What's Happening?
During the Ohio State Fair, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds set up a kiosk to help attendees discover unclaimed money. According to a spokesperson, over 1,500 visitors initiated claims totaling more than $675,000. The average
amount of money found per person was $432, with some individuals discovering as much as $47,000 and $40,000 in unclaimed funds. Akil Hardy, Superintendent of the Division of Unclaimed Funds, emphasized the importance of these face-to-face interactions in helping people find money they were unaware of. Over the past five years, the Division has helped Ohioans recover more than $2 million at the fair.
Why It's Important?
The initiative at the Ohio State Fair highlights the significant amount of unclaimed funds that individuals may be unaware of. This effort not only helps individuals recover money but also raises awareness about the existence of such funds. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of state programs in connecting citizens with their unclaimed assets, which can have a meaningful impact on personal finances. The program also demonstrates the effectiveness of direct engagement in public spaces to reach a wide audience.
