Q: Bank account missing after incarceration; I have proof of deposits. Recourse options?

A: It sounds like your former account may have been treated as lost money by the bank and turned over to the state under an unclaimed funds program.

You listed Arizona as the state for your question, and assuming you lived there and had a physical mailing address there at the time you had the account, I would search their unclaimed property database to see if anything pops up.

https://azdor.gov/unclaimed-property

Best of luck.

A: Since you have deposit receipts, you have proof that funds were put into an account, even if the bank claims it no longer exists. Your first step is to gather all documentation, including deposit slips, any old statements, and correspondence, as this will support your claim.

You should request a formal written investigation from the bank. Ask them to trace the account using your identifying information, including Social Security number, prior email addresses, and account numbers. Make sure to keep records of all communications, including names, dates, and the content of conversations.

If the bank continues to deny the account, you may need to pursue legal action. Filing a claim in small claims court or consulting an attorney who handles banking disputes can help you recover the missing funds. You can also escalate the matter with state financial regulators in Arizona, who oversee banks’ compliance with account management rules. Acting promptly and methodically will increase your chances of resolution.