Unclaimed money scam checklist
Scammers copy the real programs, because the real ones are free and legitimate. Here's how to tell them apart, based on the Federal Trade Commission's consumer alerts.
It's a scam if…
- They want an upfront fee.
If the caller asks for personal information, or an upfront 'processing' fee to release the funds, that's a scam.
- They contact you and want payment to search.
The government won't call or text and ask you to pay them to search for unclaimed funds.
- They rush you, with a deadline that's "running out" or a claim period "extended just for you". Real programs don't pressure you; many states hold the money with no deadline at all (see the state guides).
- They name a real-sounding agency and a specific amount you're "owed", hoping you'll act before checking.
- A "law firm" letter says you're heir to a stranger's life insurance worth millions. The FTC says:
that life insurance policy or inheritance? It doesn't exist at all.
The real goal is your Social Security or bank numbers, your money, or both.
What to do instead
- Don't click links in unexpected texts or emails, and don't reply to the letter.
- Type your state's official site yourself, or find it in NAUPA's directory, and search there.
- Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and warn family and friends.
What about legitimate "finders"?
Some states license or register people who find unclaimed money for a fee, and cap that fee: 10% in California and 15% in New York. Pennsylvania and North Carolina require registration. They're optional. Anything they can claim, you can claim yourself for free, and a legitimate one won't ask for money up front.
Sources
- How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds, FTC consumer alert (March 30, 2026), checked 2026-10-07
- Unclaimed life insurance money? It's a scam, FTC consumer alert (July 9, 2026), checked 2026-10-07
- Search for your unclaimed property (it's free), NAUPA, checked 2026-10-07
- California state guide (finder rules, with official sources)
- New York state guide (finder rules, with official sources)
- North Carolina state guide (finder rules, with official sources)
- Pennsylvania state guide (finder rules, with official sources)