Iowans encouraged to check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them
DES MOINES, IA (03/04/2010)(readMedia)-- According to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Iowans who are yearning to see something green after the long winter do not have to wait until St. Patrick's Day or for spring weather to roll around. A visit to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website at www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com might just add some green in the form of unclaimed property to their wallets.
Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages everyone to visit the website even if they have searched for their names in the past. "We are consistently updating the list of those who have unclaimed property. This year you may find your wallet growing with green before the trees and grass have a chance to catch up," stated Fitzgerald. "In today's economy every little bit helps."
The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $100 million in unclaimed property to more than 280,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer's Office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property 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.
All Iowans are encouraged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.
