Painter helps local man find $1.7 million

SANATOGA, Oct. 8 – Thanks to the office of Rep. Mark Painter, one lucky Montgomery County resident recently learned that he will be receiving $1.7 million from the state Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property. The claim is the largest claim for any individual statewide in the Pennsylvania treasurer’s database.

“Diligent work on the part of my staff helped to alert this gentleman to the potential claim. He obviously was quite surprised and understandably wants to keep his privacy due to the large dollar amount,” said Painter, D-Montgomery.

Besides the recent over-million-dollar example, Painter’s staff has helped more than 600 residents process claims and get over $300,000 back from the state.

“We’re eager to help people retrieve what’s rightfully theirs,” Painter said. “My staff has been actively sending out forms to eligible residents. If you receive these forms from our office, they are legitimate and you should complete the forms and mail them back or stop by our office. There is never a charge for this service, including if a notarization is needed. We will guide residents through the process for free. We can help to file the case, fill out the forms, tell people what they need to do to get the property and notarize the forms.”

Unclaimed property may include:

• Closed bank accounts;
• Uncashed checks, including paychecks;
• Lost stocks and bonds;
• Contents of safe deposit boxes;
• Life insurance policies;
• Expired gift cards/gift certificates.

Entities such as banks, insurance companies and other businesses are required by law to transfer abandoned property to the state Treasurer’s Office, which maintains custody of the property until it is claimed by the owner.