How to use the WIOLP Search Engine

lost patrimony, inheritage, dormant account, change life, wiolp
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The WIOLP search engine, powered by AI Match Finder, is a powerful tool for globally locating dormant accounts and reclaiming lost financial assets. With its advanced AI Match Finder and user-friendly filters, the platform simplifies the search process and helps you find accounts that might be tied to your ancestors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the search engine effectively, complete with practical examples to maximize your success.

To get started, start here and sign up.

Why combinations of names and last names are important? Considering name variations is crucial when searching for unclaimed inheritance. Historical records often contain discrepancies, and exploring these variations can significantly improve your chances of success.

1. Spelling Errors:
Typos and inconsistencies are common in historical records. Examples include:

  • William vs.Willem
  • Elizabeth vs.Elisabet
  • Johnson vs. Jhonson

2. Nicknames:
Many individuals used nicknames throughout their lives. Examples:

  • John may appear as Jack or Johnny
  • Mary may be recorded as Molly

3. Middle Names:
Middle names are often omitted or abbreviated. Examples:

  • David A. Smith might appear as David Smith or D. Smith

4. Marriage and Divorce:
Name changes due to marriage or divorce can add complexity. Examples:

  • Sarah Jones might become Sarah Miller after marriage
  • After a divorce, she might revert to Sarah Jones

5. Translations:
Names may be translated differently across languages. Examples:

  • Pedro (Spanish) could appear as Peter in English
  • Anna (German) might be listed as Anne

6. Historical Record Keeping:
Early record-keeping practices often led to variations, especially in handwritten documents. Examples:

  • MacLachlan might be written as McLaughlin
  • Catharine might appear as Katherine

7. Anglicized Names:
Immigrants often anglicized their names for easier pronunciation. Examples:

  • Søren (Danish) might become Soren or Suran
  • Giovanni (Italian) might appear as John

8. Historical Changes:
Spelling and naming conventions evolve over time. Examples:

  • Christian might have been written as Christen in older records

By exploring all possible variations and combinations of names and last names, you can uncover hidden accounts that may be listed under slightly different names. This comprehensive approach significantly increases your chances of success.

Step 1. Start with Basic Name Searches

Start by entering the first and last name of the person you are searching for in the search form. The search engine will analyze the information and generate results from the database of dormant accounts. This is your initial broad search to identify possible accounts linked to the name.

If you’re unsure of the exact spelling, don’t worry – AI Match Finder will suggest alternative spellings and combinations based on your query.

Example:
  • Searching for “Johnathan Miller” may also suggest variations like “Jonathan Miller” or “Jon Miller“. Also, use a Last name combination like “Müller” or “Miler“.
  • If your ancestor’s name is “John Michael Carter” input the full name into the respective fields. If you’re unsure about the middle name, leave it out. 
  • Entering “Anna-Marie Smith” could reveal suggestions such as “Anne Marie Smith” or “Anna M. Smith“.
  • If the search is too broad, refine it by adding a middle initial, such as “William T. Johnson“.

Try combinations of names

Try combinations of last names

When researching historical records, be prepared to encounter various variations and combinations of names and last names.

In the registration records, including registration documents, often contain discrepancies in name spellings due to factors like:

  • Recorder: The person recording the information might use their own spelling conventions.
  • Period: Variations in language and writing styles were common across different historical periods.
  • Origin: Names might be adapted to the language used in the document’s location.

It’s not uncommon for a single individual to have multiple recorded names. 

Examples: 

  • combinations of names:  JohnathanJonathas (French) / Jonasan (Japanese) / Jonatan (Spanish, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian) / Gionata (Italian),  or e.g.  ElizabethIsabella (Italian) / Isobel (Scottish) / Isabel (Spanish) / Elisabeta (Romanian) / Elisabete (Portuguese) / Élisabeth (French)
  • combinations of last names:  Rakoczi/Rakoczy/Rakocy, or e.g. Forgach/Forgacs/Forgac, or e.g. Raphanides/Raffanidesz/Rafanides
  • Additionally, second names: Anna Maria/Anna-Maria or e.g. Anna Carolina, or e.g. Yves Edgar might be present.

