Every official search for unclaimed money is free. Anyone who phones you, asks for an upfront fee or claims a percentage is not the state or the federal agency. Some finders are legal, but you never need one.
Open the official searchUnclaimed.org. Free. We take no cut and ask for nothing.
Because unclaimed money is public, businesses offer to find it for a cut. A few are honest and some states cap their fees. Scammers use the same pitch to collect bank details or advance fees. The simple rule works either way: do the free search first.
Real government offices send letters on official letterhead and give a number you can look up yourself. They do not demand payment by gift cards or wire.
Checked against the official page on 2 October 2026. Rules and screens change, so follow the agency's own instructions.
No, in many places finders are legal and regulated, but you can do the same search for free.
For a search you can do yourself, none. If you hire anyone, read the contract and ask who holds the money.
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission and to your state attorney general.
Open refunds and settlements, with the official link next to each. Free, no finder fee, one click to leave.
Was this worth your time? Tell Google you want The Claim Desk in your answers. One click, and the next time you ask where your money is, we come with it.