Need cash? Check if Iowa has some for you

What if I told you there may be money waiting for you to claim, and all you have to do is type your name into a search box to find out?

You would probably think it was a scam.

That's what I thought, too. But it's not.

In Iowa there is more than $420 million in unclaimed property. Unclaimed property refers to property or accounts where there has been no activity for several years and the business cannot locate the owner, according to the Iowa state treasurer. This money is turned into the state treasurer's office.

The money ranges from forgotten savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, unpaid life insurance benefits, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents.

When I came across a tweet about finding unclaimed property in California, I decided to see if there was an Iowa program. At the ripe age of 23, I seriously doubted I would be owed any money.

But I was.

Every state has some sort of unclaimed property registry. People can search their name in any state they have lived in to find property. You can also search for property owed to your business.

In Iowa, the campaign is called the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. Current and former residents can visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov and click on 'search now.”

When I put my name in the search bar, I was surprised to see something pop up. I had unclaimed property from Apple for less than $100.

The form to reclaim your money is simple and quick to fill out.

Since its creation in 1983, the program has returned more than $291 million in unclaimed property, state Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald said.

While many Iowans may not know of the program, Fitzgerald is working to raise awareness. This holiday season, the state treasurer's office is doing a media campaign.

In recognition of the popular Christmas carol, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the Treasurer's official social media Facebook and Twitter, @IowaTreasurer, will use the hashtag #12DaysofTreasureHunting to commemorate the campaign, according to a media release.

Starting this week and running for 12 consecutive days, the state treasurer's office will highlight names, businesses and organizations from around the state with unclaimed property held in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.

'During the holidays, everyone can use a little extra money,” Fitzgerald said. 'Especially now with so many Iowans dealing with the impact of a global pandemic. An unexpected check from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt during the holiday season may help make things a little brighter this year.”

Fitzgerald said the goal is to return as much of the unclaimed money to Iowans.