Did you know that billions of dollars in unclaimed property are sitting in government databases, waiting to be claimed? From forgotten bank accounts to uncashed paychecks, this money belongs to everyday people like you. But while claiming your lost property is simple and free, scammers are eager to trick you into paying unnecessary fees—or worse, stealing your personal information.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to safely search for and claim your unclaimed property without falling for common scams.

Graphic with lightbulbs and text "Unclaimed Funds"

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property includes money or assets that have been abandoned by their rightful owners for a period of time—usually due to a change of address, lost paperwork, or forgotten accounts. Examples include:

  • Old bank accounts
  • Uncashed paychecks
  • Insurance refunds or settlements
  • Utility deposit refunds
  • Safe deposit box contents

Government agencies, not private companies, hold onto these funds until the rightful owners claim them.

How to Claim Unclaimed Property for Free

Many states provide official websites where you can search and claim unclaimed property at no cost. Finderish.com is a free and secure resource that helps people find the official websites for each state.

Here’s how to claim your property safely:

  1. Go to a legitimate website – Start here and find the state(s) you would like to search.
  2. Enter your name – You can search for yourself, family members, or even deceased relatives.
  3. Submit a claim – If you find a match, follow the state’s instructions to verify your identity and claim your money.
  4. Wait for processing – The state will review your claim and send you a check once it’s approved.
Man holding phone and credit card

Beware of Unclaimed Property Scams

Unfortunately, scammers prey on people who don’t realize they can claim their money for free. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

1. Requests for Payment or Fees

Legitimate unclaimed property databases do not charge you to search or file a claim. If someone asks for payment upfront, it’s a scam.

2. Unsolicited Phone Calls or Emails

Scammers often pose as “unclaimed property specialists” and claim they’ve found money in your name. If they ask for personal details or a fee to process your claim, hang up or delete the email.

3. Requests for Personal Information

Be cautious if someone asks for sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information before verifying their legitimacy. Official sites will have secure claim processes.

4. Fake Government Websites

Some scammers create websites that look like official state treasury sites but are designed to steal your data. Always verify URLs and use trusted resources to connect to the correct government pages.

Image of a smart phone screen in someone's hand with options to "block" or "report"

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’ve been targeted by an unclaimed property scam:

  • Do not engage with the scammer. Avoid responding to emails, calls, or texts.
  • Report the scam to your state’s unclaimed property office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Check for your property yourself at trusted sources like Finderish.com to ensure you aren’t missing out on legitimate claims.

If you have unclaimed property, claiming it should be easy, safe, and completely free. Don’t let scammers trick you into paying for something you can do yourself.

Have you ever found unclaimed property in your name? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀💰