ALBANY, NY (TIP): Staff from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office will attend community events around the state this month to help residents search for lost and forgotten money, also known as unclaimed funds. DiNapoli oversees $14 billion held in 33 million unclaimed funds accounts until the money can be returned to its rightful owners.

“I encourage everyone to come out and search for money that may be waiting for them,” DiNapoli said. “We return more than a million dollars a day to residents across the state, but we want to do more. It’s your money; we want to give it back.”

The billions in unclaimed funds come from old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for a number of years. Some accounts hold money that has been lost and forgotten since the 1940s.

Residents who cannot make it to the events can search for and claim their money by using the online claiming system or by calling 1-800-221-9311.