The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has permitted the release of these unclaimed cases. Even though the state listings of refund cases are updated monthly it is only necessary to purchase a state listing approximately once every three months.

The following is an actual unclaimed case. First you will see the name of the refund recipient. The address, city, state abbreviation and zip code shows you where their HUD/FHA insured mortgage was paid off. Following the address is the amount of the refund. The 9 digit number following the refund amount is the case number (the case number is needed when completing the Found Case form). And lastly, the date shows you when the refund became available.

PETERSON, LEONARD J 14421 S. 47TH PL PHOENIX, AZ 85044 Amount: $1,134.27 #021-860701 Date: 03/12/1999

Using the above example, you could charge a 20% processing fee which would equal $261. Most cases you process will have approximately the same unclaimed amount as the example above. However, some refunds are much larger therefore your processing fee would increase as well. Keep in mind that you can also charge a ''flat'' fee.

The following is another actual unclaimed case.

DALEY, DOREEN 1879 S. COCHRAN AVE #18 LOS ANGELES, CA. 90019 Amount: $4,909.29 #041-942046 Date: 4/23/1998

If you were to process this unclaimed case, a 20% processing fee would equal $981.

Even If you were to only charge a $75 ''flat'' fee per case, and by working just part-time you helped only one or two people receive their refunds per week, you can then get a good idea of how much earning potential this program offers if you wanted to take it further.