Frequently asked questions

What is lost money?
Lost money, also referred to as unclaimed money, consists of funds that have not been returned to their rightful owners. Even with careful record-keeping, some funds can be overlooked. For example, if you've moved or opened a new bank account, you might have unclaimed money waiting for you.

Where does the money go?
If a company cannot return the funds to their owner after reasonable efforts, they must transfer the money to the government. These funds remain there until the rightful owner claims them. Currently, the governments of Australia and New Zealand hold more than $20 billion in unclaimed money.

What is Unclaimed Money?
Unclaimed money refers to funds that individuals, groups, families, or organizations have forgotten or left behind. It often accumulates in unclaimed pay cheques, superannuation funds, insurance claims, government departments, and other places where it has been unknowingly 'abandoned.'

What is Your Refund Expert?
Your Refund Expert is a public data aggregator that gathers information on unclaimed money from various sources. It searches millions of records in Australia to locate lost and unclaimed money, verify ownership, and return the funds to their rightful owners.

What happens if I don’t claim the money?
In most states, if money remains unclaimed for a certain period, the state government absorbs it into consolidated revenue, meaning it is no longer yours and cannot be reclaimed.

How have we uncovered the funds owed to you or your company?
We receive inquiries from individuals, companies, and organizations who suspect they have unclaimed funds but don't know where to find them. We access over 10 databases in Australia, manually searching for outstanding money. We then locate the current contact details of the rightful owners and inform them of our findings.

How much do we charge for our services?
Our search fees cover initial searches, verifying details, contacting the rightful owner, and handling the necessary documentation. Our service involves no upfront fees. Our fee is a maximum 10%. It is only payable upon successful recovery, minimizing your risk.

What is an Unclaimed Money Search with Your Refund Expert?
Your Refund Expert conducts in-depth searches for unclaimed funds and estates left behind by individuals or their relatives. Searches can be conducted in all states where a person has lived, and the website provides the necessary paperwork to file a claim.

What Can I use Your Refund Expert for?
Your Refund Expert helps locate and claim funds from superannuation, bank accounts, deceased estates, government departments, store accounts, insurance companies, and more. The process involves searching over twenty international databases and proving your identity to the current money holder.

Are My Searches with Your Refund Expert Private?
All searches conducted by Your Refund Expert are 100% private and secure, ensuring that only you are aware of the searches.

Helping you navigate the world of lost funds

Prospective clients often have questions about our services. Here are some common inquiries and their answers. If you have further questions, please contact us.

How and why did you contact me? Is it all legal ??
Our business focuses on researching and recovering unclaimed or lost funds for their rightful owners. During our research, we may find other unallocated funds. If we contact you, we believe you are the likely owner. We use publicly available platforms and databases, complying with Australian and international laws to protect your privacy.

How can I prove the unclaimed funds are legally mine?
Different holding bodies have varying criteria for proof of ownership. Generally, you need to provide certified copies of documents linking you to the last known address and proving your identity. Suitable documents include a driver's license, rates notice, utility bill, birth certificate, or passport. For deceased estates, a certified copy of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is required.

What is a certified copy, and why is it required?
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document signed as a "true and correct copy" by a Justice of the Peace or similar authority. Certified copies ensure the authenticity of documents supporting a claim.

How long does it take to recover my funds?
In Australia, the process typically takes four to six weeks, while overseas funds may take a few months. Processing times vary by department, but your case manager will keep you informed throughout the process.

Where did you find the funds and how could I not know about them?
Funds may be classified as unclaimed if a payment cannot be made due to a change of address, name, or forgotten account. By law, these funds are held in trust until claimed. Examples include unpresented cheques, dormant bank accounts, superannuation, insurance policies, rent bonds, and share dividends. Privacy restrictions prevent us from disclosing full details until ownership is confirmed.

What happens if the funds are never recovered?
If funds are not recovered, no fee is payable. We are confident in our service and only charge based on results.

I am not the person you are looking for, or I think I know how to get in touch with this person or their next of kin. What should I do?
Please inform us so we can update our records and avoid further communication. If you know how to contact the rightful owner or next of kin, please let us know, or forward our contact details to them.

What happens if I do nothing about these unclaimed funds?
If no action is taken, the funds remain unclaimed and eventually become government property.

How does it work?
Many Australian and overseas institutions hold millions of dollars in unclaimed funds. The Refund Expert manages the return of your money by navigating complex processes, adhering to Australian and international laws, and ensuring a high level of service and success.

How do we locate you?
We use legal and ethical methods to contact individuals with unclaimed funds, using details provided by government entities to reunite you with your money.

What if I don't want to claim it?
If you choose not to claim your funds, we offer a service to donate them to a charity of your choice, providing satisfaction for both you and the charity.

1. THE APPROVAL PROCESS
To verify identity, please complete and sign the "Authority to Release" document and provide a 100-point certified ID.

2. YOUR LOST MONEY IS RECOVERED
A dedicated case manager will handle your case, ensuring a streamlined and successful outcome. They will communicate with you regularly, providing updates throughout the process.

3. FUNDS ARE RETURNED TO YOU
Upon successful recovery, funds are deposited into your bank account or sent by cheque, as per your preference. We operate on a "no win, no fee" basis, with payment due only upon successful recovery.

What Can I use the Refund Expert for?
The Refund Expert helps locate and claim funds from superannuation, bank accounts, deceased estates, government departments, store accounts, insurance companies, and more. The process involves searching databases and proving your identity to the current money holder.