SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state is launching a campaign to let more than 23,000 Oregonians who lost their homes to foreclosure know that they may be due a check as part of a national settlement with five major banks.

The Salem Statesman Journal reports (http://stjr.nl/QLpnBS) the state housing agency fears homeowners will overlook mailed packets or that addresses are out of date. So, the agency plans to use means such as mass-transit ads and billboards to get the word out.

If they turn in forms by Jan. 18, eligible homeowners could receive $840 or more.

They must have made at least three payments on loans that went to a foreclosure sale in 2008-2011 and been serviced by one of the five banks: Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase or Wells Fargo.