(Part 1 of 2)

Generally when people think about the state of Idaho, what do they usually think of? Potatoes of course. Lots and lots of potatoes. But there's also a huge pile of another item that you might say is "no small potatoes" - Idaho unclaimed money. Idaho's missing money fund has risen to to the tremendous amount of $40 million and counting and all of this cash belongs to citizens wise enough to track it down and claim it.

Most people find it hard to believe that average Idaho citizens have managed to just abandon $40 million, and that citizens across the nation have abandoned almost $40 billion (yeah, with a "b", billion), but it's really true and the odds that any given person is owed unclaimed money are greater than the odds that they aren't due a claim. The main reason for this is that these abandoned assets come from so many different sources. According to the website of the Idaho State Tax Commission, the department charged with managing these assets: "These include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, traveler's checks, contents from deposit boxes, and more. Most of the assets are ones that people didn't know they had or just forgot about, and sometimes they are worth thousands of dollars."

In order for cash to be considered abandoned or "unclaimed", it has to lie dormant for a time period that is specific to each state and type of asset. Idaho considers most kinds abandoned after 5 years of dormancy, though some are available to be claimed after only one year.

There are quite a few reasons why cash may go unclaimed, but it is often as simple as forgetting to leave a forwarding address for financial institutions or previous employers. If a piece of mail gets sent back to the sender, and the rightful owner does not contact the sending party within the dormancy period, the holder is required by law to pass the funds along to the state.

(to be continued)

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No unclaimed money out there for Mega Millions winners - The Saginaw News - MLive.com

No unclaimed money out there for Mega Millions winners The Saginaw News - MLive.com, MI - 4 hours ago Bryce thought half of the $35 million payout from the November 2005 lottery went unclaimed. He hoped his attorney could make him a millionaire all over …

Do you have unclaimed money? - WPTV

Do you have unclaimed money? WPTV, FL - Nov 24, 2008 If you’re from another state, Sink says Florida’s website can even link you to other states’ websites in case you have forgotten unclaimed cash sitting in …

Powerball prize still unclaimed - Monroe News Star

Powerball prize still unclaimed Monroe News Star, LA - 11 hours ago … lottery dollar all goes back into prizes, and the scratch-off games are a bit higher because we're able to supplement it with unclaimed prize money."

Dewan Negara: Unclaimed money to rise to RM95m (The New Straits Times)
THE total amount of money in the Unclaimed Money Registry is expected to go up to RM95 million this year.

Millions of Unclaimed Dollars in Acadiana - KATC

Millions of Unclaimed Dollars in Acadiana KATC, LA - Dec 4, 2008 More than 400 million dollars in unclaimed money and property is being held by the state. There's no expiration date for making a claim. …

(Part 2 of 2)

There are quite a few reasons why money may go unclaimed, but it is generally simple as not leaving a forwarding address for previous employers or financial institutions. If a piece of mail gets returned to the sender, and the rightful owner doesn't contact the holder within the dormancy period, the holder is then required by law to hand the funds over to the state.

The issue ID has, like all other states, is reuniting lost money with its rightful owners. Despite state awareness efforts and popular media coverage, most people are still just unaware of unclaimed money. Even those that are in the know generally do not have a clue where to begin their search. There are a handful of people actively searching, but even those people do not know all the methods they need to utilize to maximize their odds of finding claims.

For the reasons noted above, ID is now holding more than $40 million in unclaimed money, and that figure is sure to grow, due to the fact that more and more cash is turned over to the state each year and it outpaces the amounts returned to the citizens. For this reason, it is incredibly important that those who are serious about searching for missing monies, learn how expert finders track down these monies, and then put these same tactics in to action in their own attempts. There are wrong ways to search, and right ways to search, and until people figure out the difference there are a number of hurdles that can get between them and their money.

