How to Recover Lost Money in Tennessee

Every year, millions of dollars worth of bank accounts, stock certificates, brokerage accounts, tax refunds, gift certificates and checks are turned over to the state of Tennessee. When the issuer of the property is unable to find the rightful owner, that property ends up in a database maintained by the state of Tennessee. Current and former residents are free to search a database of that property that belongs to them, and make a claim when they locate their lost money.

• 1

  Visit the state of Tennessee's unclaimed property division (see Resources). Click the "Find Unclaimed Property" link.

• 2

  Click on "Search for My Name and Submit a Claim." Click the "Search" button.

• 3

  Enter your last name, or business name if applicable, as well as your first name. You can limit your search to certain counties and cities within Tennessee, or you can search the entire state database. Click the "Search" button.

• 4

  Click the "Details" button to see more information about the missing property revealed by your search. Click the "Claim This" button if you think the money belongs to you.

• 5

  Enter your first and last name, indicate whether you are claiming the money on behalf of an individual or a business, and click "Next." Enter your name, address, telephone number and Social Security number in the form.

• 6

  Click the box to accept the terms and conditions of the site, then click "Next." Verify your information and click "Submit" to finalize your claim. A representative from the state of Tennessee's unclaimed property department will contact you with further details about how to claim your missing money.