DES MOINES, IOWA (February 5, 2019) — While Cupid is busy with his bow this Valentine's Day, State Treasurer Michael L Fitzgerald will be reuniting owners with their lost and forgotten treasures. "In addition to money, we have safe deposit box contents, which include an assortment of valuable items waiting to be reclaimed," said Fitzgerald. "Contents range from cards and love letters to jewelry and cuff links."
Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans to check the website for a forgotten treasure. "Check today, then check often," Fitzgerald advises. Throughout the year, new property is uploaded, so even if you have claimed property in the past, there is a chance your name could reappear. "Names currently on the list include Love, Cherish, dozens of Flowers, several Sweets and even a Checkers Sweeties in Huxley."
The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has returned over $258 million to more than 592,000 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. Keep up with all of our programs on social media (Facebook and Twitter @IowaTreasurer).
