Have you ever received a call or text promising you a treasure trove of unclaimed property? Maybe they tantalized you with thousands of dollars just waiting for you to claim. But before you start planning that trip to the Bahamas, hold onto your wallet! It might just be a scammer in disguise, not a secret Santa.

How to Spot the Scam

These sneaky scammers love to use official-sounding names, like the “Department of Unclaimed Riches,” to rope you in. They might even throw in a specific dollar amount to make it sound legit. But remember, if it sounds too good to be true—it probably is. This is what we call a phishing scam.

Here’s their playbook:

  • Urgency is their middle name: If they say time is running out or they’ve extended the claim period just for you, it’s a red flag bigger than a matador’s cape.
  • They want your info: Asking for personal details or a “small fee” to release your funds? Scam alert! The government doesn’t charge you to find your own money.

What the Government Actually Does

The real deal is simple: the government will never call or text to demand money or personal information for unclaimed funds. They also won’t rush you. Scammers thrive on panic. They want you to act first and think later.

Stay Scam-Savvy

Here’s how to keep both your money and sanity:

  1. Don’t click on random links: Legit state unclaimed property programs won’t text you. If you get one, it’s probably from someone who’d love to grab your info.

  2. Verify before you buy it: Check your state’s official .gov website for unclaimed property. Head over to unclaimed.org/search to safely search for your state’s unclaimed property office.

  3. Report the rotters: If you catch a scammer in action, don’t just sit there—tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. And spread the word to a friend! The more people know, the fewer victims there’ll be.

  4. Stay informed: Get the latest scoop on scams by signing up for the FTC’s Consumer Alerts at ftc.gov/ConsumerAlerts.

Remember, when it comes to unclaimed property, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After all, the only unclaimed fortune you want is the one that’s actually yours!

For more details, check out the original article here: FTC Consumer Protection.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-handle-unexpected-calls-about-unclaimed-funds