Unclaimed property amounts to $5.5 million

You could be entitled to part of $5.5 million.

No, it's not a scam. It's the amount of unclaimed property in Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin and Lawrence counties.

According to the state treasury Web site, unclaimed property is money or assets in the form of bank accounts, insurance claims, unpaid wages or even gift certificates that have been considered lost or abandoned. Until the property is claimed, it sits in the state general fund, though it's never too late to file a claim.

Deputy State Treasurer Anthony Leigh said the Alabama State Treasury office tries to educate the public and call attention to unclaimed property.

A database online lets people search for unclaimed property, and a claim form can be sent online, requested by mail or by calling the Alabama State Treasury office.

Locally, lists are provided to every county probate judge office.

Emily Presley, secretary in the Colbert County probate office, said they have a 2005 list of about 50 pages, with 45 or 50 names on it, however, people come in and look at the list "very rarely."

"We have them every now and then," Presley said.

The total amount of unclaimed property in the state is $370 million. Businesses hold on to property for a length of time according to the law. After that time, the unclaimed property is turned over to the state treasury.

"We've got money that belongs to people in every nook and cranny in Alabama," said State Treasurer Kay Ivey in a released statement. "Go online or call us, and if you find your name and you can prove you are who you say you are, my staff and I would love to send you a check."

The Alabama State Treasury can is online at treasury.alabama.gov. To reach the Unclaimed Property Division by phone, call (888) 844-8400.

Sarah Day Owen can be reached at 740-5728.