By WMBD-TV

SPRINGFIELD – Thursday is “National Unclaimed Property Day,” and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging all Illinois residents to check for unclaimed cash and property.

In a release from Frerichs’ office, he shows how easy it is to get the unclaimed cash or property back into the rightful owner’s hands.

“Putting money back in the hands of folks is better for our state’s economy than letting it sit in a
bank,” Frerichs said. “You don’t have to limit yourself to February 1, you can check our website
any time, enter your name, and find out if you or someone you know has cash or property to claim.”

Unclaimed property may include rebate checks, uncashed vendor checks, stocks, unpaid life insurance claims, the contents of safe deposit boxes, as well as other various items.

Since banks or companies cannot return these items, the money or items end up at the State Treasurer’s office by law.

It is estimated that one in four Illinoisans find an average claim of $1,000. Illinois currently holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property.

Visit the Treasurer’s website to see if you or any loved ones have unclaimed cash or property waiting to be claimed.

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