Treasurer Smith Reveals Unclaimed Property Survey Results

DES MOINES – State Treasurer Roby Smith explains how Iowans rate their experience with the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. “We surveyed past and present Iowans who have successfully been reunited with their unclaimed assets in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt,” said Smith. “Over 90% rated their experience as ‘highest quality’ and 96% said it was ‘very easy’ or ‘easy’ to search for and select properties on our website. If you needed a sign to search your name, this is it.”

Administered by Treasurer Smith, the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is Iowa’s only legitimate source of unclaimed property. “By sharing these results, we hope more Iowans start their search and make a claim,” said Smith. “After all, my number one priority for the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is to return lost assets to the rightful owner. We will continue to work diligently to achieve this mission with great quality service along the way.”

Unclaimed property occurs when a financial institution or business is unable to contact the owner of an asset they are holding. After a specific period of time, generally three years, the assets are termed unclaimed and sent to the State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping. By posting names on social media, attending events and publishing names in newspapers, the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt locates the owners and returns the assets. Examples of unclaimed property include forgotten checking and savings accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility refunds and safe deposit box contents.

To search for unclaimed property in Iowa, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all areas of the office.

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