Does Virginia Owe You Money: Find Out Here

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia treasury is holding on to millions of dollars in unclaimed money, and some of it could be yours. One in four Virginians is missing money and doesn't know it, according to the department of the treasury website.

What is unclaimed property? The state's Unclaimed Property Program returns money, stocks, bonds, dividends, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, tangible property and more to Virginia residents. Whether you've moved, lost a check, or forgotten about a bank account, finding money is easy and free, state officials say.

"The Unclaimed Property Program protects the rights of the absentee owner, relieves businesses of the liability and record keeping for the account, and ensures that the funds benefit the public," says Treasurer Manju Ganeriwala on the website. "Rather than contacting every company that may owe you money, our program is the central lost and found of unclaimed money owed to Virginians."

For the fastest service, residents are asked to use the www.vaMoneySearch.org website and search for property using the Click and Claim searchable database. If you are unable to access the internet, you may request an Inquiry Form by calling 1-800-468-1088, choose option 1 and then option 2.

The search form online lets you search for money owed to an individual, to an estate, or to a business.

If you need to visit the Division of Unclaimed Property, an appointment is required in advance due to building security and other concerns. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-468-1088.

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