Missing some money? Tour coming to South Mississippi this week could help you find it

Mississippi’s Unclaimed Money Tour is about to make a stop in South Mississippi and Coast residents can find out if their names are on the list of people who are owed money from tax returns, estates or other sources.

On the recent tour stop in Jackson, more than 350 residents came out to see if they were owed money.

In Southaven, dozens of claims were made, and State Treasurer David McCrae said, “I’m excited to say our team is already hard at work processing the checks.”

The next stop is from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Boozer’s Brew, 802 East Pass Road in Gulfport.

Free coffee will be provided and staff will be there to help residents find unclaimed money owed to them.

The Treasury Department’s College and Career Savings team also will be available to provide information about saving for educational expenses.

Search online or in person

It’s easy for those who know how to use a computer to search the state’s Unclaimed Property website . Just type in a last name or company name. Add a first name and a city to get more specific information. The search brings up names of those owed money and tells whether the amount is under $100 or more than $100.

The process can be done entirely online, with no need for a notary.

Thursday’s event will be particularly helpful for those who don’t have a computer or aren’t confident they can navigate the website. Staff will help them search for any money owed to them and begin the claims process.

“Rarely is an elected official in the business of giving money back to citizens,” McRae said, “but in just over four years, our team has returned $100 million to Mississippians through our unclaimed money program.”

He said the money available comes from a variety of sources.

“It could be an energy bill refund that was sent to the wrong address, a long-forgotten CD at your local bank, or it may be an unknown part of a deceased loved one or relative’s estate, like an insurance policy,” he said. “If no one claims these funds for five years, the money is sent to the state. Then, your Treasury is responsible for finding the rightful owner and returning the cash to them.”

About one in 10 people have unclaimed money, and McRae said,“You never know how much might be waiting for you.”

If you go:

When: Thursday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m.-noon

Where: Boozer’s Brew, 802 E Pass Road, Gulfport

What: Search for unclaimed property and begin the claims process. Also get details on MS College and Career Savings