Question 1

What is unclaimed or lost money?

Accepted Answer

Unclaimed or lost money refers to funds that have not been successfully returned to their rightful owner. This can happen for many reasons, including moving house, changing your name, changing banks, closing a business, or simply overlooking an account or payment.
 
Even with good record-keeping, funds can become separated from their owner over time. If you have ever changed jobs, relocated, operated a business, managed an estate, or forgotten about a cheque, deposit, investment or superannuation account, there is a chance you may have unclaimed money waiting for you.

Question 2

What types of unclaimed money exist in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Unclaimed money in Australia can arise from a wide range of sources, including:
 
* Dormant bank accounts
* Unpresented or forgotten cheques
* Unclaimed superannuation
* Share dividends and investments
* Insurance payouts
* Rental bonds
* Deceased estates
* Company deregistrations or takeovers
* Refunds from councils, utilities or government agencies
 
These funds are held in trust by authorised institutions and government bodies until claimed by the rightful owner.

Question 3

What does a Money Recovery Agent (MRA) do?

Accepted Answer

A Money Recovery Agent assists individuals and businesses to identify and recover unclaimed funds securely and efficiently.
 
At My Refund Finder, we act on your behalf to manage what can otherwise be a time-consuming and document-heavy process. Our role includes conducting searches, confirming eligibility, preparing claims, liaising with holding authorities and guiding you through the required documentation.
 
We focus on accuracy, transparency and clear communication so you understand what is involved at every stage of the process.

Question 4

Is My Refund Finder legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My Refund Finder operates as a registered Australian business and follows all applicable Australian laws and financial regulations.
 
We work transparently with recognised holding authorities, including government departments and institutions, and all claims require your written authorisation before any action is taken. Our ABN and business details are publicly available for verification.
 
We are legally bound to comply with financial regulations, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, and to return all recovered funds to you, minus our agreed fee.

Question 5

How did you get my name?  Is this legal?

Accepted Answer

Our team uses a range of legally accessible and compliant sources, including public records and government databases, to identify potential unclaimed funds.
 
If we contact you, it is because our research indicates you may be entitled to unclaimed money. Every step of our process is conducted ethically and in compliance with Australian privacy and consumer protection laws.
 
We prioritise discretion, security and transparency throughout the process.

Question 6

Do I have to proceed if you contact me?

Accepted Answer

No. You are never obligated to proceed.
 
Submitting a search request or being contacted by us does not commit you to making a claim or using our services. You remain in full control and can choose whether or not to proceed at any stage.

Question 7

Is it free to submit a search request?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Submitting a search request is completely free.
 
There are no upfront costs to check whether unclaimed funds may exist in your name.

Question 8

What happens after I submit a search request?

Accepted Answer

Once you submit a search request, our team conducts an initial eligibility check using the information you provide.
 
If unclaimed funds are identified, one of our Money Recovery Agents will contact you to explain the next steps, outline the process clearly and answer any questions you may have. No further action is taken without your consent.

Question 9

How long does it take to recover my funds?

Accepted Answer

Timeframes vary depending on the authority holding the funds and the complexity of the claim.
 
For funds located in Australia, the recovery process typically takes approximately 8–12 weeks once a complete claim has been submitted. Some claims may take longer due to government processing times, which are outside our control.
 
We follow up regularly with the relevant authorities and keep you informed throughout the process.

Question 10

How can I prove the funds are legally mine?

Accepted Answer

To release unclaimed funds, holding authorities require certified documentation to confirm both identity and ownership.
 
This usually includes:
 
 Proof of identity - such as a passport or driver’s licence
 Proof of connection to the original address or account - such as a utilities bill, rates notice, financial correspondence or similar documents
 
For deceased estates, additional documents such as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration may be required.
 
Each claim is assessed individually, and we provide clear guidance on what documents are needed.

Question 11

What is a certified copy & why is it required?

Accepted Answer

A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed and stamped as a true and correct copy by an authorised person, such as a Justice of the Peace, lawyer, accountant, doctor or public servant.
 
Certified copies are required to verify the authenticity of documents and protect against fraud. Requirements can vary between authorities, and we will advise you on acceptable certifiers for your claim.

Question 12

Why am I being asked for more information?

Accepted Answer

It’s common for holding authorities to request additional information after an initial claim has been submitted. This is a normal part of the verification process and helps ensure the funds are released to the correct person.

Each authority has its own requirements, and in some cases they may request further documentation to confirm identity, address history, name changes, or ownership links that were not identified during the initial review.

While this can feel unexpected, it is not unusual and does not indicate a problem with your claim. We will clearly explain what is required, why it’s needed, and guide you through each step to help keep the process moving smoothly.

Question 13

Is there a regulatory body for unclaimed monies?

Accepted Answer

There is no single regulatory body that specifically governs the unclaimed money recovery industry in Australia. However, all claims are processed through recognised government departments, institutions and holding authorities that operate under Australian law.

As an Australian business, we are legally required to comply with financial regulations, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, as well as privacy and consumer protection laws.

Our involvement as your authorised agent is visible to the holding authority, and all claims require your written consent before any action is taken.

Question 14

What happens if the funds are not recovered?

Accepted Answer

If the funds are not successfully recovered, you do not pay anything.
 
Our service operates on a no win – no fee basis. You only pay a fee if funds are successfully recovered on your behalf.

Question 15

I have been contacted by another similar type of company.  How do I choose who to use?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a money recovery service, it’s important to feel confident and informed.

Some useful questions to ask include:
 • Do they charge any fees if the funds are not recovered?
 • When and how are fees paid?
 • Do they clearly explain the process in writing?
 • Are they operating as a registered Australian business?

You should also consider whether you feel comfortable with their communication style, transparency and professionalism. You are under no obligation to proceed with any provider, and it’s reasonable to take time to choose the service that feels right for you.

If you have questions about how we operate, we’re always happy to explain our process in detail.

Question 16

Can I recover the funds myself?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to attempt the recovery process yourself. However, privacy regulations prevent us from sharing claim details without first verifying identity and ownership.
 
Recovering unclaimed money can be complex and time-consuming, often involving multiple authorities and strict documentation requirements. Many people choose to use our service so we can manage the process, handle follow-ups and guide them through each step.
 
Our fee is only payable if funds are recovered, meaning there is no financial risk in engaging our services.

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