These variations stem from the limitations of the classical Latin alphabet in representing non-Latin sounds during the Middle Ages. Solutions like “ph = f“, “ie = í“, “eu = oj“, and “gy = ď” were used, further contributing to diverse spellings.

Step 2. Refine Results with Filters

The search engine offers several filters to help you narrow down the results and identify the most relevant matches. Use filters such as date of birth, nationality, and last known residence to narrow down your search. 

These filters are especially useful if the initial search has too many results. 

Example:
  • For “Maria Gonzalez” adding a filter like Nationality: “Mexican” or Date of Birth: “12/15/1950” can help pinpoint the correct individual.
  • Searching for “David Brown” with Last known residence: “Chicago, Illinois” will prioritize matches from that region.
  • Filtering by Date of Birth: “03/22/1920” ensures the results are relevant to your ancestor, not someone with a similar name from a different era.
Step 3. Utilize AI Match Finder Suggestions
 
If you are uncertain about specific details, the AI Match Finder will analyze your query and suggest alternative spellings, name variations, or potential matches. It can detect patterns and recommend relevant combinations of names that you may not have considered.
This feature is particularly helpful when names have multiple spellings or were recorded differently in historical records. That might help identify accounts if some records are incomplete or inconsistent.
 
Sometimes, the person you’re searching for won’t yield direct results. In such cases, widen your search to include family members who might be linked to the same assets.
 
If you need to generate new suggestions for a different name or person, click the “Reset suggestions” button. This will clear the previous suggestions and allow the AI Match Finder to generate new combinations based on your new input.
 
Example:
  • If you search for “Raymond Albertini,” the AI Match Finder might suggest combinations of first names “Reynaldo” or “Rinaldo” and combinations of last names “Albertin” or “Alberti“.
  • For “Katherine Brown” the AI Match Finder may propose “Catherine” or “Caterina” as alternatives for first names and “Braun” or “Brun” as alternatives for last names.
  • If your ancestor had dual nationalities, like “Peter Schmidt” the AI Match Finder might recommend filtering by both German and American nationalities “Peter Smith” to explore all possibilities.
Step 4. Review and Select Potential Matches
 
Once the results are displayed, review each entry carefully. Check known residence, dates of birth, nationalities, residence, or financial institutions to make sure they are consistent with your ancestor’s history.
 
If you lack sufficient information about your ancestors to continue your search, you consider exploring genealogical resources on MyHeritage and then keep searching for lost inheritance again on our platform.
 
 
Example:
  • An account for “Laura Evans” shows a last known residence in London, but your ancestor lived in Los Angeles. This might indicate it’s a different person.
  • A match for “Weber” lists a birthdate of 00/00/1981, which aligns with your records. This is a strong lead worth pursuing.
  • If a match for “Emile Burnier” shows a Switzerland nationality and your ancestor was born in Geneve, this is likely accurate.

If you don’t find a match right away, don’t be discouraged. Try variations and combinations of first and last names, or search using the names of other ancestors who may have been associated with the accounts. Keep in mind that our database is regularly updated with new accounts, while others may leave due to expiration. To increase your chances, make it a habit to search regularly and explore different possibilities.

1. Don’t Find a Match Yet?
Try broadening your search by exploring variations, nicknames, and alternative spellings. Here’s how to refine your approach: 

  • Expand Variations: Try alternate spellings, nicknames, abbreviations, or translations of the names you’re searching for. For example, if searching for Elisabeth, try Elizabeth, Elisabet, or Lisbet.
  • Broaden Search Parameters: If you can’t locate the individual, search for close relatives, such as parents, siblings, or spouses, who might appear in associated records.
  • Use Common Patterns: Research common naming conventions for the specific time and place you’re investigating – such as patronymic names or regional spelling norms.
  • Check Related Records: Include broader date ranges and life situations. Sometimes, indirect records like marriage, immigration, or probate files can help confirm connections when direct matches are elusive.

