DES MOINES – State Treasurer Roby Smith shares Great Iowa Treasure Hunt had its biggest year ever in 2023. “We completed over 43,000 claims worth more than $30 million to rightful owners last year alone! But even with these record-breaking numbers, our work isn’t done,” said Smith. “Thousands of names were recently added, and we’ll be highlighting some in top 10 lists posted on social media as we celebrate National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1.
”Celebrated annually, Unclaimed Property Day is a national initiative to raise awareness for and reunite people with their unclaimed property. For the celebration, Smith’s office will be announcing names of individuals, businesses and non-profits around Iowa who had unclaimed property reported to Great Iowa Treasure Hunt in 2023. “Join us on Facebook, Instagram and X on February 1 as we share some names recently reported to the State,” Smith continued. “Even if you’ve checked for your name in the past, check our website again. While our numbers for 2023 are exciting to share, we want to return even more in 2024!” Past and present Iowans can search anytime for their unclaimed property by visiting GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov.
Every year, millions of dollars in abandoned property are turned over to the State Treasurer’s Office. Administered by the State Treasurer, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is the State’s only legitimate source for unclaimed property, and the State never charges a fee to reunite owners with their lost funds. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions, businesses and organizations that have lost contact with the owner for a specific period of time. In addition to abandoned safe deposit box contents, other common forms of unclaimed property include dormant checking and saving accounts, uncashed checks, lost stocks, life insurance policies and utility deposits.
Celebrate National Unclaimed Property Day by sharing information about Great Iowa Treasure Hunt with friends and family. Be sure to follow the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X for the celebration on February 1.
