FAQ's

• What is required to make a claim of unclaimed money and how can I prove my legal ownership?

Each of the various organisations we deal with have different documentary requirements. Mostly they consist of 100 points of identity. All documents need to be certified copies. You will also need to provide evidence to the unclaimed money. Evidence showing links and documents to the information that is on file.

Proof of a connection to the last known address:

• A council rate notice
• Electricity or gas bill
• Correspondence with the organization that lodged the unclaimed money

Proof of a relevant link to the organization that lodged the unclaimed money:

• Correspondence from the enterprise
• Any Statements
• Share certificates
• Premium Certificates

Signed Authority to Release Form. Which is included in our information packs.

• What is a certified copy, and why is it required?

A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed as a "true and correct copy" by a Justice of the Peace or similar. People who can certify documents include: JP, Pharmacist, Doctor, Dentist, Veterinary Surgeon, Bank Manager, State School Principal, Solicitor or Police Officer. Certified copies are required to ensure that all documents submitted to support a claim are authentic.

• How long does it take to recover my funds?

The process normally takes between four to six weeks. Deceased Estates can take and usually do take alot longer. We will keep you informed throughout the process and advice on any anticipated delays.

• What protections are in place to ensure that my funds are remitted to me at all?

Australian Un-Recovered Finance Service are a fully accountable professional service. All funds dispersed by us for successful claims are followed up and monitored by government bodies.

• Where do the funds come from, and what does it relate to?

Some areas we commonly deal with are unpresented cheques, dormant bank accounts, superannuation and company takeovers, rent bonds, local council bonds, the list is endless. Privacy restrictions prevent us from disclosing the full details of the funds until we can confirm that you are the rightful owner.

• What happens if I employ Australian Un-Recovered Finance Service, but the funds are never recovered?

If the funds are not recovered by our office due to the claim being rejected, then there is no fee payable. You will be notified in writing as to the reason why the funds were unrecoverable. So essentially you have NOTHING to lose.

• How are fees paid?

Fees are not paid until the funds have been recovered. When the recovery is confirmed, we will commence the fee payment process. The funds are deposited in the owner's name into our independent trust account with Northern Premium Funding. Our fee is then deducted and the difference deposited into your nominated bank account. In all cases, a full report/tax invoice is posted out upon confirmation of successful claim. Within 5-7 days your funds are deposited into your account.

• How and why did you locate me and is it all legal?

We are keen to reunite un-recovered funds with their rightful owners. Our researches use a number of publicly available resources to track owners down, so yes it is all done legitimately and ethically. We are in fact going out of our way to ensure that people get THEIR money back - often against all odds!

• What do I do if I receive a letter from another company offering a similar service?

It is important that you carefully examine the professional standing of any company that may contact you. Check the qualifications, experience, credentials, ABN. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. To ensure that you receive the best possible service, we are happy to match any fee quoted by another company for the same service and in most cases we will reduce our fee under there's to give you the best value.

• I am not the person you are looking for, or I think I know how to get in touch with this person or his or her next of kin. What should I do?

If you receive a letter, but are not the rightful owner of the unclaimed funds, please let us know. We will update our records to ensure that no further correspondence is directed to you. If you know how to contact the rightful owner (or the next of kin), please advise us so that we can correspond with him or her, or if preferred, forward our letter to the owner directly.

• What happens if I do nothing about this unclaimed money?

If you choose to take no action, the funds will remain un-recovered. If funds are unclaimed for an extended period of time, it is transferred to the government. No interest is payable on funds held in trust by the government, and these funds are eventually absorbed into the government's consolidated revenue. Their is No chance in recovery when this has occurred.

• What if I have further question?

Our staff are happy to assist you with any further queries. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 8003 3010