Did you get a call or text saying you’re eligible to claim thousands of dollars in unclaimed property? Don’t get excited just yet — it could be a scammer trying to steal your money or personal information. Here’s how to protect yourself and still check if any government agency actually owes you money, stocks, or other assets.
Spot the red flags
Scammers often use official-sounding names for fake government agencies and may mention a specific amount of money you’re supposedly entitled to. If the message pressures you to act quickly, claims a “special extension,” asks for personal information, or demands an upfront “processing” fee, it’s a scam.
Remember: the government will never call or text to ask you to pay to search for unclaimed funds, and they won’t pressure you to respond immediately. Scammers rely on fear of missing out to trick people into acting before thinking.
What to do instead
- Don’t click links in unexpected texts or emails. Legitimate unclaimed property programs won’t send unsolicited alerts.
- Check official sources first. Every state has a free process to search for unclaimed funds. Start at unclaimed.org/search to find your state’s unclaimed property office.
- Report scams. If you encounter a phishing attempt, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then, let friends and family know so they can stay safe too.
By staying alert and using official channels, you can safely find out if any unclaimed assets are really yours — without giving scammers a chance.
