Year after year, billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sit idle in state treasuries, courts, and financial institutions. These funds rightfully belong to individuals and businesses—but often go unnoticed due to simple oversights. At American Fund Recovery LLC, we specialize in helping people recover what’s theirs. Here are the five most common reasons money goes missing.
Address Changes After Moving
When you relocate, mail from banks, insurers, or government agencies may never reach you. Refunds, dividend checks, and foreclosure surpluses often get returned as undeliverable, and after a certain period, the funds are turned over to the state as “unclaimed property.”
Always update your address with the post office, banks, and insurance providers immediately after a move.
Forgotten or Dormant Bank Accounts
Old checking or savings accounts—especially those opened for short-term purposes or college years—often fall dormant. After a few years of inactivity, banks are required by law to remit the funds to the state.
Keep a list of all your financial accounts and check them annually.
Unclaimed Refunds or Overpayments
Utility deposits, insurance premium refunds, or court-ordered surpluses (after foreclosure or tax sales) frequently go unclaimed when owners don’t realize they’re owed money.
Periodically check your state’s unclaimed property database or contact your local court’s trust fund unit if you were part of a foreclosure or tax sale.
Business Closures and Corporate Dissolutions
When LLCs or corporations dissolve, remaining balances, vendor credits, or refunds can be left behind if not properly redirected. These can include uncashed checks, refunds, or escrow balances.
Before closing a business, verify all pending payments, refunds, and government accounts have been cleared.
Name Changes or Estate Issues
Marriage, divorce, or the passing of a relative can lead to mismatched records. Funds tied to a previous name or unreported estate often go unnoticed for years.
Search using all name variations (including maiden names) and check for any estate funds that may still be held by the state.
How to Reclaim Your Money
Recovering your funds doesn’t have to be complicated. American Fund Recovery LLC helps individuals and businesses locate, verify, and claim lost money quickly—with no upfront fees.