I’ve heard about the website that helps you find unclaimed money. I thought, yeah right, must be a hoax. I decided to check it out because I heard about it on the radio, so maybe it’s legit.  This site is run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. The site says they represent state governments that actively find owners while protecting forgotten funds until claimed.

Facts About Unclaimed Property: Every state has unclaimed property, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas. In 2006, more than $1.7 billion was returned to its rightful owners. You can also take a look at other facts on the website.

Free Search for Money by State: The first thing that you see is a map of the U.S. and surrounding territories and provinces. It’s good to search in every state where you have lived. I lived in Florida for about 18 years, so I decided to see what would happen when I clicked that state.

First, the website for the Florida Department of Financial Services appears. Click on Search for Unclaimed Property and you’re on your way to see if there is some free money out there with your name on it. The Bureau of Unclaimed Property holds unclaimed accounts valued at more than $1 billion.

Where does that money come from? It’s mostly dormant accounts at banks or other financial institutions, insurance or utility companies, securities and trust holdings. I typed in my last name and several Elizabeth’s popped up, but unfortunately it wasn’t me. What you see is the person’s address and a listing of what kind of property is owed to them. Most people were owed cash.

If you find your name, click on your account number. It then tells you the property type and who it’s reported by. I clicked on someone with my maiden name and she was owed money from Ford Motor Company. Mmmmm….. it’s intriguing. I don’t know of anybody who wouldn’t want some extra cash in their pocket.