Beware of individuals or companies “claiming” to find your unclaimed funds for a fee.
Unclaimed (or abandoned) money and other assets not used for a length of time or whose rightful owner cannot be located are turned over to the Division of Unclaimed Funds after a specific period has passed. State laws require financial institutions, like banks and credit unions, to turn over money from inactive accounts. This can include bank accounts, certificates of deposits, uncashed checks, undelivered stock certificates or uncashed insurance policies.To find more information about the Division of Unclaimed Funds, and to search for your missing money, visit this page: unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
You say to beware, but doesn't Ohio have professional registered finders that can help claim my unclaimed funds?
Yes, under Ohio law, there are persons engaged in activity for the purpose of locating, delivering, recovering or assisting in the recovery of unclaimed funds, on behalf of another person, in exchange for a fee, but they must hold a valid Certificate of Registration from the Director of Commerce. It is illegal for finders to operate without the required Certificate of Registration. You can find out if a finder is registered by contacting the division through this online form.
What does an unclaimed funds or property scheme look like?
A citizen receives a postcard instructing him/her to call a toll-free telephone number. A prompt asks the caller for their Social Security number. The recorded message then instructs the caller to search for unclaimed property at www.unclaimed.org or www.missingmoney.com and while these websites are legitimate, a scammer now has access to your social security number.
Other schemes can involve a scammer creating a fake website to look like a legitimate one and using phishing attempts to pull people to that website, where an individual may mistakenly enter personal or financial information.
Always beware of individuals or companies claiming to help you find your missing funds for a flat fee. It’s always important if you receive something in the mail claiming to help you recover lost funds, that you do some further research.
I saw my name in a reputable newspaper, is this legitimate?
The division does posts ads annually in newspapers across the state listing the names of people, businesses and entities in those publications' circulation areas who have unclaimed funds. They also send letters to people informing them of their unclaimed funds with instructions on how to claim their missing money.Additionally, the division also sets up kiosks at various events across the state, where people can stop by and receive help to see if they have unclaimed funds.
How can I protect myself from unclaimed property or fund scams?
Always double check links and pay attention to messages that create a sense of urgency like, “time is running out, claim your funds today” – this is a definite red flag. The Division of Unclaimed Funds does not ask you to submit personally identifiable information via text. Many unclaimed property or unclaimed fund scams are identity theft schemes, and they like to target the elderly population.
FAQs
In a typical unclaimed property scam, a fraudster contacts you via mail, text message or other means saying you have unclaimed cash waiting for you. Once contact is made, they may ask for your sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, or for money to claim the property.
What is the safest site to find unclaimed money? ›
www.unclaimed.org is the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. This is a legitimate site created by state officials to help people search for funds that may belong to you or your relatives. Searches are free.
Is the missing money site safe? ›
Missingmoney.com is legit and can help you find potential unclaimed property that's owed to you. The site is free to use and is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAPUA.) And it's helped people file $3+ billion in missing money claims last year.
Is the Ohio Department of Commerce unclaimed funds legitimate? ›
The Department of Commerce's Division of Unclaimed Funds reunites Ohioans with their hard-earned but forgotten money. The division takes reports of unclaimed funds that result when an account becomes dormant. They hold these funds for safekeeping while they track down the rightful owner.
Who to contact if you've been scammed out of money? ›
If you or someone you care about is the victim of a fraud, scam or financial exploitation, you can report the fraud or scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Because all scams are different, you might have to reach out to a number of other local, state, and federal agencies depending on your situation.
What is the most common unclaimed property? ›
The most common types of Unclaimed Property are:
- Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents.
- Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends.
- Uncashed cashier's checks and money orders.
- Certificates of deposit.
- Matured or terminated insurance policies.
- Estates.
- Mineral interests and royalty payments.
Most unclaimed money is held by state governments from sources such as bank accounts, insurance policies, or state agencies. Search for unclaimed money from your state's unclaimed property office. If you have lived in other states, check their unclaimed property offices, too.
Does MissingMoney.com charge a fee? ›
Searching for and filing a claim through MissingMoney will never cost you money. By filing a claim directly through MissingMoney you are filing a claim directly with the state where the property is held. You will never pay a fee to MissingMoney.
How can I get back my lost money from a scammer? ›
Recovering money from cyber scams - Do this first!
- Report it to the police - It is important that you report the issue to the police ASAP. ...
- Contact your bank - You also need to contact the financial organisations involved in making the payments immediately.
If you paid by card or PayPal
If you've paid for something you haven't received, you might be able to get your money back. Your card provider can ask the seller's bank to refund the money. This is known as the 'chargeback scheme'. If you paid by debit card, you can use chargeback however much you paid.
Ohio Revised Code 169.03 requires all businesses file a report on any unclaimed funds, even if there are none to report.
How do I know if I have unclaimed funds in Ohio? ›
Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Funds
First, look to see if your name shows up on https://missingmoney.com and follow the prompts to generate your claim form. This website is an authorized state-sponsored website, free and open to the public for searching unclaimed money.
Do unclaimed funds expire Ohio? ›
Under Ohio law, owners of Attorney Unclaimed Funds have a right to recover the funds with interest from the State in perpetuity. The Division of Unclaimed Funds oversees claims and determines whether a claim is to be paid.
Who to contact if I've been scammed? ›
First steps
If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999. If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company. Read more about reporting a fraud to Action Fraud.
What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
How do you outsmart a money scammer? ›
- Do not make any decisions in the moment. ...
- Hang up if you are feeling pressured. ...
- Do not share any personal or financial information (your social security number, checking account information, etc.). ...
- Ask for their name and the name of the business/organization. ...
- Ask for additional information to be mailed to you.
Unclaimed funds in Texas get turned over to the Texas Comptroller's Office. https://www.claimittexas.gov/ is the Comptroller's own website. You can safely give out your SSN and driver's license numbers to claim your funds.
Is the unclaimed retirement benefits website legit? ›
The National Registry provides a safe, secure and easy-to-use platform for plan sponsors to use and former participants to search for any unclaimed retirement benefits.
How do I find out what money is in my name? ›
Below are government agencies that have databases you can search for unclaimed money.
- Treasury Hunt: Unclaimed U.S. Securities and Payments.
- HUD/FHA Mortgage Insurance Refunds.
- Credit Union Unclaimed Shares.
- National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. ...
- U.S. Courts: Unclaimed Funds in Bankruptcy.
