PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island’s pool of unclaimed property grew by $23 million last year, bringing the total worth of unclaimed property being held for safekeeping by the state treasurer’s office to more than $389 million.
Treasurer Seth Magaziner’s Unclaimed Property division also resolved nearly 9,800 separate claims in 2019, returning nearly $11 million in unclaimed property to the rightful owners.
“Every year, our team reunites thousands of Rhode Islanders with millions of their missing money,” Magaziner said. “We also receive millions of dollars of unclaimed property to hold in safekeeping for Rhode Islanders. If you haven’t checked our website for your missing money recently, now’s the time.”
Unclaimed property can include money left in old bank accounts and safe deposit boxes, uncashed paychecks, unused balances on gift certificates, unreturned utility deposits, uncollected insurance payments and forgotten stocks and dividends.
If the state can find an address for someone owed money, a check will be sent automatically. Those without an address on file will have to file a claim.
The state recommends checking the nationwide database yourself to see if money is owed to you.