Jul 21, 2008 9:24 pm US/Eastern
Millions Claim Cash In State's "Treasure Hunt"
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Sometimes 'found money' comes from the most unusual places. Just ask Madeline Elsevyf who said she received a letter from a private company several months ago
"It was sending me a notice saying I had $389 unclaimed," said Elsevyf.
The South Florida make-up artist who works at
CBS4 told consumer reporter
Al Sunshine she didn't believe it, so she threw it out.
"I saw it first, but I didn't believe it and I kind of put it away. I got a second notice and that's when I asked you about it," said Elsevyf.
It turns out, Madeline forgot about an old escrow account.
The forgotten $389.00 went into the state's unclaimed money fund. It's a billion dollar program with unclaimed cash like Madeline's escrow money. It's also a repository for gold coins, jewelry and other valuables from abandoned safety deposit boxes statewide.
For the last several months
CBS4 has been helping hundreds of South Florida viewers find their unclaimed money on the state's special website.
The search doesn't cost a thing.
At last count, we've helped find more than a million dollars for lucky viewers.
"It was unbelievable, with all the work that you all did in the past, we've had tens of thousands more Floridians come and check and we've had any number of claims," said Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink.
Elsevyf checked out the state's unclaimed money website and filed her claim.
Since she did it all by herself, she doesn't have to pay any so called finder's fees to the company that sent her the letter.
Elsevyf said she had special plans for her 'found' money.
"I'm going to put it towards my car payment!"
Click Here to find out if you are owed any money, or if you've been contacted about unclaimed property.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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