$63.9M In Unclaimed Property Awaits Marylanders

MARYLAND — On Wednesday, Marylanders will learn if they have unclaimed property just waiting for them once the 180-page unclaimed property list is released. As is tradition, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot will parody a pop culture theme to draw attention to the initiative to reunite Marylanders with their unclaimed funds and miscellaneous items held by the state. This year’s theme is based on the popular reality show “The Bachelor” and features the comptroller wearing a tuxedo and offering a rose, posing as "The Matchelor."

“You don’t have to watch multiple episodes to see if you end up in our rose ceremony – just visit our website and see if your name is on the list," said Franchot. "Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your match!"

This year’s 180-page unclaimed property inserts, which will run in more than 30 newspapers throughout the state, lists 80,247 accounts worth more than $63.9 million. Individuals and businesses also can search the online unclaimed property database. In total, the agency has more than 1.35 million accounts with a value of more than $1.65 billion in unclaimed property.
In fiscal year 2019, the comptroller’s office fulfilled nearly 44,000 claims totaling more than $71 million. Since 2007, the comptroller’s office has returned more than $775 million in unclaimed property to its rightful owners.

Unclaimed property accounts include personal property and cash amounts from banks, insurance companies and financial institutions that could not be returned to their owners. Any property that goes unclaimed is eventually handed over to the state.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions, the campaign will not appear at major fairs and festivals. The comptroller directs anyone who locates their name or that of a family member on the list to contact the office at 410-767-1700 (Central Maryland) or toll-free at 1-800-782-7383 or by email at unclaim@comp.state.md.us to find out how to reclaim lost property.