-

Tour of 72 counties returns millions in assets - Superior Telegram

Tour of 72 counties returns millions in assets Superior Telegram, MN - Dec 4, 2008 Under Wisconsin law, after one to five years of inactivity Wisconsin businesses are mandated to turn all unclaimed money, stock and safe deposit boxes to …

Founder of Found Money, Edward Palonek and Santa Claus Find People … - Free Press Release Center (press release)

Founder of Found Money, Edward Palonek and Santa Claus Find People … Free Press Release Center (press release), Canada - Dec 4, 2008 What a great Christmas gift, finding some of your missing money', says Palonek. 'Foundmoney was the first company to make the national database of unclaimed …

State Can’t Count on Federal Aid, Rell Says - New York Times

New York Times

State Can’t Count on Federal Aid, Rell Says New York Times, United States - Dec 5, 2008 Lawmakers balked at Mrs. Rell’s proposal to tap into a pool of unclaimed 5-cent deposits on bottles and cans that could have provided an estimated $14.5 …

Unclaimed Money To Rise To RM95 Million This Year - Bernama

Unclaimed Money To Rise To RM95 Million This Year Bernama, Malaysia - Dec 4, 2008 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) — The amount of unclaimed money under the Unclaimed Money Registry is expected to go up to RM95 million this year, …

Unclaimed money to rise to RM95m - New Straits Times

Unclaimed money to rise to RM95m New Straits Times, Malaysia - Dec 4, 2008 THE total amount of money in the Unclaimed Money Registry is expected to go up to RM95 million this year. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad …

(Part 1 of 2)

Generally when people think of the state of ID, what comes to mind? Potatoes , obviously. Tons and tons of potatoes. But there's also a huge pile of another item that you could say is "no small potatoes" - Idaho unclaimed money. ID's lost money fund has risen to to the tremendous amount of $40 million and counting and all of this cash belongs to citizens wise enough to locate it and claim it.

The majority of people find it hard to believe that regular ID citizens have somehow just abandoned $40 million, and that Americans across the country have abandoned almost 40 billion dollars (yes, with a "b", billion), but it's really true and the chances that any given person is owed unclaimed money are greater than the odds that they aren't due a claim. The reason for this is that these missing monies come from such a large variety of sources. According to the website of the ID State Tax Commission, the department charged with handling these assets: "These include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, traveler's checks, contents from deposit boxes, and more. Most of the assets are ones that people didn't know they had or just forgot about, and sometimes they are worth thousands of dollars."

In order for cash to be considered abandoned or "unclaimed", it must lie dormant for a period of time that is specific to each type of asset and state. ID considers most types abandoned after five years of dormancy, though many are available to be claimed after only one year.

(to be continued)

-

$700,000 in unclaimed cash in Greensville (NBC 12 Richmond)
GREENSVILLE, VA (NBC12) - Several people have come forward to claim nearly three quarters of a million dollars that was seized during a traffic stop. We first told you about this story in September.

Street cleaner finds $20,000 shredded (UPI)
LINCOLN, England, Dec. 4 (UPI) — A street cleaner in Lincoln, England, says police have allowed him to keep a bag containing an estimated $20,000 in shredded cash he found in a trash bin.

State Treasurer has millions of dollars in unclaimed property - Wausau Daily Herald

State Treasurer has millions of dollars in unclaimed property Wausau Daily Herald, WI - 13 hours ago Under Wisconsin law, after one to five years of inactivity, Wisconsin businesses are required to turn all unclaimed money, stock and safe deposit boxes to …

Money saving tips-Unclaimed money and property - ABC12.com

Money saving tips-Unclaimed money and property ABC12.com, MI - Nov 25, 2008 Thousands of people in Michigan do have money coming to them from the state treasury. That's where unclaimed money is sent. "(It) can be money on there from …

(Part 2 of 2)

In order for cash to be considered abandoned or "unclaimed", it has to lie dormant for a period of time that is specific to each state and type of asset. Idaho considers most kinds abandoned after five years of dormancy, though some are available for claiming after only one year.

There are a number of reasons why assets might go unclaimed, but it's generally simple as not leaving a forwarding address for previous employers or financial institutions. If a piece of mail gets sent back to the sender, and the rightful owner doesn't contact the sending party within the dormancy period, the holder is then required by law to pass the funds along to the state.

The issue Idaho has, as do all other states, is reuniting lost money with its true owners. Despite state awareness efforts and popular media coverage, the majority of people are still just not aware of unclaimed money. Even the few that have heard about unclaimed property usually don't have a clue where to begin their search. There are a number of people actively searching, but even those people don't know all the tricks they need to utilize to increase their chances of finding claims.

