News Summary
Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is advising residents to check for unclaimed property, stating that one in six may be entitled to unclaimed funds. Recent payouts exceeded $69 million, with the state holding $1.2 billion in unclaimed assets. Residents should remain vigilant against scams and are encouraged to visit LAcashclaim.org for more information and to verify their eligibility. The effort aims to help individuals recover lost assets without incurring any fees.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is advising residents to check if they have unclaimed property that may be owed to them. Current data indicates that one in six residents in Louisiana may be entitled to unclaimed money originating from various sources, including utility deposits, bank accounts, and inheritances. The State treasurer’s office emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding unclaimed funds, especially in light of recent scam alerts targeting residents.
Earlier this year, the state distributed 143,000 checks totaling $34 million to individuals who were unaware they were owed money. Notably, one individual unexpectedly received a payment of $44,000. Such occurrences underscore the need for Louisiana residents to remain vigilant and proactive in checking for potential unclaimed assets.
Treasurer Fleming clarified that the state does not charge residents any fees to claim unclaimed property. The only action required from residents is to deposit the check they receive into their bank accounts after confirming their eligibility. He further cautioned the public about scams, urging them to stay alert to any promotions or requests asking for money in exchange for obtaining unclaimed property, as these are typically fraudulent operations.
Unclaimed property encompasses a variety of financial assets that have gone missing or been forgotten. This may include uncashed checks, dormant savings accounts, insurance payouts, old bank accounts, payroll checks, royalties, interest payments, utility deposits, stock certificates, and life insurance proceeds. A significant reason for these funds being declared unclaimed is incorrect or outdated addresses.
Throughout the fiscal year 2025, the unclaimed property program saw payouts exceeding $69 million, marking the highest total since the 2021 fiscal year. Currently, the program holds approximately $1.2 billion in unclaimed property, with claims averaging around $900 per person in Louisiana. Not only individuals but also entities such as businesses, non-profits, estates, and government entities may have unclaimed funds.
If unclaimed money remains unclaimed, it will eventually be transferred to the rightful owner’s heir, though there is a possibility that it may continue to sit unclaimed. To facilitate transparency and accessibility, residents are encouraged to visit LAcashclaim.org to search for their unclaimed property. This site allows individuals to check regularly since new unclaimed assets may appear at any moment.
In the face of potential fraud, residents who have doubts regarding the legitimacy of unclaimed property claims are recommended to contact the Treasurer’s Office for verification. This approach aims to prevent individuals from falling victim to scams while ensuring that entitled citizens can reclaim their funds in an efficient manner.
With the ongoing efforts to assist Louisiana residents in reclaiming lost assets, Treasurer Fleming continues to advocate for public awareness and safety. The government’s initiatives reflect its commitment to ensuring residents can recover their owed funds without the burden of fees or fraudulent practices.
Residents are encouraged to take immediate action to discover whether they may be owed money, as a considerable number of individuals remain unaware of unclaimed property available for recovery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WAFB: Residents Urged to Check for Unclaimed Money
- KATC: Louisiana State Treasurer Urges Residents to Check for Unclaimed Property
- KLFY: Louisiana State Treasurer Discusses Unclaimed Property
- KSLA: LA Treasurer Talks Unclaimed Property Checks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unclaimed Property
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
