Treasurer Beck announces $17.6 million in new unclaimed property, Sen. Daughtry working to contact owners

AUGUSTA – Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, announced the addition of more than $17.6 million to Maine’s Unclaimed Property Fund, and Mainers are being urged to check whether any of that cash belongs to them.

“It is important to me that unclaimed property in Maine is returned to the proper owner,” said Sen. Daughtry. “It has been a hard few years for so many Mainers, and extra cash or here and there can make a difference. I encourage all my constituents to check and see if they have any unclaimed property that our state is holding on to for them.”

Unclaimed property is money owed to Maine people by third parties, such as former employers, banks or utility companies. Organizations are required to give unclaimed property to the State Treasurer after a certain period, after which the owner of the unclaimed property can retrieve it from the state.

Unclaimed property could be from a forgotten bank account, an overpaid bill or uncollected wages. This money could be unclaimed because of a change in name, address or bank account. Year after year, people are surprised to find they might have money waiting for them at the Treasurer’s Office. Particularly during these uncertain times, Mainers are strongly encouraged to look and see if they are on the list.

People can search the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property list by going to maineunclaimedproperty.gov. Those who find their name, or the name of a current or past business on the list, can claim the property immediately online — for free. Anyone with questions can call the Treasurer’s office toll-free in Maine at 888-283-2808 or locally at (207) 624-7470, or email up.generalinquire@maine.gov.

The Office of the Treasurer receives new properties throughout the year. The state Treasury is currently holding more than $291 million of Mainers’ unclaimed property.