Official checks and money orders often go unclaimed after they are lost or destroyed, returned by the post office as undeliverable, or because the payee simply forgets to present them for payment.

Failure to cash or deposit a check or money order does not terminate your right to the funds and the issuer’s responsibility to pay. This is generally true even if a check specifies a ‘void-after’ date. Checks that are not negotiated over an extended period are considered dormant, and thereafter come under the purview of government consumer protection statutes.

In a recent action brought before the U.S. Supreme Court, 30 states disputed Delaware’s entitlement to escheat $150 million in uncashed “Official Checks” issued by MoneyGram, which is domiciled in that state. The Special Master in the case recommended award of summary judgment to states contesting that practice.

Note: For Postal Money Orders issued by the USPS go to:  Postal Money Order Search

To claim proceeds from a lost or uncashed MoneyGram money order complete the form below: