N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 970

§ 970. Shares of unknown or absent owner. Where a person has been made\na defendant as an unknown person, or where the name of a defendant is\nunknown, or where the summons has been served upon a defendant without\nthe state or by publication, and he has not appeared in the action, the\ncourt shall direct his portion to be paid into court and invested in\npermanent securities at interest, for his benefit, until claimed by him\nor his legal representatives.\n