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Imagine stumbling upon old share certificates while cleaning your home—what would you do next? This was the exact situation a man from Chandigarh, Rattan Dillon, found himself in when he discovered 30 shares of Reliance that were purchased in 1988 at Rs 10 per share. However, he had no clue about their ownership or how to encash them.
Dillon, a car enthusiast, took to social media, sharing pictures of the share certificates, and sought advice from netizens on whether he still owned them.
The Viral Post Seeking Help
Dillon posted on X (formerly Twitter):
We found these at home, but I have no idea about the stock market. Can someone with expertise guide us on whether we still own these shares?@reliancegroup pic.twitter.com/KO8EKpbjD3
— Rattan Dhillon (@ShivrattanDhil1) March 11, 2025
"We found these at home, but I have no idea about the stock market. Can someone with expertise guide us on whether we still own these shares?"
(Accompanied by images of the share certificates)
His post quickly gained traction, with multiple users sharing guidance and insights on how he could verify ownership and calculate the potential value of these 36-year-old shares.
How to Check If You Still Own Old Shares
Following Dillon’s post, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) responded, offering guidance on verifying share ownership.
IEPFA’s Response:
"Regarding your query about whether you still own those shares, we recommend utilising the new Search Facility on the IEPFA website. If the shares have remained unclaimed for a certain period, they may have been transferred to the IEPFA."
Steps to Check Ownership:
Visit the IEPFA official website – https://iepfa.gov.in/login
Enter the shareholder details
Check if the shares have been transferred to IEPFA due to inactivity
If the shares are still in your name, you can initiate the claiming process through the company’s registrar or the stock exchange.