missingmoney.com – Is This Site Legit?
MissingMoney.com is presented as a national web portal designed to help individuals search for unclaimed property and funds across various U.S. states and some Canadian provinces. This platform is a joint effort, initially established by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and financial services provider CheckFree, and is now operated by Kelmar Associates, LLC on behalf of NAUPA. It serves as a centralized, free, and secure resource for locating assets like uncashed checks, inactive bank accounts, and forgotten safe deposit box contents that have been turned over to state unclaimed property programs. While the concept of unclaimed property is legitimate, the online space for finding these assets can sometimes be fraught with risks. Users often encounter third-party "finder" services that charge fees for information or assistance that is otherwise free, or even outright scams designed to phish for personal information or money. This page provides an independent safety assessment of MissingMoney.com, aiming to clarify its legitimacy, highlight potential user considerations, and offer practical advice for safely navigating the process of reclaiming your missing funds. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to use such platforms securely and avoid common pitfalls.
Verdict
MissingMoney.com is a highly trustworthy and legitimate website for searching and claiming unclaimed property across multiple states and some Canadian provinces. It is endorsed by official government associations and is free to use. Users should exercise caution against general unclaimed property scams that may try to impersonate such services.
Positive Signs
- MissingMoney.com is the official Unclaimed Property website of the National Association of State Treasurers and is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
- The website is free to use for searching and claiming unclaimed property, and it does not take a percentage of the money found.
- Many U.S. states and some Canadian provinces participate in the program, making it a comprehensive tool for multi-state searches.
- Independent reviews and official government sources confirm its legitimacy and recommend its use.
- The site uses HTTPS, indicating a secure connection for data transmission.
- The site clearly states that personal details remain confidential and are used only for claims processing by Unclaimed Property Officials.
Red Flags
- While MissingMoney.com is legitimate, general unclaimed property scams exist, which may try to mimic official sites or use pressure tactics to obtain personal information or money.
- The process of claiming property and the required proof of identity can vary significantly by state, which might lead to some user confusion or frustration.
- 1Always ensure you are on the correct URL (https://missingmoney.com) to avoid phishing attempts.
- 2Be wary of unsolicited communications (emails, texts, calls) claiming you have unclaimed property, as legitimate administrators typically do not reach out this way.
- 3Never pay a fee to search for or claim your unclaimed property, as official sites like MissingMoney.com are free.
- 4Provide personal information only when you are confident you are on the official state claim form and understand how it will be used.
- 5If redirected to a state's specific website, verify that the state's website is also legitimate (e.g., a .gov domain) before proceeding with sensitive information.
Trusted Alternatives
The official website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a legitimate site created by state officials to help people search for funds that may belong to them or their relatives. Searches are free.
Visit siteThe official portal for the State of California's Unclaimed Property program, allowing individuals to search for and claim forgotten financial assets held by the state.
Visit siteFrequently Asked Questions
Is MissingMoney.com a legitimate website?
Yes, MissingMoney.com is a legitimate and widely recognized website. It is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and the National Association of State Treasurers, serving as an official portal for searching unclaimed property across most U.S. states and some Canadian jurisdictions. Many state governments, including the Arizona Department of Revenue, authorize and recommend its use for finding unclaimed funds.
Does MissingMoney.com charge a fee to search or claim property?
No, MissingMoney.com is a free service. There is no cost to search for your property or to file a claim through the website. Legitimate unclaimed property programs, including those linked via MissingMoney.com, do not charge fees to return your rightful assets.
What kind of information should I be cautious about providing on unclaimed property sites?
While MissingMoney.com itself is secure, general caution is advised when dealing with any financial claims online. Be wary of unsolicited communications (emails, texts, calls) claiming you have unclaimed property, especially if they ask for upfront fees or highly sensitive personal information beyond what's necessary for verification. Always ensure you are on the official MissingMoney.com site or a direct state government unclaimed property site before entering personal data.
How does MissingMoney.com protect my personal information?
MissingMoney.com is described as a secure website. As an official portal endorsed by NAUPA, it adheres to standards for handling sensitive data related to unclaimed property searches. When you initiate a claim, you are often directed to the specific state's official unclaimed property website, which will have its own security protocols for processing your claim and verifying your identity.
What should I do if I suspect an unclaimed property scam?
If you receive suspicious communications regarding unclaimed property, do not click on links, open attachments, or provide personal information. Instead, independently verify the information by visiting official government websites like MissingMoney.com or your state's unclaimed property division directly. Report suspected scams to relevant consumer protection agencies.
Can I trust the results I find on MissingMoney.com?
Yes, you can generally trust the search results on MissingMoney.com as it aggregates data from participating state unclaimed property databases. It is the only website endorsed by NAUPA to help reunite owners with their missing funds. However, the actual claiming process will require verification of your identity and ownership through the respective state's official channels.