Columbia, SC – State Treasurer Grady Patterson released figures for his office’s Unclaimed Property Program showing that over $6.9 million has been returned to individuals and businesses around the state. The previous record returned was $5.2 million two years ago.

"We are giving people their money back faster than ever before – government doesn’t say that very often," Mr. Patterson said. "We have a team dedicated to helping people locate their money, and they are making it easier to recover lost funds quickly. Everyday that we improve this program means more money is returned to its rightful owner – and that makes a positive impact on a lot of lives."

The South Carolina Unclaimed Property Program is now holding almost $130 million in more than 800,000 accounts. Unclaimed Property is property deemed abandoned for the statutory dormancy period (five years for most property). Financial assets, such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, unclaimed stock shares, and forgotten utility deposits, for which the owner cannot be located, are turned over to the State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping. Unclaimed Property is held until the rightful owner can be found.

To search for Unclaimed Property check the State Treasurer’s website, or call 803/737-4771 during regular business hours.

###