One unclaimed account is worth $587,000. Eight others are valued at over $50,000 each.

PROVIDENCE - 3/25/2009 General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio announced today the release of the state of Rhode Island's 2009 Unclaimed Property Guide.

Unclaimed property consists of money and other assets that are considered lost or abandoned after an owner cannot be located for a specific period of time.

It includes bank accounts; stocks and dividends; wages; refunds; safe deposit boxes; insurance payments; gift certificates; credit memos; account receivable credits and payables, just to name a few.

"14,000 names are on this year's list," said Treasurer Caprio. "The total value of unclaimed property the state is holding, just for 2009, is worth almost $8 million. One individual unclaimed account is for almost $600,000. There are eight other unclaimed accounts worth over $50,000 each," Caprio said.

Overall, the state is holding $212 million worth of unclaimed property dating back to the 1940's. One outstanding account of $58,000 remains from the 1940's.

"Rhode Islanders are encouraged to check the Unclaimed Property Vault on the RI Treasury homepage www.treasury.ri.gov for their name to see if they currently have unclaimed property waiting for them from this year or from any previous year. They may also contact our office by phone 401-222-6505 or via email at ups@treasury.ri.gov," Caprio said. Office visits can also be made and are by appointment only.

Most transactions can also be done by mail. If you contact Unclaimed Property because your name is on the list, they will mail you the necessary forms for you to claim the property. You will have to provide proof that the funds are yours.

Proof may consist of an old savings passbook, utility bill, or social security card. Proof depends on the information that we have regarding the account. When we send out the forms we will explain to you what is required.

To learn more about Treasury's Unclaimed Property division, and to see frequently asked questions, please visit FAQ.

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