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Why you got a letter about unclaimed property, and how to tell if it is real

Real letters about unclaimed property can come from a business or from the state. A business that holds your money may have to try to reach you before it sends the money to the state; that is a due diligence letter.1 Or the state already holds the money and writes to tell you, sometimes with a check on the way.12 Claiming through the official state program is free.3

Updated · Facts checked against official sources November 3, 2026

On this page
  1. Three kinds of letter, and what each one means
  2. Due diligence letters from a business
  3. Pathward unclaimed property letters
  4. Letters from the state
  5. Is the letter a scam?
  6. Letters from finders
  7. Next step
  8. Questions people ask
  9. Sources
  • A due diligence letter means a company is about to report your money to the state; answering it before its deadline can keep the money with the company.4
  • States set the rules: Delaware requires the letter 60 to 120 days before the report,5 California at least six months before for inactive bank accounts.4
  • Pathward says most of its letters concern idle prepaid debit cards.6
  • Claiming from the state is free;3 a letter that involves a fee may come from a finder.11

Three kinds of letter, and what each one means

Real unclaimed property letters by sender
Who sends it What it means
A business that owes you money (bank, card issuer, insurer, employer) It is about to report your property to the state, and the law makes it try to reach you first1
A vendor working for that business Some companies hire outside firms to find owners before the property goes to the state314
Your state’s unclaimed property program The state holds property in your name, or is about to receive it, and is telling you so41

A fourth kind, a letter from a finder offering to recover the money for a share of it, is in most cases legal, NAUPA says, but not required.3 It is covered further down.

Due diligence letters from a business

State law can require a business to write to the owner before it sends dormant money to the state. In Kansas the business must write 60 to 120 days before the transfer, and the Treasurer says a person who gets this letter is dealing with a company that is preparing to report the property.1 California tells consumers that answering such a notice promptly matters, “or else your property will be transferred”.4

The rules differ from state to state: which amounts trigger a letter, and how long before the report it must go out.

Due diligence letter rules in some states
State Who must get a letter, and when
California Owners of inactive bank accounts of $50 or more, at least six months before the report4
Delaware Property of $50 or more, and every security whatever its value, 60 to 120 days before the report5
Florida Property of $50 or more, 90 to 180 days before the report; over $1,000, also a certified letter at least 60 days before15
Maryland Property of $100 or more, 30 to 120 days before the report16
Virginia Items of $100 or more, at least 60 days before the report17
North Dakota Accounts of $25 or more, no more than 120 days before the report18

Below the threshold, a business may not have to write at all: Iowa, for example, does not require the mailing when an owner’s property totals less than $50.19 Businesses sending these letters can read the due diligence guide. Because the letter must go out a set time before the report, the reporting deadline table also tells you roughly when to expect one in each state.

What a real due diligence letter says at the top

Some states set the wording at the top of the letter. Florida’s law, for example, asks for a heading that reads substantially as shown below:

  • California: “The State of California requires us to notify you that your unclaimed property may be transferred to the state if you do not contact us”.4
  • Delaware: “Notice. The State of Delaware requires us to notify you that your property will be transferred to the custody of the State Escheator if you do not contact us before” a date 30 days after the notice.5
  • Florida: “Notice: The State of Florida requires us to notify you that your property may be transferred to the custody of the Florida Department of Financial Services if you do not contact us before” a date at least 30 days after the notice.15

If you do nothing

The business reports the property and sends it to the state. In Kansas, the Treasurer says such funds are usually not in its system until after the annual November 1 reporting deadline, and can be claimed from its office once the report is processed.1 Owners keep the right to claim from the state; NAUPA says that right lasts in perpetuity,9 and the claim deadline table shows how each state puts it.

