ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 8, 2007) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the agency's online auction program for abandoned safe deposit items has netted more than $100,000 in sales. Started in July 2006, more than 640 items have been sold using the world-wide reaching eBay site. A gold brooch, sold for more than $12,000, is the highest priced item sold so far.

"Using technology to sell unclaimed items helps not only the state cut costs but brings in the biggest windfall for owners," said Comptroller Franchot. "We will continue to use eBay and reach 100 million people with new items going online each week."

Financial institutions, insurance companies and corporations are required to report contents of safe deposit boxes, bank accounts, wages, insurance benefits, security deposits, stock dividends and other property to the Comptroller's Office if they remain unclaimed for three or more years. State law requires the agency to auction abandoned safe deposit items kept in storage. Until last year, these items were only available for sale during annual, live auctions which drew shrinking crowds and decreasing dollars. All money collected from auctioned items is submitted to the state's general fund and can be claimed anytime by the original owner or rightful heirs.

New items are available every week through eBay. Most items listed for sale are described in detail and certified as genuine by a certified appraiser under contract with the Comptroller's Office. Buyers may therefore be confident in their bidding. To access the Comptroller's eBay page, visit www.marylandtaxes.com and click on the eBay logo.

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CONTACT: Christine Duray, 410-260-6346 (office), 443-336-0215 (cell)