The author focuses on unclaimed funds in New York. The state has more than $7.5 billion in unclaimed funds spread over 21 million accounts. According to the author, New York collected over $509 million during fiscal year 2005 but returned only $151.7 million. Odds are, someone has some money they have forgotten about. In fact, one individual has a $1.7 million unclaimed check waiting for him at the New York State Comptroller's Office.