States return over a billion dollars annually
The state treasurers and other officials who administer the unclaimed property programs have developed many powerful and effective methods for locating owners. Each state may use any or all of the following to connect owners with their unclaimed property.
Official government websites
States offer free online searches of their unclaimed property databases. If a match is found, there is no fee to claim the found property.
Public data
States may cross-check public databases to proactively locate owners and return unclaimed property to them.
Outreach events
States conduct thousands of public outreach events at state fairs, local festivals, and even shopping malls to allow citizens to search for unclaimed property.
National database
Most states take part in the national database of unclaimed property (MissingMoney.com), which allows the public to search most states at once at no cost.
By the Numbers: Returning Unclaimed Property
As the foremost authority in unclaimed property, NAUPA helps provide the necessary leadership, consumer protection, and support—facilitating collaboration among government administrators—to promote the success of this beneficial program returning billions in unclaimed property to its owners each year.
Other ways states return missing money
Each state determines what is most effective and appropriate in reuniting unclaimed property with its owners for that particular state
States may also use the following methods to find and contact owners of unclaimed property:
- Mailings to home or work
- Newspaper advertisements
- Television cash-a-thons
- Partnerships with legislature
