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A finder says they will get my unclaimed money for a percentage. Should I pay?

By QuicklyClaim Editorial Team · Updated 2026-10-07 · Rules checked against the official sources on 2026-09-30

Searching the official unclaimed property databases is free. You should not pay a finder a percentage to do what the state does for nothing. Use your own state treasury's unclaimed property program, Virginia's vaMoneySearch.gov, or MissingMoney.com, the free multi-state search NAUPA manages.

The free official routeSearching for unclaimed property is free at the official sources: your own state treasury's unclaimed property program, Virginia's own vaMoneySearch.gov, and MissingMoney.com, the free multi-state search NAUPA manages. Never pay a finder a percentage to do what the state does for nothing.

Key facts

Searching the official unclaimed property databases is free.
MissingMoney.com is a free website managed by NAUPA that searches participating states' databases.
Virginia's official search and claim database is vaMoneySearch.gov.
NAUPA describes itself as the authority that helps individuals claim unclaimed property.
Never pay a finder a percentage to do what the state does for nothing.

What the rule actually says

The rule is simple: searching for unclaimed property is free at the official sources. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) describes itself as the authority that helps individuals claim unclaimed property and helps businesses meet state reporting law. MissingMoney.com is a free website managed by NAUPA that searches participating states' unclaimed property databases from one place. Virginia's official search and claim database is vaMoneySearch.gov, and the Treasury states that finding money there is easy and free.

So when a finder offers to get your unclaimed money for a percentage, they are offering to do something you can do yourself at no cost. You do not need to pay anyone a percentage to do what the state does for nothing.

Steps in order

Before you consider paying anyone, do this:

Go to your own state treasury's unclaimed property program website. If you are in Virginia, go to vaMoneySearch.gov.
If you have lived in other states, use MissingMoney.com, the free multi-state search managed by NAUPA.
Search your name. Try variations: maiden name, middle initial, common misspellings.
These searches are free. You do not need to pay a finder to do them for you.

These steps cost nothing and put you in control.

If someone is refusing a claim you believe you are owed, you can ask a lawyer about your options.

Ask a lawyer online

Paid service. The free route above costs nothing.

What goes wrong and how to avoid it

The main risk is paying a percentage for something that is free. Searching the official unclaimed property databases is free. You do not need a finder to search for you.

To avoid problems:

Never pay a finder a percentage to do what the state does for nothing.
Always use the official sources yourself first.
Remember that searching is free at your own state treasury's program, vaMoneySearch.gov, and MissingMoney.com.

If someone asks for a percentage, you can simply do the free search instead.

When it is worth paying someone

Searching for unclaimed property is free at the official sources. Paying a finder a percentage for a search you can do for free rarely makes sense. The official sources are your own state treasury's unclaimed property program, Virginia's vaMoneySearch.gov, and MissingMoney.com, the free multi-state search NAUPA manages.

If you choose to pay someone, you are paying for something that is available to you at no cost. You should weigh that against the free official route described on this page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I search for unclaimed money myself?

Use your own state treasury's unclaimed property program. If you are in Virginia, use vaMoneySearch.gov. For other states, use MissingMoney.com, the free multi-state search managed by NAUPA. Searching these official databases is free.

Is MissingMoney.com free?

Yes. MissingMoney.com is a free website managed by NAUPA that searches participating states' unclaimed property databases from one place. You do not pay to use it.

What is NAUPA?

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators describes itself as the authority that helps individuals claim unclaimed property and helps businesses meet state reporting law. It manages MissingMoney.com, a free multi-state search.

Is Virginia's unclaimed property search free?

Yes. Virginia's official search and claim database is vaMoneySearch.gov, and the Treasury states that finding money there is easy and free. You do not need to pay a finder a percentage to use it.