New York is holding nearly $21 billion in unclaimed funds linked to residents, businesses and organizations. The database reportedly includes well-known names such as Zohran Mamdani, Rihanna, Yoko Ono and Robert De Niro, but ordinary New Yorkers may also have money waiting for them.
The New York State Comptroller’s Office holds financial assets that were never delivered to their owners, including old bank accounts, uncashed wages, tax refunds, investment payments and unused gift cards.
Who appears in the database?
Recent searches reportedly found possible unclaimed property connected to:
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Zohran Mamdani: Funds linked to the Colorado Department of Revenue and a possible Assembly campaign claim.
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Kathy Hochul: Money connected to EmblemHealth.
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Donald Trump and family members: Multiple claims involving individuals, companies and organizations.
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Melania Trump: Uncashed gift cards from Bergdorf Goodman.
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Yoko Ono: Unused Loro Piana gift cards addressed to The Dakota.
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Rihanna: Funds linked to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance and unclaimed wages from NBC Universal.
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Robert De Niro: Unpaid NBC Universal wages and other credits.
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John Mulaney: Money connected to ASCAP.
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Mark Zuckerberg: Possible stocks, dividends and investment-related funds.
The database also includes claims associated with political campaigns, state parties and organizations.
A listing does not guarantee that the person or organization owns the money. The Comptroller’s Office must verify each claim before releasing funds.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
What counts as unclaimed property?
New York may hold:
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Uncashed checks and wages.
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Old bank accounts.
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Tax refunds.
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Insurance payments.
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Stocks and dividends.
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Safe-deposit box contents.
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Unused gift cards.
Retailers generally must transfer unused gift-card balances to the state after five years of inactivity. Owners can still claim the money later.
How to search for your name
Use the state’s free New York lost-money search tool.
Search under:
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Your current name.
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Former names.
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Previous addresses.
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Business names.
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The names of deceased relatives.
Heirs may be able to claim property belonging to a deceased family member if they provide proof of identity, relationship and legal entitlement.
Businesses and nonprofits can follow the Comptroller’s business and organization claim instructions.
Is there a fee to claim the money?
No. Searching and filing a claim through the official New York system is free. Unclaimed funds do not expire.
Be careful with anyone who:
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Demands an upfront fee.
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Requests payment by gift card or cryptocurrency.
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Asks for banking information through an unsolicited message.
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Directs you to an unofficial website.
Need help with a claim?
Contact the New York Office of Unclaimed Funds at:
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Phone: 1-800-221-9311.
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Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Address: Office of Unclaimed Funds, 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12236.
Bottom line
New York’s unclaimed funds database contains money connected to celebrities, politicians, businesses and everyday residents.
Search your name, former names, business names and deceased relatives through the official state database. You do not need to pay anyone to search or submit a claim.
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Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
