How to Find Unclaimed Assets
Unclaimed assets are accounts at banks and companies that have been inactive for a year or longer. Almost every state has its own unclaimed assets program that looks for owners of lost and/or forgotten property. With some good record-keeping and a knowledge of where to look, you can track down your missing assets.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Document your assets. Collect as much information about your missing assets as possible, including receipts, deeds, or certificates of ownership. Create a log of the value, date of ownership, and type of asset.
-
2
Research national asset databases online.The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) maintains a national Website that allows users to look up assets by address, at no charge.
-
-
3
Contact your state's unclaimed property office. Depending on how your state government is organized, the office might be in the department of revenue, taxes, or property.
-
4
Hire a private "finder." Some companies and private investigators specialize in tracking down and finding assets, specifically those that may have been purposely concealed. Use the United States Association of Professional Investigators to start your search.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
- You can do your own investigating by reviewing your own history. Research databases from other states you used to live in (records may be more detailed) to see whether there are assets you might have left behind.
- Beware of companies that charge a fee for data provided free of charge on the NAUPA Website. This is a good way to determine the legitimacy of other service charges.
