Treasurer McCord to Fire, EMS Companies: Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Unclaimed Property Waiting to be Claimed

Urges organizations to search, claim what is theirs during National Fire Prevention Week

Harrisburg, PA – October 18, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — During National Fire Prevention Week, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord today said Treasury is working to return $207,256 in unclaimed property to 330 fire companies and emergency medical services organizations across the Commonwealth.

“Firefighters and EMS workers serve our communities with bravery and dedication, but often face tight budgets and limited resources,” Treasurer McCord said. “That’s why, during National Fire Prevention Week, we want to help first responder organizations claim what is theirs. Hopefully, any amount they find can help them to continue their life-saving work.”

Treasurer McCord noted Pennsylvanians, businesses, organizations and community groups can each search Treasury’s unclaimed property database for free at www.patreasury.org or by calling 1-800-222-2046.

“We have about $1.8 billion in property to reunite with rightful owners,” Treasurer McCord said. “There is money waiting for police departments, school districts, day care centers, and more. Plus, we annually receive new unclaimed property, so be sure to search www.patreasury.org regularly.”

Generally speaking, unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been left with a business or organization without activity or contact for at least one year, including: bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, accounts payable or receivable checks, credit balances, expired gift cards, savings and checking accounts, escrow accounts, money orders, travelers checks, utility refunds, insurance proceeds, stocks and bonds, and the contents of safe deposit boxes.

Since January 2009, the department has returned nearly $264 million to rightful owners. If the Treasury Department is unable to reunite owners with their unclaimed property, the proceeds are turned over to the state’s General Fund – although someone can make a claim in perpetuity. This helps to reduce the cost of government, Treasurer McCord said. The McCord Treasury has generated more than $350 million for Pennsylvania’s General Fund through the Unclaimed Property Program since January 2009.

Visit www.patreasury.org for more information.

Media contact: Elizabeth Foose, 717-787-2991 or ">