Have you ever forgotten to close a bank account? Moved before your income tax refund arrived? Forgotten to check the lottery numbers on your ticket?

You aren't alone. In the last fiscal year, for example, Ohioans failed to claim $17 million in scratch-off lottery ticket winnings. If this is you, don't delay; you only have about six months to redeem them.

You should also be aware of the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds. They receive money from a variety of sources; unpaid insurance policies, uncashed checks, credit balances, forgotten layaway deposits, rent deposits, dormant bank accounts, and more. At present, the division has 2.6 million accounts worth over $700 million. Their mission is to match it with its rightful owner.

Be warned: there are unscrupulous people who, for a fee, offer to find unclaimed funds for you. All they do is check with the division.

You can do that yourself! Simply go to their web page, click on the box labeled "Ohio Treasure Hunt" and follow directions.

I came up empty, unfortunately. But you could be the lucky one. No need to tip me, but an 'attaboy' would be nice.