Make Your Claim at State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt Booth

DES MOINES, IA (07/31/2018) (readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that a stop at the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt booth during the Iowa State Fair may be worthwhile for many fairgoers. Attendees will be able to search their names for unclaimed property and make their claim directly at the booth in the Varied Industries building. "The Iowa State Fair is one of the most successful and rewarding ways we reach Iowans who may have money in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt," said Fitzgerald. "Claimants will be able to search for their names and file a claim online during their visit at our booth."

Fairgoers can also search the list for the names of their friends and family. "If you find the name of a friend or family member, you can share their unclaimed property information by email." Fitzgerald said. "Over the years, we have had tremendous success in reuniting people with their lost treasures and are looking forward to providing enhanced services this year."

Over $315 million is waiting to be claimed in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. The program has returned over $249 million in unclaimed property to more than 592,000 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.

Stop by the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt booth at the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19 in the Varied Industries Building. The building will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Keep up with all of our programs on social media (Facebook and Twitter @IowaTreasurer).

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