Dormant accounts have been high on the agenda in the last few weeks. Several prominent appearances on national media have highlighted the millions left forgotten in old accounts.

The Building Societies Association is keen to help anyone who thinks they have forgotten money in a building society account trace their money for free, rather than use schemes that charge.

Consumers can contact the BSA and use their dormant account scheme free of charge by either calling the consumer helpline for a leaflet - 020 7437 0655 [ask for BSA Consumer Line] - or writing to Dormant Account Scheme, BSA, 3 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PB or downloading a leaflet from the Association’s website at: www.bsa.org.uk/ConsumerInformation/DormantSavingsAccounts.asp

In addition, many building societies have changed names over the years. If someone has an old passbook for a building society no longer on the high street, they can look up where the money has gone on the website at: www.bsa.org.uk/ConsumerInformation/ConversionsMergers.asp or write to the above address or call the consumer line, and the information will be sent out.

Adrian Coles, Director-General of the BSA said, “If people think they have money in a building society account but have lost touch with it, they should make use of this free scheme. We want to do everything possible to help reunite people with their money. There are some organisations which charge for this search and we are keen to let people know that they don’t have to pay, but can do it for free.”