Unclaimed property could be money, stocks, bonds, or even safe deposit box contents that have been forgotten over time. These assets often end up in the hands of state governments, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Performing an unclaimed property search can uncover surprising finds, but it requires a bit of effort and strategy. Here are 10 tips to help you maximize your chances of finding and claiming what’s rightfully yours.
1. Try Common Misspellings or Partial Spellings of Your Name
Errors in record-keeping can lead to assets being listed under a misspelled version of your name. For example, if your name is “Kristen,” try searching for variations like “Kristin” or “Cristen.” You might also consider searching by your first initial and last name to catch any records where the full first name wasn’t recorded.
2. Search All States You Have Lived or Worked In
Unclaimed property is often held by the state where the business or financial institution was located. If you’ve worked in different states or lived in multiple places, be sure to search those states’ unclaimed property databases. Remember that if you worked for a company headquartered in another state, your unclaimed property might be there instead of the state where you lived.
3. Don’t Forget About Old Addresses
Search using past addresses, including childhood homes, college dorms, and any rental properties. Unclaimed property may be tied to accounts or transactions made when you lived at these addresses.
4. Use Family Members’ Names
If you have a deceased relative, check for unclaimed property in their name. You may need to provide documentation like a death certificate or proof of your relationship, but many people find lost assets this way.
5. Check Federal Databases
While most unclaimed property is managed by state governments, some, like unclaimed tax refunds or savings bonds, are handled by federal agencies. Use sites like the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or Treasury Hunt to search for federally held unclaimed property.
6. Be Persistent with Search Terms
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, search under all variations of your name. Include any aliases, nicknames, or maiden names. Persistence can uncover records that a single search might miss.
7. Look for Dormant Accounts in Your History
Think back to any accounts you might have forgotten about, such as old bank accounts, utility deposits, or insurance payouts. These are common sources of unclaimed property.
8. Search for Business or Organizational Ties
If you were a member of an organization, ran a small business, or held shares in a company, check for unclaimed dividends, payments, or refunds tied to those associations.
9. Document Your Claims Carefully
If you find unclaimed property, you’ll need to verify your identity or your connection to the asset. Gather documents such as identification, proof of address, or old account statements to streamline the claim process.
10. Use Finderish.com
Finderish.com aggregates unclaimed property records from multiple states so you can easily access the state pages you need. Always ensure you’re using official or legitimate resources to avoid scams.
Start Your Search Today
Unclaimed property searches are simple and often free to perform, so there’s no reason to wait. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find! By following these tips, you can uncover forgotten assets and ensure they’re back in your hands where they belong.
Have you found success in an unclaimed property search? Share your story in the comments to inspire others!