Stock Trading and Other Things

I Forgot which Stock Brokers I used 7 years ago. How do I find my stocks and IRA?

I was away in Africa for 7 years and returned to find someone had looted my storage facility. All my paperwork is gone and I can not remember which companies I was using. Any tips on helping me track down my stocks would be greatly appreciated.

Public Comments

1. 7 Years ago? They might have been reported to the State as abandoned (yes, that happens, I used to work for one State's Unclaimed Property Bureau).

Google "Unclaimed Property" and the name of your State to find their website (be SURE you are on a government site). They should have a search utility where you can look and see if your name appears as having any abandoned "property" (monetary assets only). If it's there, they should have directions for how to get it back, and you may even be able to print a claim form right from their website.... but be prepared, if it was reported as abandoned, the stocks were likely liquidated (sold), and you will be claiming the funds they got when they liquidated them.

2. There are some possibilities.

If dividends were given or if part of the stocks were sold it should have been indicted on your tax return, You can request form the IRS copies of past tax returns.

If you still own the stocks you should be receiving mail from the companies from time to time.

There is also an unclaimed property office in your state government. If the stock company could not find you they should have listed your stock as unclaimed.

I am sorry that you had such bad luck, With good luck you may be able to find what is rightfully yours.

3. Could not imagine why you do not check on your stocks and IRA for 7 years? The market had changed.
Be careful of identity thief.

4. If you own any shares then the companies are paying you dividends and sending you various notices. Where do they go? You may be the victim of identity fraud as well.

To find your old broker, look at any old bank statements and check book counter foils as you must have been paying and receiving money to and from.