What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property in Wisconsin includes financial assets such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. These assets are turned over to the state when businesses cannot locate the rightful owners. Wisconsin is currently holding over $800 million in unclaimed property, waiting for individuals and businesses to claim what is rightfully theirs.

How Does Property Become Unclaimed?

Assets become unclaimed for several reasons, including:

• Address Changes: Forgetting to update your address after moving.
• Inactive Accounts: Neglecting savings or investment accounts.
• Uncashed Checks: Leaving payroll checks, refunds, or rebates unclaimed.
• Uncollected Insurance Benefits: Failing to collect life insurance payouts or policy refunds.

Wisconsin securely holds these assets indefinitely until they are claimed by the rightful owners or their heirs.

Types of Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin

Here are some common examples of unclaimed property in Wisconsin:

1. Bank Accounts: Dormant checking and savings accounts.
2. Uncashed Checks: Payroll, tax refunds, and rebate checks.
3. Insurance Proceeds: Life insurance payouts and policy refunds.
4. Utility Deposits: Overpayments or security deposits from utility companies.
5. Safe Deposit Boxes: Jewelry, coins, and important family documents.
6. Stocks and Dividends: Forgotten investments and earnings.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin

Wisconsin makes it easy to locate and claim unclaimed property through these steps:

1. Visit Wisconsin’s Official Unclaimed Property Website: Use Forgotten Loot to access the state’s search tool.
2. Enter Your Details: Search by your name, previous addresses, or business information.
3. Review the Listings: Identify any matches and verify ownership.
4. File Your Claim: Provide proof of identity and ownership to start the claim process.
5. Follow Up: Monitor the progress of your claim until it is resolved.

If you’ve lived in neighboring states like Minnesota or Illinois, consider searching their databases as well.

Why Search for Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin frequently updates its unclaimed property database, with new assets added each year. The process to search and claim is free, straightforward, and secure, ensuring that funds or items that belong to you can be reclaimed quickly.

Fun Facts About Wisconsin

• Wisconsin is known as “America’s Dairyland”, producing more cheese than any other state.
• The state hosts the annual World’s Largest Music Festival, Summerfest, in Milwaukee.
• Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, making it a haven for fishing and water sports.
• The Green Bay Packers, one of the NFL’s oldest teams, are based in Wisconsin.

Tips for Finding Success

1. Search All Name Variations: Include nicknames, maiden names, or middle initials.
2. Check Family Records: Look for funds belonging to deceased relatives or family estates.
3. Expand Your Search: If you’ve lived in nearby states, explore their databases too.
4. Review Annually: New assets are frequently added, so check back regularly.
5. Keep Documents Ready: Have identification and proof of ownership handy to expedite the claim process.

Get Started with Forgotten Loot

Wisconsin’s unclaimed property division is holding over $800 million in assets. Download Forgotten Loot today for step-by-step guidance to search in Wisconsin and across all 50 states.

Don’t miss your chance—start your search now and reclaim what’s rightfully yours!