Erick Russell, the state treasurer of Connecticut, is encouraging people to search for their unclaimed property.

The Unclaimed Property Division holds assets turned over to the Office of the Treasurer after businesses lose contact with an owner for three to five years. The program works to return the property to its rightful owners or heirs.

Unclaimed property includes bank accounts, uncashed checks, refunds, liquidated securities and insurance proceeds. Banks, credit unions, insurance companies, brokerage firms, utility companies and other businesses report and submit these assets each year.

Last year, the state returned more than $120 million. 

To check if you have unclaimed property, visit ctbiglist.gov or call 1-800-833-7318 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.