FAQS

General

What is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed Property is unclaimed or abandoned intangible property. It represents a certain obligation a company is holding for another person or business. It includes checking and saving accounts, certificates of deposit, over payments, insurance checks, payroll checks, utility refunds, money orders, un-cashed checks, dividends, stocks, bonds, contents of safe deposit boxes and more.


Why is property turned over to the State Treasury?

To protect unclaimed property and return it to its rightful owner(s) or their heirs. Once received by his office, the Treasurer guarantees that the claimants who properly prove rightful ownership will receive their property back, even if the original financial institution or business closes. For the convenience of the property’s rightful owner(s), people trying to locate forgotten bank accounts or other property in Colorado can find them by searching the website or with just one call.


How does the State Treasurer find the rightful owners?

Please search through our website, or call 303-866-6070 or Toll Free at 1-800-825-2111.


Will the State return my money?

Absolutely! Unclaimed property always belongs to its rightful owner(s). The State Treasury acts only as a custodian of your property. There is no time limit or charge for claiming what is yours.


Do other states have unclaimed property laws?

Yes. All states now have some type of unclaimed property law and many are similar to Colorado’s. Internet users can go directly to the MissingMoney.com web page to search nationwide for lost or forgotten property, or go to each state's website individually.

What is the difference between Unclaimed Property and Escheats?

Escheats are governed by Probate Code Title 15. When an estate is opened and administered and if one or more heirs cannot be located, any remaining proceeds from that estate for an heir are 'escheated'. If an heir comes forward, they must reach back out to the probate court and prove their entitlement. The court then orders the state’s Unclaimed Property Division to pay from the escheated estate.

Unclaimed Property is governed by Title 38. It is money and tangible items being held by third parties on behalf of an owner. After about 3-5 years of inactivity(varies on type of funds), or inability to make contact with the owner, the money or tangible items are turned over to the state's Unclaimed Property Division where it is held until the rightful owner or heirs come forward to collect it. It is never the property of the state; the state only acts as custodian.