Treasurer Smith Highlights Unclaimed Property Day with Unveiling of New Display Box at Iowa Capitol

State Treasurer Roby Smith is highlighting Unclaimed Property Day, held annually on February 1, by unveiling a new display at the Iowa Capitol showcasing items found in safe deposit boxes from over the years currently held in safekeeping.

The display, unveiled ahead of Unclaimed Property Day, serves as a visual reminder that there are many items - stocks, cash and abandoned checking accounts - being held in safekeeping until they can be reunited with their rightful owners.

"Right now, there's more than $648 million being held in safekeeping and it belongs to rightful owners, not the State," said Treasurer Smith. "This display helps put into perspective some of the items we receive each year from safe deposit boxes and serves as a reminder for everyone to take a few minutes to search GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov for what may rightfully be theirs."

Each year, financial institutions, businesses and government entities turn over unclaimed property to Great Iowa Treasure Hunt after being unable to contact the owner for a time period set out in state stature. The office holds these funds in safekeeping and works to reconnect Iowans with their property.

The new Capitol display is located in the State Treasurer's Office next to the State Vault and includes information on common types of unclaimed property and a QR code directing visitors to GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov where people can search their name, the name of their favorite business and so much more.

"Checking for unclaimed property is simple, secure, and takes less time than brewing your morning coffee," Smith said. "I encourage every Iowan - whether you've lived here your whole life or moved here recently - to search your name and see if you are among the one in seven with something to claim."

Unclaimed Property Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the importance of reuniting individuals with their lost or forgotten assets.

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Background on Unclaimed Property Day and Great Iowa Treasure Hunt
Unclaimed Property Day is a national initiative to bring awareness to the more than 30 million people in the United States who have unclaimed property. In Iowa, there's currently more than $648 million in safekeeping waiting to be claimed.

Whether it's a forgotten or lost check, bank account, utility refund or safe deposit box, one in seven Iowans have funds in Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. As Iowa's only legitimate source of unclaimed property, Treasurer Smith encourages all past and present Iowans to search for their unclaimed property by visiting GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov.