**Related Video Above: A recent $100,000 unclaimed funds nightmare
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Do you have missing money?
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds was once again posted up at the Ohio State Fair this year with the goal of reuniting state residents with their long lost or forgotten money being held by the state.
Unclaimed funds have been a major topic this summer after Ohio lawmakers approved $600 million from the account to go toward the Cleveland Browns building a dome in Brook Park rather than reinvesting in the Cleveland waterfront.
Just this past week, more than $630,000 of the unclaimed funds were discovered at the Department of Commerce’s booth at the Ohio State Fair, including one person who found about $60,000, according to a release from the state agency.
The average claim reportedly garnered about $500, with about 1,200 people starting a claim over the 12-day event at the booth’s kiosk.
-
The Ohio State Fair entrance -
(WJW Photo) -
The iconic butter cow and calf sport hard hats in this year’s butter display at the Ohio State Fair. They stand alongside three construction workers, scaffolding, sawhorses and safety cones – all sculpted in butter.
“The Ohio State Fair is more than just an event for us – it’s a real opportunity to help people,” Account Superintendent Akil Hardy said in the press release. “Whether it’s a few dollars to thousands, reuniting people with their money is incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to connect with Ohioans and show them that the process can be simpler and less stressful than they perhaps might think.”
There is currently more than $4 billion just sitting in the unclaimed funds account, which is filled from money from old bank accounts, checks that never got cashed, various deposits, insurance policies and other inactive business accounts.
The state agency said that over the past four years, their fair booth has reunited Ohioans with more than $1.6 million in funds.
Those who were unable to attend the state fair can check unclaimed funds online.
