by Bradenton, FL – When 88-year-old Barbara began receiving letters from various law firms and private investigators claiming she had money waiting for her — but requiring a fee to access the funds — she immediately grew suspicious. Despite the overwhelming offers to help claim the money, Barbara wisely decided to seek assistance from a trusted source before responding.
Her caution paid off when she uncovered $108,000 in unclaimed funds that she never knew she had — a discovery that could change her life and prove a vital lesson for others who may be targeted by similar solicitations.
The Clever Choice That Made All the Difference
Instead of replying to the numerous solicitations promising to recover her unclaimed money, Barbara took the crucial step of contacting the Bradenton Police Department. Detective Jim Curulla from the department’s elder fraud division praised her decision as “brilliant,” emphasizing the importance of verifying such claims through reliable authorities.
During the investigation, Curulla found a letter from the Florida Department of Financial Services confirming Barbara indeed had unclaimed money totaling $108,000. The funds originated from stock options accumulated about 30 years ago through a short period of employment with a company.
“Before she acted, she called a trusted source. That’s exactly what we advise,” said Detective Curulla.
From Suspicion to Reality: Claiming the Funds
Barbara did not need the help of attorneys or private investigators after all. With Detective Curulla’s guidance, she navigated the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property website and completed the necessary paperwork to claim her funds.
- She filled out the claims form with official support.
- After processing, she received the check for the full amount.
Barbara described the moment as life-changing, adding, “I honestly still have a problem believing it. I took action to get it in the bank as soon as possible, and they didn’t bat an eye.”
Plans and Gratitude: How the Funds Will Be Used
Barbara intends to use the money to invest in her family’s future and enjoy some well-deserved treats herself. She shared,
“I’m going to put the money towards my grandnephew’s education and treat my grandchildren royally because they’ve always been wonderful to me.”
She also expressed excitement about pampering experiences she had never before considered:
- A spa day for her and a close friend.
- Her first-ever mani-pedi.
Barbara concludes with a humorous note about the numerous unsolicited calls she received: “My message is don’t call me. I’ll call you.”
Understanding the Unclaimed Property Process and Avoiding Scams
While attorneys and private investigators legally contact individuals to offer assistance in recovering unclaimed property—often for a fee—they rely on public records obtained through the state. However, Barbara’s case demonstrates that people can claim their unclaimed property without third-party help if they consult trustworthy sources.
“Typically, seniors lose their life savings due to scams or misplacement, but this case was a rare and pleasant surprise,” Detective Curulla remarked.
To see if you have unclaimed funds, visit the official Florida Treasure Hunt website, which guides users through the claims process safely and directly.
Why This Story Matters to You
Barbara’s experience serves as an important reminder about vigilance and proper channels when it comes to unclaimed money. It highlights how even those targeted by scams can find legitimate funds if they seek help wisely and verify their claims through official sources.
- Always verify unsolicited offers related to money claims.
- Consult trusted authorities such as local police or official government websites.
- Know that unclaimed funds may go unclaimed for decades but can be recovered.
For this report, information was provided by the Bradenton Police Department and Barbara, the fortunate recipient of the unclaimed funds. More details can be found at Fox 13 News.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about Barbara’s inspiring story of uncovering unclaimed funds? Have you ever checked for unclaimed money yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
