TAMPA BAY, FL -- We're all trying to ring up less at the register and cut back. Wife and mother Dee Carmichael is no different. “Because you never know if you could be the next one that has a spouse that may lose his job,” she said.
Mark Carmichael is in sales, Dee teaches preschool. It's comfortably middle class. Still Dee would like to build on her daughter's college funds. “You always think of how you are going to keep it going and keep everybody comfortable.”
As it turns out the Carmichaels are among 13 thousand Tampa area residents who have money sitting in Florida's unclaimed cash vault.
Dee said she had no idea about the $3,000 we were able to find. “I am ecstatic. Thank you for getting hold of us. Thank you so much.”
There are 7.8 million accounts in Florida's Unclaimed Property database. The bureau located the rightful owners of 19 million dollars in March alone.
Chief of Unclaimed Property Walter Graham says billions in property and cash remain. “Unclaimed property is any type of financial account where there's unclaimed insurance benefits, an insurance policy that someone had they did not cash in. An uncashed check, uncashed wage checks, money that has been left in a bank account.”
In another case, the state could not find Carol Ann Diamond but we did. “You know we have some good news for you right?”
Good news could not have come at a more appropriate time. Carol told us she's disabled and can barely afford to eat. “I am at the bottom never been this low before. Financially? Yes, I just hang on. “How does $2,900 dollars sound to you?" we asked. "I think that's a miracle. I am overwhelmed that's a lot of cash.”
The state tried to reach Olivia Frier by mail. She never got the letter but we found the 94-year-old at home in north Tampa. “I kept thinking if it is any relative I could not think of...anybody who had that money at the time to give away.”
Olivia shared with me she worries about outliving her retirement. That was before our visit. “We actually found two accounts for you.”
We told Olivia about the smaller account first. “Do you want to know how much is in that account?" "Sure." "$2,500." "Well I can even eat breakfast out.”
Then we told her about the second account which appears to be a lost mutual fund her late husband held. “$15,340 dollars." "Wow, I can't believe it! $15,343, $2505, just shy of $18,000. Oh my gosh!"
Never pay anyone who says they can reunite you with your unclaimed cash. This property can be had for free at any time by the rightful owners or heirs.
The first thing you need to do is find out if you are on the list. To learn more, go to the state's website (click here) or call 1-888-258-2253.
