Treasurer Beck announces $17.6 million in new unclaimed property, Sen. Maxmin working to contact owners
AUGUSTA – Sen. Chloe Maxmin, D-Nobleboro, 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.
“There is so much money and property that the state is holding for Mainers, and people need to know that some of it might be rightfully theirs,” said Sen. Maxmin. “I know so many in our community are feeling the strain on their budgets right now, and claiming your property might provide some real relief. I urge everyone to check to see if their name is on the list.”
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 of time, 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 as a result 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 take a 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.