Search Surprise Unclaimed Money

Surprise residents can search for unclaimed money through Arizona's state database at no charge. The city does not run its own unclaimed property program. All lost funds from Surprise flow to the Arizona Department of Revenue. As one of the fastest growing cities in the Phoenix metro area, Surprise has many newcomers who may have left money behind in other states.

How to Search Surprise Unclaimed Property

Go to missingmoney.com to start. Enter your name and pick Arizona. Results appear instantly. Matches show the holder name and property type. Dollar amounts stay hidden until you file a claim. The search is free and unlimited.

Surprise has grown rapidly with many retirees and young families moving in. If you relocated here recently, search your previous states too. Property reports based on your address when the account went dormant. Someone who moved from California to Surprise should check both databases. Property could be waiting in either location.

Try maiden names, nicknames, and business names. Spelling errors are common. If your name is Daniel, also try Dan and Danny. Women should search all married names. Business owners need to check company names. Search for deceased relatives since heirs can claim their property. New property enters weekly. Check back periodically.

Types of Unclaimed Money in Surprise

Bank accounts are common. Checking and savings accounts go dormant after three years. CDs and money orders follow the same rule. People open accounts and forget about them when switching banks. Small balances add up over time.

Uncashed checks pile up over time. Payroll checks become unclaimed after one year. Refund checks and vendor payments also end up in the database. Insurance proceeds and securities flow to the state when beneficiaries cannot be located. Life insurance policies go unclaimed when heirs do not know about them.

Utility deposits accumulate. Electric, gas, and water companies hold deposits that customers never reclaim. Security deposits from landlords work the same way. Gift cards become state property after five years without use.

Filing Claims in Surprise

After finding property, file through ADOR:

• 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. Make copies of everything before mailing.

Heir claims require death certificates and proof of relationship. Processing takes about 90 days. Simple claims move faster. The state confirms receipt and sends a decision letter. Payment arrives by mail.

Avoiding Scams

Arizona never charges for searches or claims. The state does not require payment to release your property. Real letters do not include dollar amounts. You only see values after filing a claim.

The state does not cold call about unclaimed money. Phone calls claiming you have funds waiting are likely scams. Emails requesting bank accounts or Social Security numbers are fraudulent. Heir finders charge fees up to 35% but you can file yourself for free. Call (602) 364-0380 to verify any contact.

Surprise and Maricopa County

Surprise 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.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Search other West Valley cities if you lived elsewhere.