Don't tell us you haven't checked here for your name–
Massachusetts resident"I check it every year."
When the Mass State Treasurer puts out this list of unclaimed funds, money forgotten in savings accounts and safe deposit boxes, we all hope some of this money's for us!
Massachusetts resident"I think it's great."
We check online at missingmoney.com thinking maybe–we'll get lucky.
Massachusetts resident"It's like the lottery."
But our investigation found even more missing money! Thirteen million dollars in State retirement accounts you won't find on this abandoned property list, or anywhere on the Web.
Former Data processor Joe Comeau had more than $14,000—
Joe Comeau, former state employee"It worked out good for me."
Former Account executive Daniel Hardenbergh had more than $14,000 too.
Daniel Hardenbergh, former state employee"I was delighted."
Dan and Joe are not the only ones! We found 13,000 more people are also owed money. Are you one of them? Don't look here! Those names are not public record.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"Why isn't this money listed on your abandoned property list?"
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"It isn't listed on our abandoned property list because it's not technically abandoned."
We found this part-time staffer in the treasurer's retirement office is on the hunt, making calls and sending letters reminding folks they've got big bucks.
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"We still feel that it's our job to try to get them their money whichever way we can."
But it's not easy addresses can be 30 years old! They search one name at a time.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"Did you work for the state?"
They found Dan, and Joe. And 132 other people. 12,866 to go. But since there's no public list they're going to have to find you.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"How would people know they're owed the money?"
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"They can call the retirement office."
Now, we did find one list, it's different names and it is on the treasurer's Web site. These former State employees and public school teachers are owed retirement money too, but they're not checking the list.
They're dead.
Their money should go to their designated beneficiaries. But who are they? Only the dead people and the treasurer's office know and neither of them can tell.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"You don't print the names of those beneficiaries, why not?"
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"Well again, I think we want to protect the privacy of those people."
So, did you know any of these people? Remember they left their retirement money to someone. And it's still unclaimed.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"How is someone supposed to know they're owed money if there's no list to look at?"
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"It is a challenge."
So, back in this office, they're searching for beneficiaries too, one name at a time.
Hank Phillippi Ryan"So certainly there are people who were left some money who don't know it."
Tim Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer"I would think so, yeah!"
If you or a family member or a friend used to work for the state, Treasurer Cahill says it's a top priority for him to get you your money. Check our Web site for all the info on how to see if some of that cash belongs to you. In the newsroom, I'm Hank Phillippi Ryan.
If you worked for the state and want to see if you have a retirement account, contact the State Retirement Board: — (617) 367-7770– 1-800-392-6014 (In MA Only)(Copyright (c) 2008 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)