State has more than $500,000 for HSC residents

The state of Wyoming is holding more than $85 million belonging to current and former residents of Wyoming — including more than $500,000 earmarked for those in Hot Springs County.

Representatives of the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office will be in Thermopolis on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 1-4 p.m. at the Hot Springs County Courthouse Annex.

“We are visiting the area as part of an outreach mission to help citizens find and claim their lost money,” said Unclaimed Property Administrator Jeff Robertson. “If you think you have money in your name or possibly money that belonged to a parent or grandparent who has passed away, we encourage you to stop by and visit with one of our claims specialists.”

The state also has a searchable database on its website, http://www.mycash.wyo.gov, where individuals enter their name and see what type of properties may belong to them.

Money and other types of unclaimed property, including stocks, mutual funds and safe deposit boxes, are turned over to the state when a business, agency or governmental agency cannot locate the owner for a specified time period.

To make a valid claim, owners need to provide documentation, as needed, depending on the type of property turned over to the state and the level of information provided about the owner.

“If you plan on visiting with us on Sept. 5, make sure you bring a valid ID along with any other documentation you feel may be necessary to prove you are the rightful owner,” Robertson said.

Wyoming law requires the state to hold unclaimed property in perpetuity until the rightful owner is able to claim it.