Pathward unclaimed property letters

Pathward, National Association is a national bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, listed as active in the FDIC’s BankFind database with the OCC as its regulator.8 Its own pages explain the unclaimed property letters people receive:

  • What they are about. Pathward says most of its letters concern prepaid debit cards that have been idle for more than a year, or several years, and that it sponsors gift, travel, reloadable and other payment cards with partner companies.6 A letter can also be about an uncashed check from one of its divisions, which it lists as Crestmark, AFS/IBEX, Refund Advantage and EPS Financial.6
  • Why they come. “State laws require Pathward to return these monies to the state as unclaimed property”.7
  • A letter from your state that names Pathward. Pathward’s page addresses people who received a letter from their state saying they have unclaimed property with Pathward.7 Its FAQ adds that California requires the bank to send its letters a year ahead, rather than a few months before the transfer, so a later letter from the California State Controller can follow one from Pathward.6
  • Cost and documents. Pathward says there is no charge to claim directly from it before the funds go to the state.6 Its form asks for identification, including a government-issued photo ID,6 and Pathward says payment can take up to 90 days after the documents are approved.6
  • The other route. Pathward’s FAQ says that if you are uncomfortable giving it that information, you may wait until the funds reach your state and claim from the state directly.6 Once the property has been transferred, its form says the claim must go to the state.6

Contact details Pathward publishes in its FAQ: the Escheat Administrator at 1-877-497-7479,6 [email protected],6 and Pathward, N.A., Attn: Escheat Administrator, 5501 S Broadband Ln, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.6

Letters from the state

States write to owners for several reasons, and some now pay without a claim form.

  • Before the transfer. California’s State Controller sends its own notice to owners of property of $50 or more before it is transferred, naming the business, its contact details, the type of property and the amount.4
  • After the transfer, asking you to claim. Pennsylvania Treasury mailed letters in 2026 to nearly 64,000 people owed from $500.01 to $10,000; those recipients must start a claim online or by phone.20 Its sample letter notes that people with several properties may get a separate letter for each.21 Kansas matches its records with the Department of Revenue and says an outreach letter means it has found property that most likely belongs to you.1 Florida’s Department of Financial Services also writes to owners as part of regular outreach.22
  • With a claim code. California’s 2026 letters carry a unique claim code; recipients use it to confirm their details online instead of searching the database or filing a traditional claim.23
  • Before an automatic check. Connecticut’s Big Match letter tells you how much to expect and the check follows about 6 to 8 weeks later;2 the Treasurer said the letters go first because people would reasonably be suspicious of a check that simply arrived.2 Iowa mails a letter to confirm the address and, if it is not returned, a check about three weeks later.12 West Virginia’s Treasurer said in 2024 that its Cash Now letters tell people a check will come in October, verify the address and show the program is legitimate and not a scam.10 Delaware’s Money Match check comes with a short letter from its Office of Unclaimed Property.13

State pages list automatic payments where a state has them, and the how states pay table compares how states pay approved claims.

Is the letter a scam?

A real letter can name an exact amount: California’s notice lists it4 and Connecticut’s says how much to expect.2 Scammers also use specific amounts, along with fake agency names and pressure to act fast.24 So an amount alone does not show whether a letter is real. Official sources point to these signs:

  • A fee. Searching and claiming through the official state program is free,3 and a communication that involves a fee may come from a finder.11 California says it never charges a fee to claim directly from its office.23
  • A push toward a lawyer or an upfront payment. California has warned about official-looking letters and emails telling people to contact a private attorney or pay upfront fees, and says owners can claim without fees or lawyers.25
  • A website that is not the state’s. California says its genuine letters identify the State Controller’s Office and direct people to ClaimIt.ca.gov.23

What state programs say about checking a letter:

  • Search the official database. Vermont’s Treasurer says anyone who receives a suspicious notice should search MissingMoney.com to verify the claim.24 Florida points people who get its letter to its own database to verify the account.22
  • Unknown phone numbers. California says it is not connected with generic postcards prompting people to call a toll-free number, and cautions against calling a number from an unknown source.25
  • Contact the program. North Dakota invites people to contact its office to confirm a letter came from it “or another legitimate company”.14 The list of states leads to each state’s page.

The scam guide and the scam check list the warning signs state and federal agencies publish.

Letters from finders

Finders, also called locators or heir finders, offer to find property and explain how to claim it for a fee, usually a percentage, and some states cap that fee.13 They often find owners through freedom of information requests to the states.3 NAUPA recommends contacting your state’s unclaimed property office before signing a finder’s contract.3 The legal limits in each state are in the finder fee table, and the finders guide covers how these offers work.

