Twenty year old checks found

[debodun]

Going through all those papers that were in the basement, I found some dividend checks issued by the investment company I use. Probably not valid since they were issued in 2004. It would be Saturday so I can't call the company and ask or request they reissue them. Don't ask why the were never cashed - I don't know myself.

 

[Paco Dennis]

I plugged your post into my new little friend perplexity.ai. It answered :

Given the situation you've described, here are some key points to consider regarding those old dividend checks from 2004:

Check Validity​

Dividend checks issued in 2004 are almost certainly no longer valid. Most companies have policies that void uncashed checks after a certain period, typically 6 months to a year. After 20 years, these checks have long expired.

Escheatment Laws​

Unclaimed dividends are usually subject to escheatment laws. This means that after a certain period (which varies by state but is generally 3-5 years), unclaimed funds must be turned over to the state's unclaimed property division.

Reclaiming the Funds​

Even though the original checks are no longer valid, you may still be able to reclaim the funds:

1. Contact the Investment Company: On Monday, reach out to the investment company that issued the checks. They may have records of the uncashed dividends and can guide you on how to claim them.
2. Check Unclaimed Property Databases: Search your state's unclaimed property database. If the funds were escheated, you can file a claim with the state to recover them.
3. Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide proof of your identity and ownership of the investment account from 2004.

Future Considerations​

To avoid similar situations in the future:

• Set up direct deposit for dividends if possible.
• Keep your contact information up to date with investment companies.
• Regularly review your investment accounts and promptly cash any dividend checks.

While you can't take immediate action on a Saturday, use this time to gather any relevant documentation you might have, such as old account statements or tax records from 2004. This information will be helpful when you contact the investment company or file an unclaimed property claim.

 

[Aunt Bea]

If you were in New York at the time you can do a quick search.

https://ouf.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/?wicket-crypt=WqZspVtYVHM

 

[debodun]

Sometime between then and now, I opted to rolling over the dividends back into the same account, so I don't receive checks anymore.

 

[EmptyCup]

A few years ago I got a letter from a bank saying they had several thousand dollars in my name unclaimed. I thought it was a scam so looked it up on the unclaimed money website. By golly if it wasn’t legit. They had my address off by one digit. I filled out the claim form and in about thirty days I got a large check in the mail. I am not quite sure what the money was from. Guessing it was some kind of an error or settlement on a real estate transaction. We had rental properties in the past - buying and selling. Seems like the title company or broker was always making mistakes and I remember getting various reconciliation checks. This must have been one of those?

 

[debodun]

I looked at the state Comptroller's web page for unclaimed funds. There nothing there under my name or that of the company that would indicate me.

 

[debodun]

I just spoke with a company agent (surprised they were open today). He said the check were re-issued and subsequently cashed, but it was such a long time ago, I just don't remember.

 

[Twostep]

If re odds of the reissued checks are still available you check routing and account number. Do you have your old tax returns?

 

[debodun]

I don't know. I've been shredding a lot of old financial records lately.

 

[That Lady in PA]

I just spoke with a company agent (surprised they were open today). He said the check were re-issued and subsequently cashed, but it was such a long time ago, I just don't remember.

Well, if they were already re-issued and cashed, that's the end of it.