CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming state treasurer's office is trying to find the rightful owners of some $42 million in unclaimed funds.

The Unclaimed Property Division in the treasurer's office regularly takes out newspaper ads listing people with unclaimed funds.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the latest list has 8,000 names of people and businesses with accounts larger than $50.

Unclaimed funds being held by the state can include cash, stock, insurance claims, money orders and travelers' checks.

Wyoming is keeping watch over a relatively small sum compared to other states that report more than $1 billion in their unclaimed fund accounts.

Treasurer Meyer stressed that Unclaimed Property is not a scam, nor is it the result of winning a contest.  This money belongs to the owners or rightful heirs.  Meyer said the average claim is less than $100; however, some owners have claimed $100,000 or more.

The website address to search for unclaimed property is: http://www.wywindfall.gov.

Even if you don’t see your name on the website, the treasurer's office says you should contact the Unclaimed Property Office at 307-777-5590 or at the address noted above to determine if they are holding unclaimed property for you.