How To Recognize Unclaimed Property Scams And Fake “Recovery” Websites

Unclaimed property can be a real thing: money from old bank accounts, paychecks, insurance payouts, and other assets that were never claimed and eventually turned over to a state unclaimed property program.

Because there is real money involved, scammers often pretend to “help” people find or recover unclaimed property, then try to steal fees, personal information, or even your identity. This guide explains how these scams usually work, what real unclaimed property processes look like, and how you can protect yourself by using official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an unclaimed property office, and not an application portal. This article is only meant to help you recognize warning signs and navigate toward official state resources safely.

Understanding Legitimate Unclaimed Property

Before spotting scams, it helps to understand what real unclaimed property programs typically look like.

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property usually refers to money or assets held by a business or institution that could not reach the owner for a certain period of time. Common examples include:

• Old bank or credit union accounts
• Uncashed paychecks or refund checks
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, cable, phone)
• Insurance benefits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock dividends or investment accounts

If the holder (for example, a bank or employer) cannot contact you for a set number of years, the property is usually turned over to a state unclaimed property office or treasurer’s office.

How real unclaimed property claims usually work

Processes vary by state, but in many places:

1. You search your state’s official unclaimed property database using your name (and sometimes past addresses).
2. If you find property that appears to belong to you, you submit a claim directly through:
   • The state’s official website, or
   • A mail-in form to the state office, or
   • An in-person visit to the relevant state or county office.
3. You provide proof of identity and (if needed) proof you lived at a certain address or had a certain account.
4. The state reviews your claim and, if approved, sends payment directly to you, often by check or direct deposit.

States typically do not charge a fee for you to submit a claim yourself through the official process.

Why Unclaimed Property Attracts Scammers

Unclaimed property is attractive to scammers because:

• It often involves people who do not know what they’re entitled to.
• The idea of “found money” can make people less cautious.
• Official processes usually happen online or by mail, which scammers can easily imitate.

Scams may appear as:

• Fake “state-style” websites
• Unsolicited phone calls, text messages, emails, or mailed letters
• “Recovery experts” claiming to work with the government or offering to speed things up for a fee

Understanding the common warning signs can help you separate legitimate help from fraud.

Common Types of Unclaimed Property Scams

1. Fake official-looking websites

Some sites are designed to look like state or federal government pages, but they are privately run or outright fraudulent. Warning signs include:

• Web addresses (URLs) that do not end in your state’s usual government domain (often “.gov” in the U.S.).
• Lots of promises of big payouts or “secret” funds.
• Pressure to pay a fee upfront just to search or view your results.
• Requests for sensitive information (like full Social Security numbers or bank logins) before you can even see if you have property.

A legitimate state unclaimed property site usually:

• Clearly displays the state agency name (like “Office of the State Treasurer” or “Department of Revenue”).
• Lets you search for free.
• Does not require full bank login information.
• Explains how to contact the agency directly by phone, mail, or official office address.

2. “Finder” or “locator” services that are misleading

Some businesses search public records and then offer to help you claim your property in exchange for a percentage of what you receive. In some states, this can be legal if:

• They disclose their fee and terms clearly in a contract.
• They follow state rules on maximum fees and waiting periods.
• You voluntarily choose to hire them, knowing you can file directly with the state yourself, usually for free.

However, these services become scams or abusive when they:

• Pretend to be part of a government agency.
• Tell you that you must use them or you’ll lose your property.
• Charge very high fees that leave you with only a small portion of your money.
• Try to get you to sign blank forms or powers of attorney giving them control over your claim.
• Pressure you to decide immediately without time to check with your state office.

3. Phone or text scams about “unclaimed stimulus” or “government payouts”

These scams often:

• Claim you are owed stimulus money, tax refunds, or unclaimed government benefits.
• Ask you to click a link or call a number and provide:
  • Your Social Security number
  • Bank account or routing numbers
  • Credit or debit card details
• Threaten legal action, account closure, or missed deadlines if you do not act fast.

Official agencies typically do not:

• Ask for banking login details by text or unsolicited phone call.
• Demand payment to release money owed to you.
• Threaten arrest or legal trouble if you do not respond immediately.

4. Upfront-fee “recovery specialists”

Some scammers call or email saying they already “found” money in your name and can release it only if you pay a fee now. Red flags include:

• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments.
• Claims that the fee is for “taxes,” “processing,” or “insurance bonds.”
• No written contract, or a contract that is hard to read and does not list the agency they’re supposedly working with.

Legitimate state unclaimed property programs do not charge you an upfront fee to release your own money.

Key Warning Signs of Unclaimed Property Scams

Here are common red flags, in one place:

• You are asked to pay money upfront just to search for or claim property.
• The site or person guarantees a big payout or “secret” funds.
• They claim to be from the government, but:
  • The website does not use a government domain, or
  • The caller cannot give you a publicly listed official phone number to call back.
• You are asked to provide:
  • Full Social Security number before you even confirm a claim is real.
  • Bank account passwords or online banking login.
  • Credit card information to “verify identity.”
• There is high-pressure language like:
  • “You must act now.”
  • “Final notice before your money is forfeited forever.”
  • “Do not contact the government directly; it will delay your claim.”
• You cannot find any mention of the company or person on your state unclaimed property office’s official website (in states that list approved “finders”).

If you encounter several of these signs, treat the contact as suspicious and check directly with your state unclaimed property office before sharing information or paying any fees.