For the reasons stated above, Idaho is now holding more than $40 million in unclaimed money, and that number will almost certainly grow, because more and more cash is handed over to the state all the time and it exceeds the amounts given back to the citizens. For this reason, it is incredibly important that people who are interested in searching for abandoned assets, learn how professional finders find these monies, and then put those same tactics in to action in their own searches. There are wrong ways to search, and right ways to search, and until people figure out the difference there are a number of hurdles that can get between them and their money.

-

Offbeat News (The West Australian)
Two unclaimed designer bridesmaid’s dresses that failed to arrive by post for a wedding are among items to be auctioned this weekend in Melbourne.

Do you have unclaimed money? - WPTV

Do you have unclaimed money? WPTV, FL - Nov 24, 2008 If you’re from another state, Sink says Florida’s website can even link you to other states’ websites in case you have forgotten unclaimed cash sitting in …

More Than 4000 Minnesotans Missing Money - WCCO

ABC News

More Than 4000 Minnesotans Missing Money WCCO, MN - Nov 27, 2008 (WCCO) Many of you could be in for a little extra money this holiday season if you tell the IRS where you live. More than 4000 people in Minnesota have not … Tick Tock: Last Day to Claim Your IRS Stimulus Check ABC News Last call: 279000 stimulus checks unclaimed CNNMoney.com IRS may owe you some money Cape Cod Times Prattville Progress - Belleville News Democrat all 307 news articles

IRS has unclaimed money - Liberty Vindicator

KCBS

IRS has unclaimed money Liberty Vindicator, TX - Nov 8, 2008 To view a list of Liberty County residents who have unclaimed money, visit www.thevindicator.com starting Sunday evening. Millions in Tax Refunds, Rebates Unclaimed WalletPop 105 stimulus checks for Racine County residents are unclaimed Journal Times IRS Has Unclaimed Checks for 107 County Residents Cape May County Herald TMCnet all 36 news articles

(Part 1 of 2)

Generally when people think of the state of Idaho, what do they usually think of? Potatoes of course. Piles and piles of potatoes. But there's also a huge pile of something else that you might say is "no small potatoes" - Idaho unclaimed money. Idaho's lost money fund has swollen to to the tremendous amount of $40 million and counting and all of this money belongs to residents wise enough to locate it and claim it.

The majority of people find it difficult to believe that average Idaho residents have managed to just abandon $40 million, and that Americans across the nation have abandoned almost 40 billion dollars (yes, with a "b", billion), but believe it or not, the odds that any given person is owed unclaimed money are better than the odds that they are not due a claim. The primary reason for this is that these abandoned assets come from so many different sources. According to the website of the Idaho State Tax Commission, the dept. responsible for handling these assets: "These include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, traveler's checks, contents from deposit boxes, and more. Most of the assets are ones that people didn't know they had or just forgot about, and sometimes they are worth thousands of dollars."

(to be continued)

-

Winning lottery ticket still unclaimed (Elk Grove Times)
A winning lottery ticket at an Elk Grove Village gas station remains unclaimed, leaving the potentially lucky winner a mystery.

Unclaimed Tax Refunds (WSFA 12 Montgomery)
BIRMINGHAM - The Internal Revenue Service is looking for Alabama taxpayers who are missing more than 5,300 economic stimulus checks…

Do you have unclaimed money? - WPTV

Do you have unclaimed money? WPTV, FL - Nov 24, 2008 If you’re from another state, Sink says Florida’s website can even link you to other states’ websites in case you have forgotten unclaimed cash sitting in …

(Part 2 of 2)

The problem ID has, as do all other states, is reuniting lost money with its rightful owners. Despite state awareness efforts and popular media coverage, most people are still just not aware of unclaimed funds. Even the few that are in the know usually do not have a clue where to begin their search. There are a handful of people out there searching, but even those people do not know all the tactics they need to implement to increase their chances of locating claims.

For the reasons stated above, ID now holds more than 40 million dollars in unclaimed funds, and that figure is sure to grow, because more and more money is turned over to the state each year and it outpaces the amounts given back to the citizens. For this reason, it is extremely important that people who are interested in searching for forgotten funds, learn how expert finders locate these monies, and then put these same tactics in to action in their own searches. There are right ways to search, and wrong ways to search, and until people learn the difference there are a number of hurdles that can get between them and their money.

