Find Scottsdale Unclaimed Money

Scottsdale residents can search for unclaimed money through Arizona's state database at no charge. The city does not operate its own unclaimed property program. All lost funds from Scottsdale flow to the Arizona Department of Revenue. With a high-income population and many seasonal residents, Scottsdale may have substantial unclaimed property waiting in the system.

How to Search Scottsdale Unclaimed Property

Go to missingmoney.com to begin. Enter your name and pick Arizona from the list. Results show up instantly. Matches display the holder name and type of property. Dollar amounts stay private until you file a claim. The search is free. You can check as many names and variations as you want.

Scottsdale has many winter visitors and seasonal residents. If you split time between Arizona and another state, search both locations. Property reports based on your address when the account went dormant. A snowbird from Canada should check both Arizona and any U.S. states where they have lived. Someone who winters in Scottsdale but spends summers in Minnesota should search both state databases.

Try maiden names, nicknames, and business names in your search. Spelling errors appear often in these databases. If your name is Richard, also search Rich, Rick, and Dick. Women should check all married names they have used over the years. Business owners need to search company names and any trade names they registered. Search for deceased relatives too since heirs can claim their property.

New property enters the database weekly. A search today might find nothing, but new money could appear next month. Check back periodically. Property remains claimable for 35 years. Even old accounts from decades past can still be claimed today.

Types of Unclaimed Property in Scottsdale

Bank accounts are common. Checking and savings accounts become dormant after three years. With many wealthy residents and second homes in Scottsdale, significant sums can go unclaimed when people forget about accounts at banks they no longer use. Someone with multiple homes may open accounts near each property and lose track of them over time. CDs and money market accounts follow the same three-year rule.

Securities make up a notable portion of Scottsdale unclaimed property. Stock dividends, mutual fund distributions, and bond payments become unclaimed when the company loses contact with shareholders. After dividend checks bounce back repeatedly, the company turns over the shares to the state. Life insurance policies also go unclaimed when beneficiaries cannot be found. The policyholder dies and family never knew about the coverage.

Uncashed checks round out the list. Payroll checks, refund checks, and vendor payments all end up in the database over time. Commission payments, consulting fees, and contractor payments become unclaimed when people move. Insurance claim payments get lost when addresses change before the check arrives.

Utility deposits and safe deposit box contents also flow to the state. Electric, gas, and water companies hold deposits that customers never reclaim. Banks open safe deposit boxes after years of unpaid rent and turn over the contents. Gift cards from Arizona businesses become state property after five years of inactivity.

Filing Claims in Scottsdale

After finding property, file through ADOR. Arizona uses four forms:

• Form 600A for original owners
• Form 600B for heirs
• Form 600C for businesses
• Form 600D for agents

Download at azdor.gov/forms/unclaimed-property-forms. Include photo ID and proof of address. Old utility bills, bank statements, and tax returns help prove the address was yours. Make copies of everything you send.

Heir claims need additional documentation. You need the original owner's death certificate. Proof of your relationship to the deceased must be included. Birth certificates show parent-child connections. Marriage certificates link spouses. When multiple heirs exist, all may need to sign or one person needs court authorization to claim on behalf of everyone.

Processing takes about 90 days. Securities may take up to 120 days because of transfer requirements. Simple claims with complete paperwork move faster. Complex claims involving estates take longer. The state confirms receipt and notifies you of the decision by mail.

Avoiding Unclaimed Money Scams

Scammers often target affluent areas like Scottsdale. They know wealthier people may have larger unclaimed accounts. They send letters claiming to have found your money and ask for fees. Arizona never charges for searches or claims. ADOR will never ask for credit card or bank information. The state does not require payment to release your property.

Real letters do not include dollar amounts. You only see how much property is worth after you file a claim. The state does not cold call people about unclaimed money. Phone calls claiming you have funds waiting are likely scams. Emails asking for bank account numbers or Social Security numbers are fraudulent. Never share personal information with unexpected contacts.

Legitimate heir finding services do exist. They research unclaimed property and contact potential claimants for a fee. Their fees can reach 35% of the property value. You can file the same claim yourself for free. If someone contacts you about unclaimed money, verify the property exists first by searching missingmoney.com. Call (602) 364-0380 to verify any contact you receive.

Scottsdale and Maricopa County

Scottsdale is in Maricopa County. Regular unclaimed money goes through the state.

Contact Information

ADOR hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (602) 364-0380 or (877) 492-9957. Email: UnclaimedProperty@azdor.gov. Mail: PO Box 29026, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9026.

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