Holly Spring woman finds ‘missing' money

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Five on Your Side has helped people find more than $200,000 in unclaimed money.

The cash comes from places like forgotten bank accounts, investments and insurance policies. If the company holding the money can't find the rightful owner, the law states they must turn it over to the state treasurer's Division of Unclaimed Property.

North Carolina has $700 million belonging to about a million people.

Pam Hathaway, of Holly Springs, saw a 5 on Your Side story about unclaimed property that suggested checking in every state you've ever lived in. Through the years, Hathaway has lived in eight states, including New Jersey, New York and Kentucky.

When Hathaway checked, she found she had $2,345 of unclaimed money in Kentucky.

“It was like, 'Wow! Wait a minute. That's my name. That's my address. That's me,'” Hathaway said.

The money was from an insurance policy Hathaway's parents bought when she was a baby.

“Of course since I moved so many times, they couldn't find me,” she said.

Hathaway said she plans to add the money to her retirement fund.

With more money possibly out there, Hathaway will keep checking unclaimed property records in each state yearly.

Hathaway’s money brings the total money found by 5 on Your Side to more than $247,000.

The state Division of Unclaimed Property can be reached at 919-508-1000.