Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick wants to return more than $1 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners.
During the next 12 business days, Fitzpatrick will encourage Missourians to "channel their inner Santa" and search the Unclaimed Property list, according to a Wednesday news release from the state treasurer's office.
Unclaimed property is waiting for one in 10 Missourians with an average return of nearly $300, the release said. Missourians can search and claim unclaimed property year-round at ShowMeMoney.com.
Using the Missouri treasurer social media accounts, his office will encourage Missourians to search the unclaimed property database for their names and others they know, using the hashtag #12DaysofUCP.
These posts may take on a tongue-in-cheek tone regarding some of the items in the unclaimed property vault and names on the list. But, in the release, Fitzpatrick said he hopes Missourians will take a serious look through the list. They might find an unexpected holiday gift, he said.
"Cyber Monday has come and gone, but this deal lasts year round and always has free shipping," Fitzpatrick said. "My office holds over $1 billion in unclaimed property, and we want to return it to rightful owners -- especially as we approach the holidays and a little extra money can be helpful."
Financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities are required to turn over unclaimed assets to the treasurer's office, according to state law. Most unclaimed property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned, the release said. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits and wages from past jobs.