Why look?

A trend that I find objectionable is taking hold with the various states in the union and that is auctioning of property that is being held under the unclaimed property laws. I understand that the proceeds are to be held in perpetuity for the owner but if the item is a keepsake then the valued treasure is gone. I recognize that the states must deal with a large volume of property submissions but I truly believe that they do not make a concerted effort to find the rightful owners. As an amateur searcher who is only armed with a laptop, phone and printer, I have been able to identify and find a number of individuals and organizations with minimal effort. I cannot believe that the states with such powerful tools at their disposal such as the tax rolls and municipal employment records that they still claim difficulty in locating the property owners.

In a time when people are struggling to make ends meet and may have resources available that they may have lost touch with I think the states should do their best to locate the true property owners and liquidate as much of the unclaimed property rolls as possible. I take the view that before requesting additional stimulus funds and bailout provisions that we should make sure that we have a clear picture of the resources available to individuals and corporations.

If you share this view, please write to your state treasury departments and contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (naupa.org) and maybe we can start a grassroots movement that gets this property back in the hands of the rightful owners. This could be the difference between a good holiday season and a bad holiday season.

Please help because I am only one person working alone.

Thanks!