How to spot an unclaimed-money scam
Unclaimed property is a favorite scam theme because it's real. The protection is simple: official searches and claims are free, and you can reach every program yourself.
They charge to search.
State unclaimed property searches are free. Anyone selling access to a "database" or "list" is selling something you can get free from the state.
They want an upfront fee.
Official programs do not ask you to pay before releasing property. Legitimate finders, where allowed, are generally paid a percentage after you receive the money — never before.
The message came by text.
Arkansas's Auditor of State, for example, says it never sends text messages about unclaimed property. Treat any unsolicited text with a link as suspicious and look up the official site yourself.
They ask for bank logins or card numbers.
No state program needs your online-banking password or a payment card number to pay a claim.
The website isn't a .gov address (with a few exceptions).
Most official programs use .gov addresses. A handful use .org or a shared vendor domain (for example Virginia, Louisiana and several findyourunclaimedproperty.com state portals). Check the address against our verified directory.
They pressure you to act today.
Most states hold unclaimed property for the owner indefinitely. Urgency is a pressure tactic.
They imitate a government seal or agency name.
Lookalike letters can copy seals and official-sounding names. Don't use the phone number or link in the letter — look up the agency yourself.
What legitimate contact looks like
States do mail letters to owners they've located, and some legitimate private "finders" contact owners too. If you get any message, don't use its link or phone number. Look up your state on our directory or on unclaimed.org and search there yourself. If the property is real, you'll find it.
About finders
Hiring a finder is legal in many states, but it's optional. Many states cap finder fees or restrict agreements made soon after property is reported. You can almost always do it yourself for free.
If you've been targeted
Report it to your state's unclaimed property office and to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.