2. Select Potential Matches:
When presented with potential matches, review them. When reviewing results, don’t dismiss partial matches too quickly. A record that’s close but not exact may still belong to your target. Consider the following steps to identify the most likely connection:

  • Cross-Reference Details: Compare the names, dates, nationalities and residences in the record with the information you already have. Even a partial match could indicate a potential lead.
  • Account for Name Variations: Remember, slight differences in spelling or formatting (e.g., William J. Smith vs. Wm. Smith) don’t necessarily rule out a match.
  • Investigate Associated Records: Look for accompanying details, such as relatives’ names, occupations, or addresses, to confirm potential matches.

If you’re not sure, save them and keep track of potential matches for future reference. Sometimes additional searches or new information can confirm a connection later.

Step 5. Contact the Financial Institution
 
When you find a potential match, click the Select” button to proceed. WIOLP will send you an email with detailed information about the account and contact details for the relevant financial institution holding the dormant account. 
 
Using the information provided in the email, reach out to the financial institution. Be prepared to verify your identity and provide documentation proving your relationship to the account holder.
 
You might need to provide his birth certificate, a death certificate, and documents proving your familial relationship, such as a family tree or will.
 
Example:
  • For the “Henry J. Miller” account, your email may include details about an account in a financial institution based in London. Reach out to the financial institution with the information provided to initiate the claim.
  • After selecting a match for “Michael Johnson” your email may include details about an account in a bank based in New York. Reach out to the bank with the information provided to initiate the claim.
  • A match for “Fatima Khan” might connect to a savings account held in Dubai. Use the contact details from the email to verify and initiate the claim. 
 

Once you’ve identified a potential match, reaching out to the financial institution is a crucial step to claim an unclaimed asset. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Contact the Financial Institution:
Use the contact information you received via email to connect with the institution and begin the process of verifying your identity and claiming your inheritance.

2. Provide the Necessary Information:
Submit the details you received in the email to the institution, including the Dormant Accounts Claim Form attached to the email, and ensure all required fields are accurately filled out.

3. Prepare the Necessary Documents:
To verify your identity and your relationship to the deceased, you’ll likely need to provide key documents. These might include:

For individuals:

  • Birth certificates (child’s birth certificate naming parents)
  • Name change certificate
  • Adoption Certificate
  • Court Orders e.g., guardianship
  • ID card or passport
  • Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
  • Separation or divorce certificates
  • Death certificates of the deceased
  • The last will, testament, or certificate of inheritance
  • Power of attorney for a third party who represents a claimant (where relevant)

For companies and other legal structures:

  • Company incorporation certificate
  • Legal succession agreement
  • Power of attorney for a third party who represents a claimant (where relevant)

Other documents (if available):

  • Bank account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements
  • Financial product purchase agreement
  • Investment agreement
  • Trust accounts statements
  • Stock, bond, and other asset ownership certificates
  • Insurance documents – life insurance policy
  • others

Make sure these documents are readily available and properly organized before contacting the institution.

4. Follow the Institution’s Instructions:
The financial institution will provide guidance on the next steps required to claim your inheritance. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid delays or complications.

5. Keep Records of All Communication:
Maintain a thorough record of every communication you have with the institution. This includes keeping track of dates, the names of representatives you speak with, and any reference numbers provided. This documentation will help you monitor your progress and resolve any issues or disputes that may arise along the way.

By following these steps and staying organized, you’ll increase your chances of successfully claiming your unclaimed asset.

This information is for general guidance only and may not be applicable to all situations. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for specific advice regarding your individual circumstances.

Pro Tips for Success
 
  • Start Broad, Then Narrow: Begin with minimal filters and add more details as needed to refine your search.
  • Be Persistent and Thorough: Searching for dormant accounts may require trying multiple filter combinations. If you don’t find results initially, try variations of names, addresses, or other criteria.
  • Check Regularly: WIOLP updates its database periodically, so make sure to revisit your search for new results regularly.
  • Stay Organized: Ensure your documents are accurate and ready before contacting the financial institution.
 
Using the WIOLP search engine with its advanced AI Match Finder and tailored filters, you can efficiently locate dormant accounts and uncover lost inheritances. 
 
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to claiming what’s rightfully yours.
 

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