I found a safe deposit key with my grandmother's belongings. The key is by itself, not in an envelope and has no identification on it except for a tag bearing four numbers. How can I or can track down the safe deposit box?
Safe deposit box customers are encouraged not to keep their access keys in envelopes that identify the box number or the name of the institution where the box is located. Unfortunately, that advice, designed to prevent someone who steals or finds the keys from gaining unauthorized access to the box, can be too effective when the box renter is no longer available or able to identify the box's location.
The most logical places to look for information are your grandmother's records of bank accounts. It's often the case that a bank deposit customer will rent a safe deposit box from the same institution.
If that doesn't help, start looking through old bank statements to see if there are checks payable to a different institution in your grandmother's city or town of residence. Even dollar amounts that are relatively small ($25, $50, or so), usually paid annually, would be excellent clues. If all else fails, you can start canvassing local banks with the keys. Understand, though, that you won't be able to access the box if and when you find it, unless you have legal authority to do so, a durable power of attorney if your grandmother is still living, appointment as personal representative of her estate if she is not.
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Safe deposit box customers are encouraged not to keep their access keys in envelopes that identify the box number or the name of the institution where the box is located. Unfortunately, that advice, designed to prevent someone who steals or finds the keys from gaining unauthorized access to the box, can be too effective when the box renter is no longer available or able to identify the box's location.