"The origin of the unclaimed property law dates back as far as the colonization of America. Since that time, states have revised and refined their various unclaimed property laws, resulting in billions of dollars in collections for the benefit of owners  whose whereabouts are at least temporarily unknown.

Every state has laws governing disposition of abandoned property. The purpose of the Unclaimed Property Office is to reunite lost owners with their property. Unclaimed property is considered abandoned when it remains unclaimed for the number of years prescribed by statute." (taken from the New Mexico State Unclaimed Property Division Website)