“Unclaimed Assets Lost” Case

Don’t Contribute to Over $53 Million in Unclaimed Assets Held by the Government

May 2004 – Utah – H.T.
“The Division of Unclaimed Property announced today that it is currently holding $53 million in unclaimed assets. This is in one state only, Utah. This money is just sitting here, waiting to be claimed. Most owners don't neglect their money on purpose. Most individuals have no idea that their personal property is just lying around, waiting to be recovered. Annually the State Treasury and the Department of Unclaimed Property Division publishes in newspapers list of names hoping that the owners or someone they know will read it and identify them.

Bill Williams of Hyde Park, Utah, received a state tax return and simply set it aside in the kitchen cupboard shortly before leaving on a personal vacation and simply forgot about it. Two years later his name was listed in the annual publication of unclaimed funds. It wasn't long before Mr. Williams phone began ringing, from relatives and friends asking him if he had seen the listing. He hadn't and got a copy of the publication and filed the inquiry form. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Williams received a check to replace the staledated return. He now wonders what other items may just be lying around simply forgotten.

While many find it hard to believe that owners would leave valuable assets unclaimed, the problem is much more wide spread than one might think. The Treasury has been paying out $280,000 a month for the last two years and they still have millions of dollars belonging to 400,000 people to pay out!

If you wish a copy of this list, contact the Unclaimed Property Division in your state. You will need to provide them with your full name, address, social security number and daytime telephone number. Due to the large number of requests, please allow 90 days for a reply. Telephone calls do not expedite your requests and all inquiries are answered in the order that they are received.”