How To Tell If You’re On an Official Unclaimed Property Site

Because websites are such a common tool for scammers, it’s useful to know what to look for.

Quick comparison: official vs. suspicious sites

Note: Not every “.com” site is a scam; some are legitimate companies offering paid assistance. But if the website does not clearly say it is not a government site, or if it pressures you to pay before you even confirm there is property in your name, proceed very carefully.

How To Safely Search for Unclaimed Property

While HowToGetAssistance.org does not run searches or take claims, you can usually:

1. Identify your state’s official unclaimed property office.

   • Search online for your state name plus terms like “unclaimed property office”, “state treasurer unclaimed”, or “state unclaimed property search.”
   • Look for a site clearly connected to a state agency, often with a “.gov” address and an office name you recognize.

2. Use only the official search tool on that state site.

   • You should be able to search free of charge by entering your name and possibly a city or past address.

3. Check neighboring or previous states where you lived or worked.

   • You may need to repeat searches in each state where you may have had accounts or employment.

4. Start a claim only through the official portal, mail form, or office address listed on the state site.

   • If something asks you to mail forms or payments to an address not listed on the official state page, confirm with the state office first.

What Documents Are Usually Needed To Claim Unclaimed Property?

Scammers often try to collect documents they could misuse. Knowing what official agencies typically ask for can help you tell the difference between reasonable requests and overreach.

States vary, but you are often asked for:

• Proof of identity, such as:
  • State ID or driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Other government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Social Security number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form with your SSN (for example, a W-2)
• Proof of past address or relationship to the property, such as:
  • Old utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease agreements
  • Employer records or pay stubs
• For business claims:
  • Business registration documents
  • Proof you are authorized to act for the company
• For deceased owner claims:
  • Death certificate
  • Will, probate records, or other legal documents showing heirship or executor status

⚠️ An official state unclaimed property office should never need your online banking username and password, your full credit card number with security code, or other information unrelated to verifying your identity and claim.

When “Finder” or “Recovery” Services Might Be Legitimate

Not everyone has the time or comfort level to navigate state databases and paperwork. Because of that, some people choose to hire third-party services to help locate and claim property. In some states these are called “heir finders” or “asset locators.”

These services can be legitimate if:

• They clearly state they are not the government.
• They provide a written contract explaining:
  • The fee (usually a percentage of what is recovered).
  • What they will do for you.
  • How you can cancel (if allowed by state law).
• The fee is within your state’s legal limits (some states cap the percentage).
• They do not require payment upfront before you receive any funds.
• You have the option to file on your own directly with the state instead.

If you are considering using such a service:

1. Ask your state unclaimed property office whether:
   • They recognize the company, and
   • Your state has any rules about finder fees or waiting periods.
2. Compare what you’d receive after the fee versus doing it yourself through the state.
3. Do not sign blank documents or give someone full control over your finances without understanding exactly what they can do.

You are usually not required to use any third-party service to claim property that belongs to you.

Steps To Take If You Suspect a Scam

If something about an unclaimed property offer does not feel right, you can:

1. Stop responding immediately.

   • Do not provide more information or payments until you verify.

2. Contact your state unclaimed property office directly.

   • Use a phone number, mail address, or email address listed on the official state government website.
   • Ask if there is a claim in your name and whether the person or company contacting you is recognized.

3. Check with your state attorney general or consumer protection office.

   • Many states allow you to file a complaint if you think you’ve been targeted by a scam.

4. Monitor your credit and financial accounts.

   • If you already gave out sensitive information, you might consider:
     • Contacting your bank or credit card issuer.
     • Setting up alerts for suspicious transactions.
     • Asking about placing fraud alerts or credit freezes with major credit bureaus.

5. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions.

   • Scammers count on people being afraid to admit they’re unsure.
   • Officials at state agencies and legal aid offices are used to answering these questions.

How To Verify You’re Using an Official Channel

To reduce your risk:

• Type web addresses yourself instead of clicking on links in texts or emails.
• If you search for your state’s unclaimed property page, double-check the URL and look for clear references to:
  • Your state government
  • An official agency name like Treasurer, Comptroller, Department of Revenue, or Department of Financial Services
• When in doubt, call:
  • Your state treasurer’s office,
  • Your state department of revenue, or
  • Your state consumer protection or attorney general’s office
    and ask for the correct unclaimed property contact.
• You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help finding the correct government office that handles unclaimed property.

If You Do Not Qualify for Unclaimed Property or Find Nothing

Sometimes people search and simply do not find any unclaimed property in their name. That does not mean a scam is the only explanation. Common reasons include:

• The property was already claimed years ago.
• The amount was too small and was handled a different way by the institution.
• Records were never reported under your exact name or address.
• You may be searching in the wrong state or under the wrong spelling of your name.

If you still need financial help and do not find unclaimed property:

• You might look into state or local assistance programs such as:
  • Food assistance (like SNAP) through your state benefits agency.
  • Housing or utility support through your local housing authority or county assistance office.
  • Community resources like 211 or local nonprofit organizations.

Each of these has its own eligibility rules and application process, usually run through official benefit portals, local offices, or program hotlines.

By focusing on official state channels, watching for pressure and upfront-fee tactics, and safeguarding your personal information, you can search for unclaimed property with more confidence and avoid many of the most common scams and fake recovery sites.