Press Releases

“Discover” contains more than 14,000 names of rightful owners

This month State Treasurer John Perdue’s office will begin the semi-annual distribute of “Discover,” a newspaper insertion containing more than 14,000 names of unclaimed property rightful owners. 

The publication will be inserted in newspapers in each West Virginia county to notify rightful owners of unclaimed financial assets listed in their names. Dates of insertion are the successive Thursdays of Oct. 8, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22.

Examples of unclaimed property include abandoned safe deposit boxes, final paychecks and unredeemed stock dividends. After a certain time period, holders of such unclaimed assets are required to turn them over to the Treasurer’s Office, where methods such as the upcoming inserts are used to locate rightful owners.

“With our newspaper insert, improved website and the work of field staff, we’ve been able to return more than $228 million during my administration,” Treasurer Perdue said. “We intend on adding to that total. It’s the people’s money and they should have it.”

For more information, go to www.wvtreasury.com and click on the “Are We Holding Your Money?” box on the right side of the screen. From there, it’s easy to search and begin an electronic claim. The office’s new unclaimed property website features improved methods for uploading necessary documents from computers or mobile devices.

“We want to make unclaimed property accessible to everyone. That’s why we make sure our outreach efforts include both print and digital options. Of course, people can call and email our office, as well, if they have questions,” said Treasurer Perdue.

West Virginia’s Unclaimed Property program currently holds approximately 2.25 million accounts worth $308 million. During his time as State Treasurer, Perdue has returned more than $228 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners.

There is never a charge to search for or claim property. People should visit www.wvtreasury.com to conduct a free unclaimed property search.

The Treasury does not collect state taxes. Visit the The West Virginia State Tax Department for assistance.

West Virginia State Treasurer's Office
1900 Kanawha Boulevard
Capitol Complex Building #1, Room E-145
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
304-558-5000 Toll Free: 800-422-7498
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm (ET)

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