Some of South Carolina’s Unclaimed Cash Could be Yours

I can’t imagine anything better during these difficult economic times than getting an unexpected check.

Maybe enough to pay bills, splurge a bit, or just put it away for a rainy day.

In a “7 On Your Side” special report last week, I told you about a state program that’s trying to return over $250 million to its rightful owners.

Wouldn’t it be great if you were one of them?

Keep this phone number and web address handy:

1-803-737-4771

http://www.treasurer.sc.gov

They’ll put you in touch with the Palmetto Payback program of the South Carolina Treasurer’s Office.

And you may find you’re owed some of that $250 million.

The money is from bank accounts, insurance policies, utility deposits and other sources.  The rightful owners forgot about the money or didn’t know they were entitled to it.

The treasurer’s office is constantly following leads or processing claims from people who believe they are owed some of the money.

Last year, $12 million was returned to the rightful owners.

S.C. Treasurer Converse Chellis, III and members of his staff were in our studios last week.  They took calls from News Channel 7 viewers and checked whether they were owed money by Palmetto Payback.  In about 2 hours they took 300 calls.  Twenty of those callers were owed money.

Did I check whether I was owed money?

You betcha!

No luck for me, but one of my coworkers is getting back $88 and change.

He was a happy guy!

The treasurer’s office recommends you check with them from time to time and see if they have money for you (more money is coming in all the time).

Keep checking, and good luck!