Concerns about property web site unfounded

Concerns about property web site unfounded

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Story Published: Apr 2, 2007 at 7:05 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2007 at 6:37 PM PDT

By Connie Thompson

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Hundreds of KOMO viewers are a little richer today than they were this time last week. They logged onto the state's unclaimed property web site, after we showed how there are millions of dollars just waiting to be claimed.

Right now the state Department of Revenue is urging everyone to go on its web site, enter their name and find out if there's any money, or other property you've forgotten about.

By law businesses must turn over unclaimed money or property to the state, and the state must hold it until it can be returned to the owner.

But some consumers are concerned the site might be used by businesses who are really trying to collect an old debt.

Amy D. now lives in Florida, but once lived in Kirkland. She discovered two companies listed her as having money coming, but told KOMO 4 News she does not believe they owe her any money.

In both cases, Amy has spent years disputing the companies for services or merchandise for which she was billed, even though it was never received.

"Is the state government verifying that the information on the site is true?" she asked me, concerned the her listing might just be a way to get her to contact them so they can try to get the disputed money.

The state says no.

"If you're in our database, it means we're holding money or property that belongs to you," said Department of Revenue spokesman Mike Gowrylow. "That's the only way your name gets in the site."

And they do not share your information.

As I told you last week, the unclaimed money site is free as long as you go directly through the state.

Private companies are trying to charge you for the same information. Don't take the bite.

You may see other offers, but there are only two web sites you should need to check – one from the State of Washington and the other from a non-profit organization called the National Associaton of Unclaimed Money Administrators.

For More Information:

http://ucp.dor.wa.gov/

http://www.unclaimed.org

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