*Vanity* I have a safe deposit box key, now what? *Vanity*

nully | 7 Feb 14 | nully

[null and void]

Since FReepers know everything...

Amongst my late father's effects we found a safe deposit box key. Little blue envelope, a box number hand written on the flap, nothing to identify which bank or branch.

Is there some way short of going to each of the thousands of banks in a hundred mile radius to determine where the box might be?

[Vendome]

Crocker Bank?

Shoot me a pic later.

[CodeToad]

Take the key a bank. They usually know what other bank uses that key type.

[Vendome]

Just thought of something.

Go to State if California website.

They have a lost and found department.

If it is less than 10 years old you van probably get it.

If it is more than 10 years old it has likely been forfeited in a sale of lots.

[Hot Tabasco]

Probably not valid any more.......With that being said, there is a website that you can access to see if your state treasury has any funds held in your name. I discovered my state was holding $750 in my name, and for what reason I do not know..........

[Tammy8]

That many years ago some banks offered a free safety deposit box with account, some people got them and never used them so it was/is possibly empty but I would have to track it down myself if possible- am too curious to let it alone. You would need to know where he has had bank accounts or did most of his banking.

[dragnet2]

The first thing to do is obtain another safe deposit box to put the key and little blue envelope into until you find the other box. And don’t forget which bank you put it into.

[Hugin]

Many banks have waiting lists for boxes, and most won’t rent you one unless you have an account with them. If it’s not at his regular bank, find out which ones in your area will rent one without an account.

[exit82]

Nully, unclaimed property is also known as “escheat”, when you are googling your state’s unclaimed property information.
Good luck.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

Let this be a lesson. Write on a piece of paper all accounts you have so your loved ones don’t have to go through this.

[Stentor]

This is what happens in Pennsylvania. Might provide a clue.

What is Unclaimed Property?

There seems to be no time limit. Probably depends on the money grubbing qualities of your state legislature.

[Fester Chugabrew]

I’ve heard that a phone and a pen can do wonders.

[DannyTN]

My guess is it is at one of the banks he did business with. Look for bank statements and start there.

[DannyTN]

My guess is it is at one of the banks he did business with. Look for bank statements and start there.

[null and void]

Look at it as an adventure. And an excuse to stop at every donut shop within a hundred mile radius.

I really like the way you think!

[null and void]

Struck gold with the state controllers office.

Kaiser Foundation Health owes me $0.06!

[Two Kids' Dad]

[Vendome]

I left two sets of numbers and made em look like telephone numbers.

If they still have any friggin brains after I’m gone they’ll figure out the numbers are really long. & lat.

[null and void]

Probably depends on the money grubbing qualities of your state legislature.

I'm in California...

[Stentor]

I'm in California...

Ruh Roh Rorge.

[Captain Peter Blood]

No not really. Unless that key has some identifying number or mark, one key will look like another.
I believe your best advice is start local and increase the grid search until you take in the whole state where your Father lived.
Now a long shot would be to take the key to a good locksmith to see if they can offer any help at all.