Comptroller's Free Search Program Turns Up More Than $200,000

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 5, 2006)-Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today announced that 521 individuals found $205,722 in unclaimed property at this year's State Fair, out of 2,813 people who visited the Comptroller's booth. The largest single claim was $31,052.

"We helped 294 more people find money this year than last year," said Comptroller Schaefer. "The attention we've gotten through our newspaper insert and eBay program keeps bringing more people out to see if they have lost money. In all, we found almost $70,000 more for people this year than last."

At last year's fair, 227 people found $137,000 in unclaimed property, and the largest claim was $20,697.

Financial institutions, utilities, insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurance benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years.

In addition to his booth at the State Fair, the Comptroller searches for owners of unclaimed funds by advertising in local newspapers and matching files with IRS and the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles.

To find more information on unclaimed property or search online for your own unclaimed property, visit the Comptroller's Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com, or call our office at 410-767-1700 in Central Maryland, or toll-free 1-800-782-7383 from elsewhere.

CONTACT:
Michael D. Golden, 410-260-7305
Kevin P. Kane, 410-260-7578