Billions of dollars in unclaimed property are waiting to be claimed across the United States. From forgotten bank accounts to uncashed checks, the money is very real — but so are the scams that target people searching for it.
The problem is simple: scammers know that “free money” gets attention. They build fake websites, send phishing emails, or even make phone calls pretending to help you collect your unclaimed funds. In reality, they’re after your Social Security number, your bank details, or an upfront “processing fee” that leads nowhere.
The good news? With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself and safely search for what’s owed to you.
Common Unclaimed Money Scams
Fake Websites That Ask for Fees
Many fraudulent sites look legitimate but require you to pay $20, $50, or even more to “release” your funds. In reality, unclaimed property searches through official state treasurers are always free.
Phishing Emails Claiming “You Won”
Scammers send emails saying you’ve won a settlement, inheritance, or government check. These often include links that install malware or request sensitive personal details.
Phone Call or Text Scams
Some scammers pretend to be from a state agency, telling you to “verify your identity” over the phone. A real treasurer’s office will never ask for your Social Security number or banking info this way.
How to Verify a Legitimate Source
Look for .gov State Websites
Every state has an official unclaimed property office. These sites usually end in .gov and do not charge a fee to search.
Use Trusted Partners
If you want to search across multiple states at once, use a vetted service that aggregates databases. MissingMoney.com is a good resource for searching.
Red Flags That Should Make You Stop
- The website has no clear contact information.
- You’re asked to pay upfront to “release” your funds.
- The email or text has grammar errors, vague details, or comes from a non-government domain.
- The caller pressures you to “act now” or threatens you with losing your money.
How to Safely Search for Unclaimed Property
Visit your state treasurer’s unclaimed property page. Each state maintains its own database.
If you’re unsure whether a site is real, cross-check with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) at unclaimed.org, which links to official government sites.
Instead of checking 5, 10, or 20 different states manually, you can use BeenVerified to streamline the process and avoid missing opportunities.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop communication immediately. Don’t send any more personal details or money.
- Contact your bank or credit card company if you shared financial information.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Monitor your credit to catch unauthorized accounts or charges.
Unclaimed property is real — but so are the scams. By knowing the red flags and sticking to verified resources, you can avoid fraud and focus on what matters: finding money that belongs to you.
Ready to start your safe search?