DES MOINES, IA (02/01/2017) (readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is looking to reunite owners this Valentine's Day with their lost and forgotten cherished treasurers. "In addition to money, we have an assortment of mementos from safe deposit box contents waiting to be reclaimed," Fitzgerald said. "The contents include pictures of soldier's overseas, engagement rings, lockets, cards and love letters. Some of these items may have been gifts from a past Valentine's Day."
Returning unclaimed property to the rightful owners is a year-round effort. Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans to check the website for forgotten treasure. "Check regularly and check often," Fitzgerald advises. New property is uploaded throughout the year, so even if you have claimed property in the past, there is a chance your name could reappear.
The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt database contains names of more than two million accounts from individuals all over the state that have lost track of some money or treasure. The program has returned over $223 million to more than 519,000 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 unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office. The assets are then 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.
Visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Be sure to like the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter @GreatIATreasure.
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