The best free website to find unclaimed money is MissingMoney.com.
Why MissingMoney.com is the Go-To Resource
MissingMoney.com stands out as the premier free online platform for locating unclaimed money because it is the official unclaimed property website endorsed by the National Association of State Treasurers. This robust platform aggregates data from participating states and provinces across the United States and Canada, offering a centralized and reliable hub for your search. Its affiliation ensures that you are accessing legitimate, government-backed databases, significantly simplifying the process of finding forgotten assets.
Understanding Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property refers to accounts and assets that have been dormant for a period specified by state law, typically between one and five years. When property goes unclaimed, businesses, banks, and other organizations are required to turn these assets over to the state's unclaimed property division for safekeeping. The goal is to safeguard these assets until the rightful owner or their heirs can be identified and the property returned.
Common examples of unclaimed property include:
- Forgotten bank accounts: Checking or savings accounts with no activity.
- Uncashed checks: Payroll, vendor, or dividend checks that were never cashed.
- Utility deposits: Refundable deposits from old utility accounts.
- Insurance proceeds: Life insurance payouts or uncashed insurance claim checks.
- Stocks and dividends: Shares of stock or dividend checks from investments.
- Contents of safe deposit boxes: Valuable items held in dormant safe deposit boxes.
How to Search for Unclaimed Money Effectively
Searching for unclaimed money is a straightforward process, primarily conducted online. Here's a step-by-step guide to maximize your chances of success:
Step-by-Step Search Process
- Visit MissingMoney.com: Navigate directly to the website.
- Enter Your Information: Input your full name (including any previous names like a maiden name) and the states or cities where you've lived or done business. You can search multiple states at once through this platform.
- Expand Your Search: Consider searching for close family members, both living and deceased. Unclaimed property might be held in their name, or you may be an heir to their forgotten assets.
- Review Search Results: The website will display potential matches from its participating states. Look carefully at the names and last known addresses.
- Initiate a Claim: If you find a match, MissingMoney.com will guide you on how to file a claim with the relevant state's unclaimed property division. This typically involves submitting proof of identity and ownership (e.g., a driver's license, Social Security card, or a death certificate for deceased individuals).
- Be Patient: The process of verifying your claim and returning the property can vary in duration depending on the state and the complexity of the claim.
Important Search Considerations
- Name Variations: Always try searching with different spellings, initials, or previous names you might have used.
- State-Specific Websites: While MissingMoney.com is comprehensive, it doesn't include every state. For the most exhaustive search, it's advisable to also check the official unclaimed property website for individual states where you have lived, worked, or had financial accounts. Each state maintains its own database.
- Beware of Scams: Legitimate unclaimed property searches are always free. Be highly suspicious of any service or website that charges a fee to find or claim your money. Official state treasurers' offices and reputable sites like MissingMoney.com will never ask for payment for this service.
Types of Unclaimed Property You Might Find
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Financial Accounts | Dormant checking/savings accounts, uncashed CDs, forgotten mutual funds |
| Investments | Uncashed dividend checks, stock certificates, bond interest |
| Insurance & Annuities | Life insurance proceeds, uncashed insurance checks, annuity payments |
| Business & Wages | Uncashed payroll checks, security deposits, utility refunds, vendor payments |
| Miscellaneous Assets | Contents of safe deposit boxes, court deposits, trust funds, mineral royalties |
Regularly checking for unclaimed money, perhaps once a year, and keeping your contact information updated with financial institutions can help ensure you don't miss out on assets that rightfully belong to you.
