Is this letter real? | Enhanced Money Match
Is This Illinois Unclaimed Property Notice or Money Match Check Legitimate?
Yes. An unclaimed property notice or check from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office may be legitimate.
Through the Enhanced Money Match program, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office can verify that unclaimed property belongs to you and automatically mail you a check for the exact amount you are owed. In some cases, you don’t need to search the ICash database or file a claim to receive your money.
To learn more, watch our YouTube video featuring Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, who explains how Enhanced Money Match works, how it aligns with state standards, and why some Illinois residents may automatically receive an unclaimed property check.
Enhanced Money Match FAQs
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office created Enhanced Money Match to make it easier for people to get back money that already belongs to them. These FAQs explain why you may have received a letter or check, how the program works, and where to go with questions.
Money Match compares unclaimed property records with state records, such as names and mailing addresses. When a match is confirmed, the owner receives a letter explaining the amount and source of the property before a check is issued.
You received a check because the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office found unclaimed property in your name and verified your eligibility through the Enhanced Money Match program. Money Match automatically returns some eligible property, so you didn’t need to search for it on ICash or file a claim first.
No. Money Match is designed for certain simple claims, such as cash owed to one person, when the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office can verify ownership using available records. Some property requires the owner to file a claim through ICash.
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office compares unclaimed property records with information from other state agencies to verify the rightful owner. If you are matched, the office sends you a letter explaining the property, including the amount and source. Soon after, a check is mailed to you.
A Money Match check isn’t a prize or extra payment. It’s money or property that belongs to you but may have gone unclaimed. Unclaimed property can include funds from old bank accounts, uncashed rebate or refund checks, insurance payments, stock dividends, safe deposit box contents and other forgotten assets.
Often, you don’t need to. If the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office can confirm through Money Match that the property belongs to you, it may mail you a check automatically. You may not need to search for the property or file a claim first. A check sent to you by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office through Money Match is safe to cash.
No. Enhanced Money Match is an official Illinois State Treasurer’s Office program. If you want to verify a letter or check, call the Unclaimed Property Division in Springfield at 217-785-6998 or email unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov.
To verify a Money Match letter or check, contact the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office by phone or email. You can also contact your Illinois state representative or senator. Simply search the Illinois State Board of Elections site to find your elected official and call their office.
Open the envelope, review the information, and cash or deposit the check. Keep any letter that came with it for your records.
You may be able to cash or deposit your check in several ways, including at your bank or credit union, through mobile banking, at some ATMs that accept check deposits, or at retail stores that offer check-cashing services. Your own bank or credit union is often the easiest option.
Yes. A Money Match check may cover only the property the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office could match to you using available records. You may have other unclaimed property that wasn’t included, especially if it needs more information to confirm ownership. You can search for more through ICash and MissingMoney.com.
Enhanced Money Match can’t return every type of unclaimed property. Search ICash using your name and, if needed, your city or ZIP code. If you find property that may belong to you, select it and follow the steps to start and complete a claim. The office may ask for information or documents to confirm you own the property.That is why it is still a good idea to search for your name in the database.
Money Match may include certain unclaimed funds the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office can match to you using available records. Other property may require a separate claim and additional documents to confirm it belongs to you.
Enhanced Money Match is a legitimate program run by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to return eligible unclaimed property. The office may use state records to identify owners and mail them a letter and check. There is no fee to receive your property. If you’re unsure whether a specific letter or check is genuine, contact the Unclaimed Property Division using the information on the website.
Some property can’t be returned automatically through Enhanced Money Match. This may include property with multiple owners, stocks or bonds, escrow accounts, and safe deposit box contents. You may still be able to claim it by searching ICash and submitting a claim.
Let’s Help You Get Your Money Back
Questions about unclaimed property? Call the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office at 800-961-8303.
- Need to update your address on an existing ICash claim? Email unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov for help.
- Need to schedule an online appointment to meet with our team? Use the button below.