Treasurer Stacy Garrity: A Search for Unclaimed Property Could Reveal a Surprise Holiday Gift

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity is celebrating the holiday season by sharing that nearly $33 million in unclaimed property is available to claim for individuals, businesses or organizations with the following festive words in their names: bright, candle, carol, cheer, chimney, Christmas, gelt, gift, holly, jolly, joy, light, menorah and Santa.

"If Pennsylvanians want to unwrap some magic this holiday season, I encourage them to head to our website and search for unclaimed property. With over $5 billion owed to more than one in ten people, chances are that you'll find something for yourself or a loved one on your gift list."

Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned more than $1 billion in unclaimed property, including $50 million this year automatically through Pennsylvania Money Match. The average value of a claim is $1,000.

Unclaimed property includes things such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks & bonds, insurance policies, rebates and more. It also includes tangible property, including the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.

Most unclaimed property is reported to the state Treasury after three years of dormancy. Tangible items may be auctioned after three years in Treasury's care, with any auction proceeds remaining available for a rightful owner to claim in perpetuity.

To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.