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NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller
Contact: Press Office 518-474-4015

Comptroller DiNapoli and Mayor Brown Return Over $100,000 in Unclaimed Funds to Buffalo Residents

$88 Million in Lost Money Still to Be Claimed by Buffalo Residents

March 30, 2017

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that $111,180 in unclaimed funds has been returned to Buffalo city residents since he partnered with Mayor Byron Brown on March 16 to urge people to claim their lost money. Over $88 million still remains available for residents to claim.

"I thank Mayor Brown for partnering with my office to help reconnect the people of Buffalo with their lost money," said DiNapoli. "My office has prioritized making it easy for New Yorkers to claim what is rightfully theirs and partnering with local officials like Mayor Brown helps us spread the word. I urge those that have yet to check our database to do so by visiting my website. It only takes a few minutes."

"I am grateful that State Comptroller DiNapoli has focused on ensuring that city of Buffalo residents can claim funds that are rightfully theirs. Some Buffalo residents have claimed their funds, but $88 million in unclaimed funds, tied to persons with Buffalo addresses, remains unclaimed. I urge current and former Buffalo residents to check with the State Comptroller's Office to find out if they are on the list," said Mayor Brown.

DiNapoli and Brown held a press conference at Buffalo City Hall on March 16 announcing that there was $88,208,650 in unclaimed funds owed to the residents of Buffalo. People were urged to visit DiNapoli's website (www.osc.state.ny.us) or call 1-800-221-9311 to see if there were funds owed to them. Representatives from DiNapoli's office were also at City Hall helping local residents search the unclaimed funds database.

Statewide, there are more than 35 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $14.5 billion. In State Fiscal Year 2015-16, DiNapoli's office set a national record for the third consecutive year for the most unclaimed funds returned in one year totaling $452 million.

The majority of unclaimed funds accounts stem from old bank accounts but also include stocks, life insurance, uncashed checks and gift cards. State law requires that abandoned money or securities be transferred to the Comptroller's office if there is no activity in an account for a period which is typically three years. DiNapoli serves as the custodian of these unclaimed funds until they're claimed by the rightful owners.

For additional information on unclaimed funds, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/ouf_factsheet.pdf