Is there a chance you’ve forgotten about an old bank account? Maybe you moved and never got your utility deposit back? If so, you may be on the state’s unclaimed property list.

The Maine State Treasurer’s Office releases a list of the unclaimed property in the state every year. The Unclaimed Property Program includes more than $290 million worth of Mainers’ property that was unable to be returned to the rightful owner. In January 2022 alone, the Treasurer’s Office processed 2,508 claims for a total of $814,594 returned. Such property includes bank balances from old accounts, overpaid bills, uncashed checks and other assets.

The Treasurer’s Office holds these assets free of charge. You can search the list for your name, a family member or your business at www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov.

Should you find something to claim, the beginning steps can be done right from the website. If you have any trouble at all, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 207-624-7470 or email them at up.claimstatus@maine.gov and someone will assist you.

Many Mainers across the state are unaware they have unclaimed property in their name. This property should be returned to its rightful owner, so please take a moment to see if you, someone you know or a business in your community is listed.

I do urge residents to use caution regarding scams and unclaimed property. In recent years, the State Treasurer has issued warnings of phone calls, emails and letters in the mail asking for you to pay a fee up front in order to claim your property. It is worth repeating that the Treasurer’s Office holds these assets free of charge and there is no fee to file a claim and receive your property.

State Treasurer Henry Beck and my fellow lawmakers may use mail as one way to notify someone that they have unclaimed property waiting for them. However, such mail from the Treasurer’s Office will be sent with an Augusta return address, utilize the official State of Maine seal and have Treasurer Beck’s signature. Any web links related to the unclaimed property list will be official State of Maine websites, and you can tell if a link is official because it contains “.gov.”

If you think you are the target of a scam, please report this to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-436-2131.

As always, please feel free to contact me at StanleyPaige.Zeigler@legislature.maine.gov with your questions and concerns. I can best represent our community by hearing your thoughts on legislation and issues both in our district and across the state.

Rep. Paige Zeigler, D-Montville, is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Belmont, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Palermo and Searsmont. He is a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.