Massachusetts State Treasurer Warns Citizens of Fraudulent Documents

BOSTON – Fake documents are being sent to citizens regarding unclaimed property funds. According to Treasurer Deb Goldberg, these documents are not being issued by the Massachusetts Office of the State Treasurer.

“It has come to our attention that documents using our address and likeness have been sent fraudulently,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “Our goal is to ensure that no citizen is taken advantage of as part of this scam.”

Official unclaimed property notices will never direct owners to pay money, whether for processing fees, tax payments, or otherwise, when searching unclaimed property or filing a claim. The official Massachusetts Treasury website for unclaimed property, http://www.findmassmoney.com/ is free of charge to search and claim.

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity.

In 2016, the Treasurer warned of another scam involving letters claiming “unclaimed property winnings.” An example of the 2016 letter can be seen HERE.

If you have any questions regarding unclaimed property, please visit the Treasury’s official website, http://www.findmassmoney.com/ or call 888-344-MASS (6277).

You can view an example of a fraudulent document attached and linked HERE.

###