You might be unknowingly sitting on a windfall of cash! In fact, one in 10 Bay State residents have unclaimed money waiting for them, from forgotten bank accounts to uncashed checks, abandoned securities, overpaid utilities, credit card rewards, life insurance policies — the list goes on. Over the last five years, the state of Massachusetts has returned a mind-boggling sum of money — almost 800 million dollars — to residents and businesses, and there’s more where that came from.

While it’s wise to be wary of scams, Massachusetts’ unclaimed property program at FindMassMoney.gov is a legitimate, state-run program designed to reunite people with their lost funds. 

Myth #1: “This is a scam — no one just gives away free money.”
Truth: FindMassMoney.gov is run by the official Massachusetts State Treasury, not a third-party company.  

It’s completely understandable — and, frankly, smart — to be skeptical. The internet can be a breeding ground for scams, and chances are you’ve seen those suspicious ads or emails claiming you’re owed a large sum of money or inheritance from a mysterious relative. 

While it’s natural to be cautious when searching for unclaimed money online, there’s a reliable way to verify a site’s legitimacy: Look for the “.gov” suffix, (as in FindMassMoney.gov) that indicates it’s run by the government. To significantly reduce your risk, it’s best to type the URL directly into your browser, rather than clicking on links from emails or online ads, and double check the site address before entering any information.

Myth #2: “If I had unclaimed money, I would already know about it.”
Truth: Many people don’t realize they have old accounts, security deposits, or paychecks that were never claimed. 

You might be surprised at how easy it is to lose track of money. Maybe you moved to a new address and never received a final paycheck from an old job, or you forgot about a security deposit on a utility account or a rental property. Or maybe you simply lost track of an old savings account or stock investment. All that missing money could be waiting for you.

If you’re wondering how these assets made their way to FindMassMoney.gov, Massachusetts state law requires that businesses review their records annually for unclaimed properties, such as forgotten accounts or uncashed checks. Any that have been dormant for three years are then turned over to the state, waiting for the rightful owner to claim.

Myth #3: “Only rich people have unclaimed property.”
Truth: Unclaimed property comes from everyday situations — moving, switching jobs, and changing banks. Everyone, regardless of income level, should check their name.

It’s easy to assume that only the wealthy could afford to overlook a missing paycheck or a forgotten bank account.

But the truth is that unclaimed property can happen to anyone, regardless of income level. It’s not that you didn’t need the funds or were being careless with money. There are a host of everyday situations that can lead to property becoming lost or forgotten, or you just didn’t realize these were funds you were owed.  And, really, what’s the harm in checking? You might be surprised at what you find. Even a small amount, like a $50 utility deposit or $100 forgotten dividend check, can be put to good use. 

And if it’s something more substantial, like a paycheck or tax refund, it could be just the thing to cover an unexpected expense, pay off a bill, or treat yourself to something special. Whatever the case, it’s money that’s rightfully yours — and claiming it is easier than you think.

Myth #4: “Checking for unclaimed money is complicated or costs money.”
Truth: Searching for your name is free, quick, and easy.

You might think that searching for unclaimed money is a daunting task that requires a lot of time, effort, and maybe even a fee. After all, you’ve likely been in a situation where you had to fill out tedious paperwork to get something in return, such as with a refund or rebate. It can be frustrating and time-consuming, and it’s natural to assume that searching for unclaimed money would be a similar chore.

That’s why you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover how simple it is. In just a few minutes, you can search the state’s official online database and see if any unclaimed property is listed in your name. No paperwork, no hassle, and no fee. Just type in your name, and you’ll get an instant answer, along with directions on how to claim it.

It’s worth noting that if you are claiming on behalf of an heir or as an executor, some additional paperwork may be required. However, if you’re claiming for yourself, the process is typically quick and straightforward.

How to check for you unclaimed money?

Ready to see what might be waiting for you?

• Head to FindMassMoney.gov.
• Enter your name (you can leave the other fields blank), then click “search.” 
• If you see a listing for property that aligns to your name, click “claim” and it will go into your cart (you can do this more than once).  
• Click “owner” under claimant relationship, and fill out the other fields, including your address, birth date, and Social Security number (which is only used to connect your identity to the property so they can process your claim). 
• “Sign” your name electronically and click submit.
• You’ll receive a claim form via email. From there, print and sign, and then claim your funds.

It’s that easy. Why not check now at FindMassMoney.gov?