-

Your Money Matters (The Advocate)
Unclaimed money is being held by the state and is waiting to be picked up. You could have money waiting for you.

Do you have unclaimed money lying around? - NEWS.com.au

NEWS.com.au

Do you have unclaimed money lying around? NEWS.com.au, Australia - Nov 4, 2008 "Unfortunately, most Australians haven't checked to find out if they too have unclaimed money.'' When contacted by a member of the public, ASIC consultants …

Father, son give dignified last journey to unclaimed bodies (Gulf Times)
BANGALORE: It is a difficult, low paying job that most would shy away from, but Bangalore-based Mahadeva has made giving a decent burial to unclaimed bodies his life’s work.

IRS has unclaimed money - Liberty Vindicator

KCBS

IRS has unclaimed money Liberty Vindicator, TX - Nov 8, 2008 To view a list of Liberty County residents who have unclaimed money, visit www.thevindicator.com starting Sunday evening. Millions in Tax Refunds, Rebates Unclaimed WalletPop 105 stimulus checks for Racine County residents are unclaimed Journal Times IRS Has Unclaimed Checks for 107 County Residents Cape May County Herald TMCnet all 36 news articles

Man's Suspicious Request About Unclaimed Money Prompts Warning - Hartford Courant

Man's Suspicious Request About Unclaimed Money Prompts Warning Hartford Courant, United States - Nov 10, 2008 The reports list names and addresses of people who are owed unclaimed money, and sometimes Social Security numbers. That raises concern about the potential …

(Part 1 of 2)

Generally when people think about the state of ID, what do they usually think of? Potatoes , obviously. Piles and piles of potatoes. But there is also a massive pile of another item that you could say is "no small potatoes" - Idaho unclaimed money. ID's lost money fund has risen to to the tremendous amount of 40 million dollars and counting and all of this cash belongs to citizens wise enough to find it and claim it.

The majority of people find it hard to believe that average ID citizens have somehow just abandoned 40 million dollars, and that citizens across the country have abandoned almost $40 billion (yes, with a "b", billion), but it's really true and the odds that any given person is owed unclaimed funds are greater than the odds that they are not due a claim. The primary reason for this is that these forgotten funds come from such a large variety of sources. According to the web site of the ID State Tax Commission, the dept. charged with managing these assets: "These include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, traveler's checks, contents from deposit boxes, and more. Most of the assets are ones that people didn't know they had or just forgot about, and sometimes they are worth thousands of dollars."

In order for cash to be deemed abandoned or "unclaimed", it must lie dormant for a period of time that is specific to each type of asset and state. ID considers most types abandoned after 5 years of inactivity, though some are available for claiming after only one year.

There are quite a few reasons why assets might go unclaimed, but it is often as simple as forgetting to leave a forwarding address for financial institutions or previous employers. If a piece of mail gets sent back to the sender, and the rightful owner doesn't contact the holder within the dormancy period, the holder is then required by law to pass the funds along to the state.

(to be continued)

-

Our missing moneybags - Sydney Morning Herald

Our missing moneybags Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - Nov 18, 2008 By John Collett The amount of money in "lost" superannuation accounts continues to grow to mountainous proportions. It has reached almost $13 billion, …

Do you have unclaimed money lying around? - NEWS.com.au

NEWS.com.au

Do you have unclaimed money lying around? NEWS.com.au, Australia - Nov 4, 2008 "Unfortunately, most Australians haven't checked to find out if they too have unclaimed money.'' When contacted by a member of the public, ASIC consultants …

Unclaimed money may be yours - The Cherokeean Herald

Unclaimed money may be yours The Cherokeean Herald, TX - Nov 4, 2008 However, many more residents have unclaimed property that was not published. To find out if a person has money in the state treasury go to the state …

IRS seeks owners of unclaimed money - Ventura County Star

IRS seeks owners of unclaimed money Ventura County Star, CA - Oct 25, 2008 The checks total $643785 in unclaimed money. The average amount on the stimulus checks is $617; the average for the refund checks is $1007. … BRIEF: Are you 1 of 30000 Floridians owed money from IRS? TMCnet Area taxpayers owed money from IRS Minot Daily News The IRS has your money, it just needs your correct address Beaumont Enterprise Cincinnati.com - Columbia Daily Tribune all 470 news articles