The legal process that mandates companies to turn over unclaimed money to the state treasurer in North Carolina and South Carolina is known as escheatment. Under state escheat laws, businesses must review their records for any unclaimed or abandoned property after a certain period of dormancy, typically one to five years, depending on the type of asset. This includes uncashed checks, inactive bank accounts, unclaimed insurance benefits, and other financial assets.
Once the dormancy period expires, companies must make a good-faith effort to locate and notify the rightful owners. The companies must report and remit these assets to the state treasurer’s office if the owners cannot be found. The state then holds the funds in trust for the rightful owners, who can claim them at any time. This process ensures that unclaimed property is protected and can eventually be returned to its rightful owners.
Many people are unaware that they might have unclaimed money waiting for them. These funds could come from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, or other sources. Contrary to popular belief, finding and claiming unclaimed money is not a scam. Both North Carolina and South Carolina have simplified the process, allowing you to submit paperwork online. Here’s how you can find and claim your unclaimed money with the state treasurer.
What is Unclaimed Money?
Unclaimed money, also known as unclaimed property, refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. This can include:
Bank accounts
Uncashed checks (payroll, dividends, tax refunds)
Insurance policies
Utility deposits
Stocks and bonds
Safe deposit box contents
These assets are turned over to the state treasurer’s office when the owner cannot be located for a certain period.
How to Find Unclaimed Money
North Carolina:
Visit the NC Cash Website: The official North Carolina Department of State Treasurer’s unclaimed property website is NCCash.com.
Search for Your Name: Enter your name or the name of your business to see if there are any unclaimed funds in your name.
Review the Results: If there are matches, review the details to confirm the unclaimed money is yours.
South Carolina:
Visit the SC Treasurer’s Website: The official South Carolina State Treasurer’s unclaimed property website is SCTreasurer.gov.
Search for Your Name: Use the search feature to look up unclaimed property under your name or business name.
Review the Results: Verify if the listed unclaimed funds belong to you.
Other States:
Each state has its own unclaimed property website. If you have lived in multiple states, be sure to check their respective unclaimed property databases. You can find links to all state unclaimed property programs at MissingMoney.com.
How to Claim Your Unclaimed Money
Select Your Claim: Once you’ve identified unclaimed money that belongs to you, select the claim option.
Provide Proof of Ownership: You will need to submit proof of your identity and ownership of the funds. This typically includes:
A government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Supporting documents for the claim (if applicable)
Submit Your Claim Online: Both North Carolina and South Carolina allow you to submit claims online through their respective websites. Follow the instructions and upload the necessary documents.
Wait for Processing: The state treasurer’s office will review your claim. If approved, you will receive your funds, usually within a few weeks.
Why It’s Important to Check for Unclaimed Money
Recover Lost Assets: Unclaimed money can provide unexpected financial relief. It’s essentially money you didn’t know you had.
Prevent Fraud: Ensuring your unclaimed money is claimed by you prevents others from attempting to claim it fraudulently.
Financial Housekeeping: Regularly checking for unclaimed property is a good practice in managing your personal finances.
Debunking the Scam Myth
Many people are skeptical about the legitimacy of unclaimed money searches due to scams. However, the state treasurer’s offices in North Carolina and South Carolina are legitimate government entities that handle these claims. Always use official state websites to search for and claim your unclaimed money.
Finding and claiming unclaimed money in North Carolina and South Carolina is a straightforward process that can be completed online. By regularly checking for unclaimed funds, you can recover lost assets and ensure your financial well-being. For more information or assistance with financial matters, contact Brown & Associates, PLLC.
Contact Us:
Brown & Associates, PLLC Attorneys & Counselors at Law Park South Professional Center 10440 Park Road, Suite 200Charlotte, NC 28210
Tel: 704-542-2525
Fax: 704-541-4751
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