For Immediate Release
Friday, 23 June 2000

Man Finds $71,000.00

 
Columbia, SC
– A Richland County man picked up a check for $71,000.00 at the State Treasurer’s Office, today. The check was presented by State Treasurer Grady L. Patterson, Jr. and his Unclaimed Property staff.

"The pot of money we are trying to give back to people all over South Carolina just got a bit lighter today," proclaimed Mr. Patterson. "Our office has worked to make the Unclaimed Property Program more accessible so money can be returned to its rightful owner. We send checks off everyday – today it was just a bigger check than usual."

The man, who asked to remain unidentified, lives in Northeast Richland County and was notified by a friend who saw his name on the State Treasurer’s Office’s website. The money was from stock dividends and he said the money would be used to pay bills.

"It only takes a second to find out if you have money here, and today it is clear that there are thou$ands of reasons to inquire," Mr. Patterson concluded. "The folks in our Unclaimed Property Office have worked so hard. Last year we returned a record $5.7 million to South Carolinians but we’re still holding around $90 million."

The State Treasurer’s Office receives unclaimed property from various holders when accounts are dormant or the owners cannot be located. Most often these monies are from forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, etc., and the state becomes a custodian of those funds until identified by its rightful owner.

The Unclaimed Property database can be accessed through State Treasurer Grady L. Patterson, Jr.’s website or you can call the office at 803/737-4771 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

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For more information contact:
David A. Adams, 803/734-0380