Thursday: Greenfield Hosting Unclaimed Funds Event
The following is a press release from Councilman David Greenfield’s office:
Councilman David G. Greenfield is partnering with the office of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to host an unclaimed funds event at his district office this Thursday. All local residents are invited to attend this free event and find out if they are owed some of the $12 billion in unclaimed funds that New York State is currently in possession of and trying to match with its rightful owner. Simply stop by Councilman Greenfield’s district office at 4424 16th Avenue this Thursday, May 23 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a representative from Comptroller DiNapoli’s office will search state records to find out if you are owed money from inactive accounts that banks, insurance companies, utilities or investment funds have surrendered to the state in recent years.
“It is only fair that residents should receive any money they are entitled to, which is the idea behind this great program offered by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. I am pleased to partner with his office to offer this opportunity to my constituents at a convenient location right in the neighborhood. It only takes a few moments to find out if the state is holding money that is rightfully yours, so stop by my office and have a representative from Comptroller DiNapoli’s office quickly check for any unclaimed funds you are owed,” said Councilman Greenfield.
New York State is now in possession of more than 28.6 million accounts totaling $12 billion in unclaimed funds. Last year, the State Comptroller’s Office paid $314 million to residents through this program, with half of all payouts totaling more than $100 each. In 2008, an individual received $4 million from a stock claim, and one state resident is currently owed $1.7 million from an unclaimed account. While in possession of the funds, the State Comptroller’s Office places the money in an interest-bearing account for the first five years. There is no fee to have the Comptroller’s Office perform this computer search on your behalf or to collect any funds you are owed. However, a private company can charge a finder’s fee of up to 15 percent, so residents are urged to utilize the upcoming free event hosted by Councilman Greenfield and Comptroller DiNapoli.
“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this easy and great opportunity to find out if New York State is holding money that you many not even realize is yours. There is nothing like found money, so please join us on Thursday. I am confident that many people will walk away pleasantly surprised,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.
For more information about Thursday’s event, contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.