(Part 2 of 2)

According to the Treasurer, "Unclaimed property refers to accounts in financial institutions, companies, non-profits, even state governments that are some kind of financially related property, whether it's a tax rebate or a savings account or travelers checks, or gift certificates, insurance policies. And when the institution, whether it's a private or public entity, loses contact with the person whose property it is, for a certain number of years, usually it's three or five years, they turn it over to the state to try to find the rightful owners. Every state has an unclaimed property office, and there are some easy ways for people to search and find out whether a particular state has something for them."

Spaulding also cautions his state's people against individuals who might try to take a large chunk of their cash by offering to help them track down their unclaimed funds for a fee. Under Vermont Unclaimed Property Law, it is illegal for unclaimed funds finders to charge more than 10% on cash found in the state of Vermont. Performing an unclaimed funds search yourself is the best way to go – it's a relatively simple process, provided you know how and where to search.

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Ohio getting more unclaimed money to owners
Officials say a state agency celebrating its 30th anniversary has reunited Ohioans with about $830 million they didn't realize was out there.

Find your unclaimed money
Take 5 minutes to do a quick online check for funds you might have lost track of.

Passengers leave behind over $400,000 in loose change at U.S. security checkpoints annually

Almost $5,000 left behind in loose change at Sea-Tac airport
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