State treasurer launches media blitz for unclaimed property

Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt tomorrow is launching a media campaign in an effort to return unclaimed property to state residents.

Schmitt’s office will begin publishing the names of over 145,000 individuals, families, nonprofits and small businesses in 100 publications statewide, according to a news release.

“The goal of our effort is to financially empower Missourians by returning the money that’s rightfully theirs for them to use as they see fit,” Schmitt said in a video announcement this morning. “The punch line is this: We’re projecting nearly $1 billion total and there very well could be a life-changing check waiting for you.”

One in 10 Missourians have unclaimed property, which covers cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, according to Schmitt’s office.

Since January, Schmitt’s office has returned $13.5 million in unclaimed property to 50,000 account holders. The average return is $300, according to the release.

Missourians also can check for unclaimed property at ShowMeMoney.com.