PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Fitzpatrick Breaks Second Unclaimed Property Return Record
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri State
Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today announced that his administration returned $45,083,224.85
of Unclaimed Property in the recent fiscal year that closed June 30th, breaking
the record for most property returned in a year. In the prior fiscal year, the
Unclaimed Property Division returned $44,696,518.89. “I
encourage all Missourians to visit our website and check to see if they are
entitled to Unclaimed Property,” Treasurer Fitzpatrick said. “This
record-breaking year is a reflection of the Unclaimed Property Division’s
dedication and hard work. I am proud to have them on my team—and look forward
to hopefully setting a new record over the coming year.” Treasurer
Fitzpatrick has made returning Unclaimed Property to Missourians a priority
since taking office in January. Staff in the Unclaimed Property Division
returned the first
$1 million of his administration in a record-breaking nine days (including
a State holiday). In May, Treasurer Fitzpatrick and Unclaimed Property staffers
travelled to Joplin, MO to help residents search for and claim unclaimed
property. That effort helped return over $328,000 in Jasper County. State law requires financial institutions,
insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over
assets, including cash and the contents of safe deposit boxes, to the
Treasurer’s Office. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank
accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been
abandoned. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds,
government refunds, utility deposits and wages from past jobs. Treasurer Fitzpatrick currently manages
over $1 billion in unclaimed assets in more than five million owner accounts.
One in ten Missourians have Unclaimed Property, and the average return is
nearly $300. Unclaimed Property can be searched for and claimed on ShowMeMoney.com. Follow the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office
on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @motreasurer. ###
