Treasurer Roby Smith Celebrates $350 Million Returned Through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

DES MOINES – State Treasurer Roby Smith is announcing Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, the State’s unclaimed property program, has reached a milestone in returned money. “I’m excited to share the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has returned over $350 million to past and present Iowans, with $22.7 million of that returned thus far in 2023 alone!” Smith said. “Even as we celebrate this milestone, we still have more than $483 million to return. There’s still work to do!”

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt safekeeps money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the owner for a specific period of time; these assets are known as unclaimed property. State law requires institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer’s Office, where it is held indefinitely until the owner or heir is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents.

The State Treasurer’s Office mails letters, attends events and publishes names in newspapers and online to raise awareness and encourage people to search for their name at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. “It only takes a moment to check for your name and the names of family and friends. Find the name of someone you know? Share our website and encourage them to search our list for their name and make a claim,” continued Smith. “Help us spread the word about the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt as we look ahead to reaching the next milestone!”

To begin your search and make a claim, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up-to-date on all areas of the office.

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