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Unclaimed Property in West Virginia

Locate WV unclaimed property to use in your business

By Emmet McMahan
A court may classify unclaimed property in West Virginia as abandoned, lost or mislaid. These classifications have their origins in common law and can therefore be difficult to interpret under modern legal systems. Property that the original owner fails to claim after a specified number of years generally belongs to the finder.

There are specific forms and procedures to follow when claiming unclaimed property in WV. Generally, the state serves as the custodian for abandoned property in West Virginia until the appropriate agencies review and approve the finder’s claim. Companies frequently lose property through misfortune or carelessness. Unclaimed property can be an inexpensive way to obtain equipment for your business.

There are general types of West Virginia government unclaimed property:

1. Liquid assets such as a dormant bank account, safe deposit contents, unclaimed deposits or refunds, uncashed checks and unused insurance benefits;

2. Abandoned property the original owner is unlikely to return to claim. Certain property such as wrecked cars, ships or aircraft may belong to the state;

3. Property confiscated by law enforcement or repossessed by a loan company. These items are frequently auctioned off to the public.

 

Find agencies that handle state of West Virginia unclaimed property

Beware of sites that charge you a fee to help you find contact information for the unclaimed property division in West Virginia. This information should be available from your state government at no charge.
Try: MissingMoney.com allows you to search for unclaimed property by name and allows you to select city and state. The West Virginia Office of State Treasurer keeps a database of unclaimed property that is searchable by name and company name.

Participate in a West Virginia unclaimed property auction

Most states have their own auctions to allow prospective buyers to bid on unclaimed or otherwise abandoned property.
Try: PropertyRoom.com auctions property seized by law enforcement agencies across the country. Carsfrom500.com allows you to search for government auctions in your area. You can specify zip code and a search radius.

Search for West Virginia unclaimed property in your city

Most cities in West Virginia have a department that attempts to reunite unclaimed property with its owner. This department can answer specific questions regarding West Virginia escheat.
Try: The Jefferson County Commission maintains a list of accounts payable that have not been claimed. Unclaimed Funds Processing provides a list of unclaimed property owners in West Virginia including the city (when known).

 

  • The process of turning over unclaimed property in West Virginia to the state is called escheatment. In business, this is most commonly an unclaimed pay check and each company must file a report for unclaimed property. West Virginia companies must also make a good faith effort to find the owner.
  • Unclaimed property in West Virginia that the owner deliberately hides or conceals may be a treasure trove instead of unclaimed property. WV property must remain concealed long enough for the owner to be dead or undiscoverable. A treasure trove may belong to the finder or the property owner.

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