FAQ’S
We hope that these answers assist you in understanding the service we provide. If you have any further queries, please contact us.
Q: How and why did you locate me and is it all legal?
A: We are keen to reunite un-recovered funds with their rightful owners. Our researchers use a number of publicly available resources to track owners down, so yes it is all done legitimately and ethically. We are in fact going out of our way to ensure that people get THEIR hard earned money back- often against all odds!
Q: How can I prove my legal ownership of the unrecovered funds?
A: Each of the various organisations we deal with has different documentary requirements. 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. Suitable documentation of a link to the last known address includes driver's licence, rates notice, utilities bill, financial institution statement, correspondence from an accountant or solicitor, etc. Suitable documentation of proof of identity includes driver's licence, birth certificate, passport or other identity card. 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.
Q: What is a certified copy, and why is it required?
A: 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. People who can certify documents include: Justice of the Peace, pharmacist, doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon, bank manager, state school principal, solicitor or police officer. Certified copies are required to ensure that all documents submitted to support a claim are authentic.
Q: How long does it take to recover my funds?
A: For funds located in Australia, the process normally takes between four to six weeks. For funds located in overseas, the process can often take several months. As the funds are being sought from an outside organisation, the time frame can vary. We will keep you informed throughout the process and advice on any anticipated delays.
Q: What protections are in place to ensure that my funds are remitted to me at all?
A: There are mandatory protections in place that ensure a fully accountable professional service, such as a certifiable quality assurance program, professional insurance, independent external audit.
Q: Why do I have to sign a document before you tell me what unclaimed fund is?
A: Due to privacy concerns we need to confirm you are the rightful owner before we disclose details of the unclaimed fund. We ask that clients sign our Professional Services Agreement prior to our disclosure of the asset in order to protect our commercial interests and the investment we have made in finding you and the unclaimed fund.
Q: Where do the funds come from, and what does it relate to?
A: Some areas we commonly deal with are unpresented cheques, dormant bank accounts, superannuation and company takeovers, rent bonds, local council bonds, the list is endless. Privacy restrictions prevent us from disclosing the full details of the funds until we can confirm that you are the rightful owner.
Q: What happens if I employ AUSTRALIAN INVESTIGATION RECOVERY SERVICE (AIRS), but the funds are never recovered?
A: If the funds are never recovered, there is no fee payable, and you will be notified of that in writing. So essentially you have NOTHING to lose.
Q: How are fees paid?
A: Fees are not paid until the funds have been recovered. When the recovery is confirmed, we will commence the fee payment process. The funds are deposited in the owner's name into our independently trust account. Our fee is then deducted and a cheque for the remaining balance is forwarded to you. In all cases, a full report will be provided containing the known details of the source and nature of the funds.
Q: What do I do if I receive a letter from another company offering a similar service?
A: It is important that you carefully examine the professional standing of any company that may contact you. Check the qualifications, experience, credentials and vital independent auditing of any company you are considering appointing custodian of your money. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. To ensure that you receive the best possible service, we are happy to match any fee quoted by another company for the same service. To give you the best value, we will also reduce this fee by a further 5%.
Q: I am not the person you are looking for, or I think I know how to get in touch with this person or his or her next of kin. What should I do?
A: If you receive a letter, but are not the rightful owner of the unclaimed funds, please let us know. We will update our records to ensure that no further correspondence is directed to you. If you know how to contact the rightful owner (or the next of kin), please advise us so that we can correspond with him or her, or if preferred, forward our letter to the owner directly.
Q: What happens if I do nothing about these unclaimed funds?
A: If you choose to take no action, the funds will remain unclaimed. If funds are unclaimed for an extended period of time, it is often transferred to the government. No interest is payable on funds held in trust by the government, and these funds are eventually absorbed into the government's consolidated revenue.
Q: What if I have further questions?
A: Our friendly staff are always happy to assist you with any further queries. Please do not hesitate to contact us.