are usually unaware of them until: Accounts are advertised on the Internet. A claim form is received. Stock splits and other securities transactions account for a large portion of unclaimed property. Property is lost due to business dissolution or merger. Customers will overpay on their accounts, or send remittances with no indication as to which account the payment applies. These credit balances are often times just left on the books of companies. Checks have been lost in the mail or put in a drawer and forgotten. When does Property become "Abandoned" or "Unclaimed"? If property is unclaimed and the holder cannot contact the apparent owner, property is considered abandoned from the date of the transaction. To provide consumer protection by serving as custodian of abandoned property. To make every effort to return it to its rightful owners or their heirs. To protect the property for perpetuity should an owner or heir not be located. What attempts are made to locate owners? Once the property is reported: The State will publish owners' names on the Internet. Staff members are utilized in an effort to reunite owners with their property. What about contents of safe deposit boxes? The contents of safe deposit boxes or other safekeeping depositories are considered abandoned when they remain unclaimed by the owner for more than three years after the lease or rental period on the box has expired. The contents are required to be turned over to the State where they are held for two more years.