Next step

Whatever the letter says, you can check it without using its links or phone numbers: open your state from the list of states and use the official search. If your name appears, the claim guide explains how to file.

Questions people ask

What is an unclaimed property due diligence letter?

It is the notice a business must send before it reports your inactive money to the state. Kansas, for example, requires it 60 to 120 days before the transfer, and says a company that sends one is preparing to report your property.1

Is the Pathward unclaimed property letter legitimate?

Pathward says on its own site that state laws require it to turn idle funds over to the state as unclaimed property,7 and its FAQ explains the letters and its claim form.6 Pathward, National Association is an FDIC-listed bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.8

What happens if I ignore a due diligence letter?

The business reports the property and sends it to the state.4 It is not lost: owners can claim it from the state, and NAUPA says owners keep that right in perpetuity.9 Rules on deadlines vary by state; see the claim deadline table.

Do real letters show how much money I am owed?

Some do. California's pre-transfer notice lists the business, the type of property and the amount,4 and Connecticut's Big Match letter says how much to expect.2 Scammers can also name an amount,24 so an amount alone does not show whether a letter is real. A communication that involves a fee may come from a finder;11 the official state programs charge nothing.3

Will the state send me a check without a claim?

Some states do. In Connecticut, Iowa and West Virginia a letter comes first and the check follows;21210 in Delaware the Money Match check arrives with a short letter.13 State pages list automatic payments where a state has them.

