (I know I would), but Missing Money is a well-organized national website that compiles all unclaimed property into one database.
This is where I started and found I had unclaimed money in my home state of Kentucky.
Here is what should show up on the home page:
You will then type your name in the spaces provided and get to searching!
Second. Search for unclaimed property, then file a claim if you have any!
You can go through the "File Claim" option through Missing Money. However, I am always the cautious type. So, once I found legit unclaimed money of mine, I Googled "Kentucky Unclaimed Property" and went through the Kentucky government website to file the claim.
No matter how you do it, make sure to go through legit websites when filing your claim.
Is It Really That Simple??
Pretty much. You will have to jump through some hoops to prove you are in fact you. But, the entire process is pretty painless.
Get to searching for your unclaimed property!
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