Why these organizations lose touch
Most of the time, it’s nobody’s fault. People move and forget to update an address. Companies merge, change names, or change record systems. A final check is mailed after someone has already moved. A family member passes away, and the rest of the family doesn’t know about every account or policy.
The law doesn’t require these organizations to search far for owners. After a set period without contact, they send the money to the state, and it stays there until someone claims it.
Why money stays lost
Property is reported under the name and address on the original account, which may be decades old, misspelled, or in a state you left long ago. Estates add another layer, because the heirs have to prove their relationship to the owner. Our research team works through these records every day.
Money in more than one state
Property goes to the state of the owner’s last known address. If you or a relative lived in several states, there may be property in more than one. We check the states where we work for you.