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

  1. FAQs – Claiming Property Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (7)
    businesses must notify owners in writing 60 to 120 days before transferring unclaimed funds to the State Treasurer.
    If you received this letter, the company is preparing to report your property to our office.
    These funds are typically not available in our system until after the annual reporting deadline on November 1st.
    We periodically match our records with the Department of Revenue to find current addresses for unclaimed property owners.
    Once the report is processed, you may file a claim through our office.
    There are legitimate "heir finders" or "asset locators" who might contact you if they've found unclaimed property in your name.
    If you receive an outreach letter, it means we have identified property that most likely belongs to you.
  2. Treasurer Russell announces launch of CT Big Match Connecticut Office of the Treasurer · portal.ct.gov · May 15, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    you will receive a letter in the mail informing you of the match and how much money you can expect to receive.
    About 6-8 weeks after receiving the notification, your check will arrive in the mail.
    “We’re sending letters ahead of the checks because we realize that people will be reasonably suspicious of a check just showing up in the mail,” continued Treasurer Russell.
  3. Is it really free to search? National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (6)
    There is no fee to search for and claim your unclaimed property—if you use your official state program.
    IMPORTANT: There are, however, third-party “finders” that may offer to locate and claim your unclaimed property for you. While not required to obtain your unclaimed property, these third-party services are in most cases legal.
    Sometimes, the organization holding your unclaimed property (ex., bank, utilities company) will hire a third-party finder to locate you before the organization is required to turn the unclaimed property over to the state.
    Many businesses, sometimes called finders or locators, offer to find legitimate lost property for owners and inform them of how to obtain it for a fee—usually a percentage of the total find. Some states limit the maximum fee.
    Third-party finders often use the states’ freedom of information acts to obtain owner information.
    Before signing any contract from a firm of this type, we recommend that you be cautious and contact the unclaimed property office in your state for more information.
  4. Consumer Information California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (5)
    Banks and financial institutions are required by law to send owners of inactive accounts, valued at $50 or more, a notice at least six (6) months before they are required to report the property to the state.
    At the top of the notice it will state: The State of California requires us to notify you that your unclaimed property may be transferred to the state if you do not contact us.
    It is important that you respond to the notice promptly, or else your property will be transferred.
    Before property is transferred to the state, the State Controller’s Office sends a notice to all property owners with property valued at $50 or more informing them that they have property that will be transferred to the state unless they notify the business by a certain date.
    The State Controller’s notice includes the name of the business, the contact information, the type of property and the amount.
  5. Delaware Code Title 12, Chapter 11, Subchapter II. Unclaimed Property Delaware General Assembly (Delaware Code Online) · delcode.delaware.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    The holder of property presumed abandoned shall send to the owner notice that complies with § 1149 of this title in a format acceptable to the State Escheator, by first-class United States mail, not more than 120 days nor less than 60 days before filing the report under § 1142 of this title, or at any time as directed under § 1171(5) of this title, if both of the following apply:
    (2) The value of the property is $50 or more, unless the property is a security, in which case the holder must send notice to the owner regardless of the value of the property.
    “Notice. The State of Delaware requires us to notify you that your property will be transferred to the custody of the State Escheator if you do not contact us before [insert date that is 30 days after the date of this notice.]”
  6. Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ (PDF) Pathward, N.A. · pathward.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (13)
    Most letters that go out relating to Pathward unclaimed property are for prepaid debit cards that have been idle for more than a year, or several years.
    We sponsor gift cards, travel cards, reloadable cards, and other payment cards with various partners and companies.
    The letter could have also been sent for an uncashed check relating to a division of Pathward.
    Pathward is a financial service company with several divisions including Crestmark, AFS/IBEX, Refund Advantage, and EPS Financial.
    No, there is not a charge to claim funds directly from Pathward prior to us turning funds over to the state.
    One form of ID must be a government issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license.
    If you are simply uncomfortable providing Pathward with that information through our process, you may wait until the funds are turned over to your state and claim from them directly.
    The process to get a check or replacement card from Pathward can be up to 90 days from approval of the form/documents.
    California is a state that requires the bank to send the letters out a year in advance rather than just a few months before the property is turned over to the state.
    NOTICE: IF YOUR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY HAS ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE STATE, YOU MUST CONTACT THE STATE TO CLAIM YOUR PROPERTY.
    Or you may email the signed claim form with two ID documents to [email protected] – please include your name and Account ID in the subject line.
    For questions, please contact the Escheat Administrator at 1-877-497-7479.
    Attn: Escheat Administrator 5501 S Broadband Ln Sioux Falls, SD 57108
  7. Unclaimed Property Inquiries Pathward, N.A. · pathward.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    You have received a letter from your state indicating you have unclaimed property with Pathward, you possibly had a prepaid debit card in the form of a gift card or reloadable card issued by Pathward that has been dormant or not used for one year or more.
    State laws require Pathward to return these monies to the state as unclaimed property.
  8. BankFind Suite API, institution record: Pathward, National Association (FDIC certificate 30776) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) · api.fdic.gov · FDIC data index of Oct. 30, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)
    "NAME":"Pathward, National Association"
    "CITY":"Sioux Falls"
    "REGAGNT":"OCC"
    "ACTIVE":1
  9. NAST and NAUPA Relaunch MissingMoney.com National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · Nov. 1, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Though held by each state, owners have the right to reclaim their money in perpetuity.
  10. Treasurer Moore Encourages Residents to Check Mail for Third Round of 'West Virginia Cash Now' Notices West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · July 11, 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    The letters will inform residents they will be receiving checks for their unclaimed properties in October.
    In addition to verifying the address of the individual, the letters serve to inform people this program is legitimate and not a scam.
