Bountiful Treasures Awaits This Thanksgiving at the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

DES MOINES, IA (11/14/2017) (readMedia)-- Turkey, stuffing, and the traditional pumpkin pie are some of the best treasures a person could be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald knows that this time of year brings the annual gathering of family, friends, food and festivities. His unclaimed property program, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, has a bounty of its own. "Those who take the time to search the list may find they have one more thing to be thankful for," said Fitzgerald. "I encourage everyone to visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to look for their lost treasure. Anyone may find money they never knew they were owed."

Over $308 million is waiting to be claimed in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. The program has returned over $235 million in unclaimed property to more than 554,000 people since Fitzgerald created 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 the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter (@GreatIATreasure).

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