Is unclaimed money real, and how do I know a site is legitimate?

Yes, unclaimed money is real

Unclaimed money exists. Billions of dollars sit in state accounts right now, waiting for people to claim it. This money comes from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payouts, and other sources.

Each state keeps track of unclaimed property and holds it for the rightful owner. Your state treasurer is responsible for managing it.

The safe way to search

Use the official, free search at unclaimed.org. This site is run by state treasurers and lets you search all participating states at once. It costs nothing.

You can also go directly to your state treasurer's website and search there.

Red flags: How to spot scams

Watch out for sites that:

• Charge a fee upfront to claim your money
• Ask for your Social Security number before you search
• Pressure you to act fast
• Ask you to wire money or use gift cards
• Guarantee you will find money
• Use names similar to official government sites

Legitimate unclaimed property searches are always free. The official agency never charges you to claim what's yours.

What to do next

Start your search at unclaimed.org. It's free, and only you need to know what you find. If you locate unclaimed money, follow the official claim process for your state. Applying is free.