States continue searching for effective ways to find consumers who are owned money for deposits, refunds and other purposes. These so-called "unclaimed monies" are often relatively small amounts that grow over the years with large populations to big amounts.
IndianaUnclaimed.com, a state-run site, estimates that current and former Hoosier residents are owed $326 million. The state has no address at all for the consumers owed more than one-third of that money. When we've spoken with consumers, many tell us they found money for themselves or a family member, even if only a few dollars. Our very unscientific poll of six people resulted in four finding money in states they lived in now or had previously lived in.
Most states have a small group set up to deal with these claims. We don't know of any who charge a fee to process claims although you may be asked to produce proof that you are the named person, even if that means finding proof of a residence you moved from years ago.
Most consumers won't get rich finding unclaimed property, but if Indiana's 6 million residents and companies can generate 1/3 of a billion dollars over the years, then you might want to take a moment to search the records for any state in which you've lived. Just make sure you're checking with an official state agency and don't send personal information or pay any money to a third party.
