Bank accounts and CDs are among the most commonly misplaced assets. They frequently go unclaimed after death of a family member, and with name and address changes following marriage or divorce.
Compounding the problem is the large number of bank closures and name changes over the years.
Once prominent institutions including AmSouth, BankBoston, Bane One, Chemical, California Federal, Continental, Crocker, Dollar, First Union, IndyMac, Manufacturers Hanover, Marine Midland, NationsNank, NCNB, Security Pacific & Wachovia no longer exist.
Since 2008 there have been 500 bank closures, including the largest ever, Washington Mutual [WaMu] with $182 billion in deposits. The FDIC currently holds 543,000 unclaimed accounts. There are time limits on claims, so take action now!
Did you have money on deposit at a bank that moved, changed its name or closed? Don’t assume unclaimed funds are lost forever. In all likelihood the account was transferred to a successor. Even if your bank failed, you are entitled to collect insurance proceeds from government regulators, currently up to $250,000 per account.
Note: For assistance with a lost safe deposit box go to: Safe Deposit Search To search for an unclaimed credit union account go to: Credit Union Account Search.
► To search for a missing bank account or lost CD, or if you have reason to believe a deceased relative may have unclaimed funds at a bank but aren’t sure where, complete the form below: