Frequently Asked Questions
Our business is all about researching unclaimed or lost funds and recovering them on behalf of the rightful owner. Through the course of research for current clients, we find other unallocated funds. If we have made contact, then we believe you are the most likely owner of these funds.
Our research involves using a number of openly available platforms and databases (in Australia and Internationally) AND we must comply with Australian and International Laws which protect your privacy and you as a consumer. So YES, every step is completed both legally and ethically.
If you wish to proceed with the claims process yourself then you are welcome to, however, we cannot divulge our information to you due to Privacy. As part of our due diligence we must ensure we are communicating with right person and have verified your identity and ownership. The process of recovering funds is intricate, and, as we have established connections within relevant departments plus streamlined claims processes, most will leave the footwork to us (In addition, payment to us is ONLY if we are successful). TRG fee for service is 15% of the recovered amount and is payable only when you have received your funds. There is no risk to you engaging in the services of TRG.
The various holding bodies have different criteria they request for proof of ownership. Generally, you will be required to provide certified copies of documents to satisfy at least two criteria: a link to the last known postal address as proof of your ownership of the unclaimed funds, and proof of your identity. Examples of suitable documentation include: Driver's Licence, Rates Notice, utilities bill, Birth Certificate and/or Passport. As each case is uniquely individual, we will assess and provide you with details of document requirements. If the unclaimed funds belong to a deceased estate, a certified copy of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration must also be supplied.
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. Certified copies are required to ensure that all documents submitted to support a claim are authentic.
When a Company, Government Department, Bank or similar, endeavors to make a payment but the person cannot be found or a cheque is not presented for some reason, the money may be classified as unclaimed. You may have moved address, changed your name or simply forgotten about an account. By law, these funds are to be held in trust until the money is claimed. There is a time limit on this however whereby the funds will then become Government revenue. Examples of unclaimed funds are unpresented cheques, dormant bank accounts, superannuation and insurance policies, rent bonds and share dividends. Privacy restrictions prevent us from disclosing the full details of the funds until we can confirm that you are the rightful owner.
For funds located in Australia and New Zealand, the process normally takes between four to six weeks and for overseas funds it can be a few months. Noting this is upon receipt of all required documentation. Each holding department has different processing times, however your case manager will routinely follow up with the relevant department and keep you totally informed. Our aim is for you to receive your funds in minimal time.
If the funds are never recovered, there is no fee payable. We are confident in our service and paid on our results. You have NOTHING to lose.
We greatly appreciate you advising us. We will update our records accordingly ensuring you don’t receive further communications. If you think you know how to contact the rightful owner (or the next of kin), please advise us so that we can correspond with them directly, or if preferred, forward on our contact details.
If you choose to take no action, the funds will remain unclaimed and eventually be retained by the government.