Mortgage Lenders Have Your Money - $18 Million in Cook County

Today it was reported in the Chicago Tribune that Cook County Circuit Court Clerk is holding $18 Million for 1,900 people who have had their homes foreclosed over the past year.  How can this be?  Well, prior to the real estate bust, when home prices were still stable, homes sometimes sold at foreclosure auctions for more than the amount due to the mortgage lender on the loan.  If the homeowner did no step forward in the lawsuit and claim the money, those funds were then turned over to the Cook County Circuit Court for safekeeping.  You can search the Clerk's online database at www.chicagotribune.com/default or call 312-603-5030. See the complete Tribune story here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-englewood-foreclosureaug25,0,1445727.story

A few words to the wise: Never pay anyone to recover money on your behalf.  There are plenty of scammers that just want a cut of your money.  When you are due money from the state, county or city, ask for help   at the place where your money is held.  Most are helpful in helping you complete any paperwork required o get your money returned. Check out the State Treasurer's Tips of Dealing With Finding Firms.

Search the State of Illinois' database for unclaimed funds at Cash Dash and follow the online instructions.  State Treasurer Giannoulias is holding millions of dollars in unclaimed funds.  At the linked site you can search for your name or that of someone you know.