  11. How States Return Missing Money National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    If you receive a communication regarding your unclaimed property that involves a fee, it may be from a third-party finder or locator.
  12. Money Match Treasurer of State of Iowa · iowatreasurer.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    We will first mail a letter to verify the matched address is still current.
    If we do not receive returned mail, Money Match will mail a check to the matched address approximately three weeks later.
  13. Money Match Program Details Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property · unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    The check is accompanied by a short letter from the Office of Unclaimed Property. This is not a scam.
  14. FAQs: General North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, Unclaimed Property Division · unclaimedproperty.nd.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    Feel free to contact our office directly to ensure the letter did in fact come from ND Unclaimed Property or another legitimate company.
    Some companies use third party vendors to assist them in their efforts to locate owners as well.
  15. Chapter 717, Florida Statutes (2026), Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Property Act The Florida Legislature · leg.state.fl.us · 2026 Florida Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)
    (2) Holders of property presumed abandoned which has a value of $50 or more shall use due diligence to locate and notify the apparent owner that the holder is in possession of property subject to this chapter.
    At least 90 days, but not more than 180 days, before filing the report required by this section, a holder in possession of presumed abandoned property shall send written notice by first-class United States mail to the apparent owner’s last known address as shown in the holder’s records or from other available sources, or by e-mail if the apparent owner has elected for e-mail delivery, informing the apparent owner that the holder is in possession of property subject to this chapter, provided that the holder’s records contain a mailing or e-mail address for the apparent owner which is not known by the holder to be inaccurate.
    (3) If the value of the property is greater than $1,000, the holder must send a second written notice by certified United States mail, return receipt requested, to the apparent owner’s last known address at least 60 days before filing the report required by this section, if the holder’s records contain a mailing address for the apparent owner which is not known by the holder to be inaccurate.
    (a) A heading that reads substantially as follows: “Notice: The State of Florida requires us to notify you that your property may be transferred to the custody of the Florida Department of Financial Services if you do not contact us before (insert date that is at least 30 days after the date of notice) .”
  16. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-308.2 Maryland General Assembly · mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Not more than 120 days or less than 30 days before the filing of the report required under § 17–310 of this subtitle, the holder in possession of presumed abandoned property shall send a written notice by first–class mail to the apparent owner of presumed abandoned property valued at $100 or more to the owner’s last known address informing the owner that:
  17. Reporting Unclaimed Property (slides) Virginia Department of the Treasury · vamoneysearch.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    For items $100 or greater in value, the law requires that written notice be sent by first class mail to the owner’s last know address at least 60 days prior to reporting.
  18. Report Guidelines North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, Unclaimed Property Division · unclaimedproperty.nd.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    As required by N.D.C.C. Section 47-30.2-26 and N.D.C.C. Section 47-30.2-27 if the account is $25 or more, you have an obligation to send a letter to the owner's last know address not more than 120 days prior to filing this report.
  19. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 556 – Disposition of Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · Iowa Code 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    A holder is not required to make a due diligence mailing to owners whose property has an aggregate value of less than fifty dollars.
  20. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Check Your Mailbox to Claim Your Cash! Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Aug. 11, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    The Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently mailed letters to nearly 64,000 people across the Commonwealth to let them know there is money for them to claim valued from $500.01 up to $10,000.
    Recipients of these letters must initiate a claim for their money online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property or by reaching out to Treasury directly at 800-222-2046.
  21. Sample unclaimed property letter to owners (PDF) Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    (If you have multiple properties available to claim, you may receive a separate letter for each property.)
    If this letter reached you in error, no action is needed.
  22. Frequently Asked Questions Florida Department of Financial Services · claimyourcashfl.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property, regularly conducts outreach to notify individuals when state records indicate they may have abandoned property.
    If you receive a letter from the Florida Department of Financial Services regarding abandoned property, click here to search our database of abandoned property accounts to verify and claim the account(s) referenced in our letter.
  23. PR26:14 Controller Cohen Announces Mailing of Notices to Californians Who May Be Owed Unclaimed Property California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · June 4, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    Recipients do not need to search the unclaimed property database or submit a traditional claim. Instead, eligible individuals can use a unique claim code included in the letter to verify their information and complete a streamlined online process.
    We want to remind Californians that official correspondence regarding this program will clearly identify the California State Controller’s Office and provide instructions directing recipients to ClaimIt.ca.gov.
    Californians should also know that they never have to pay a fee to claim property directly from the State Controller’s Office.
  24. Treasurer Pieciak Warns of Unclaimed Property Scam Targeting Vermonters Office of the Vermont State Treasurer · vermonttreasurer.gov · April 28, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    To capture an individual’s attention, scammers might provide a specific dollar amount, use a fake government name, or urge to act quickly.
    Anyone who receives a suspicious notice about unclaimed property should search the national database, MissingMoney.com, to verify the claim.
  25. Consumer Fraud Alerts California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    The State Controller’s Office is not connected with the mailing of these postcards and cautions the public from calling a number from an unknown source.
    Some people have reported receiving official-looking emails or letters with instructions to contact a private attorney or pay upfront fees for help with recovering lost property for them or a family member.
    You have the right to obtain your unclaimed property without fees or lawyers by working directly with the State Controller’s Office staff.