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Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name – Billions Go Unclaimed Each Year

Explore our guide to see if you’re owed unclaimed property in your state – from old paychecks to forgotten bank accounts.

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Is Unclaimed Money Legit?

Yes — unclaimed money is real, and billions of dollars in unclaimed property are currently held by U.S. states. However, the process of claiming it is often misunderstood, and scammers frequently exploit that confusion. This guide explains how unclaimed money actually works, how to spot scams, and how to safely check if money belongs to you.

What Is Unclaimed Money?

Unclaimed money (also called unclaimed property) refers to funds that were never collected by their rightful owner.

    This can include:
  • Forgotten bank accounts
  • Uncashed checks or refunds
  • Insurance payouts
  • Utility deposits
  • Stocks or dividends
  • Safe deposit box contents

When companies can’t reach the owner after a set period, they’re required by law to turn the funds over to the state for safekeeping.

how to avoid unclaimed money scams and fraud
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Why People Think Unclaimed Money Is a Scam

The skepticism usually comes from how people hear about it, not from the money itself.

    Common red flags include:
  • Emails or texts claiming you “must act immediately”
  • Requests for upfront fees
  • Messages asking for Social Security numbers
  • Third parties claiming they can “unlock” funds for a price

Legitimate unclaimed money never requires payment to search and does not pressure you with deadlines.

How to Tell If Unclaimed Money Is Legit

✅ Legitimate Signs
  • The source is a state unclaimed property office
  • You search using your own name
  • No payment is required to view results
  • Claims are submitted directly to the state
🚩 Scam Warning Signs
  • Requests for upfront fees
  • Claims made via unsolicited calls or texts
  • Pressure to “act now”
  • Requests for full SSNs or bank logins

Is It Free to Check for Unclaimed Money?

Yes. Searching for unclaimed money is always free when done through official or reputable tools. States do not charge for searches, and you can file claims directly yourself.

That said, many people use background-check tools to:

  • Find old addresses
  • Identify name variations
  • Confirm potential matches before filing claims

How Much Unclaimed Money Is Actually Out There?

According to state reports, tens of billions of dollars in unclaimed property are currently being held across the U.S. Most individual claims range from $50 to $500, but larger claims do happen — especially from old insurance policies or investment accounts.

What You Should Never Pay For

You should never pay for:
  • Searching state databases
  • Viewing unclaimed property results
  • Being “notified” that money exists
Some legitimate asset-recovery services do exist, but they typically work on contingency after funds are verified — and they are optional.

The Safest Way to Check If You’re Owed Money

The safest approach:
  1. Search official state databases
  2. Verify old addresses and name variations
  3. Submit claims directly through the state
  4. Track your claim status online
Taking your time and verifying details protects you from fraud.

FAQ SECTION

Yes. States are legally required to hold unclaimed property until the rightful owner claims it.
States and companies sometimes attempt to notify owners, but always verify the source before responding.
In most states, unclaimed money does not expire — it’s held indefinitely.

It’s rare, but scams exist. Avoid sharing personal information unless you’re on an official state website.

No. Individuals can file claims themselves for free.
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