Each year, the Maine State Treasurer’s Office releases a list of the unclaimed property in our state. The Unclaimed Property Program includes millions of dollars’ worth of Mainers’ property that has been unable to be returned to its rightful owner. This property includes bank balances from old accounts, forgotten stock dividends and overpaid bills, to give just a few examples.

The Treasurer’s Office holds these assets free of charge. You can search the list for your name, a family member or your business at www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov/. If there is an item for you or a family member to claim, the beginning steps can be done right from the website. If you have any trouble, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 207-624-7470 and staff will assist you.

Just last year, my wife discovered that she had unclaimed property in the form of a bank refund. She followed the steps on the website and it did not take long before she received her money.

I know our family is not alone and that many Mainers are unaware that this unclaimed property exists. I hope this letter creates awareness so that properties are returned to their rightful owners. Please take a moment to see if you or a family member is listed. The money is yours, and we want to return it to you.

I also want to offer advice for avoiding scams. In past years, the State Treasurer has issued warnings about phone calls, emails and letters in the mail asking for you to pay a fee up front in order to claim your property. As I mentioned before, there is absolutely no fee in Maine to claim your property. If you think you are the target of a scam, please report this to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-436-2131.

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus

D-Readfield

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