Money Search - British Columbia
British Columbia
Unclaimed Property Society
Harbour Centre PO Box 12136
555 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6
Phone: 604.662.3518
Toll Free: 1.888.662.2877
Fax: 604.669.2079
Every year in British Columbia money goes unclaimed. In 2003, the provincial government transferred administration of their unclaimed property program to the British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society (BCUPS), which strives to reunite rightful owners with their assets.
Search All Unclaimed Money Databases
All holders of unclaimed property must maintain a database of unclaimed property. The database must be made available to the general public to do a name search. Holders have the option of using the British Columbia Unclaimed Property's searchable database to post their unclaimed property, providing a searchable database on their own website, or providing a phone number where the public can request a search of their database.
The British Columbia Unclaimed Property Database
The BC Unclaimed Property Database contains information on both society-held and non-government held unclaimed property. Inquiries related to non-government held property will be referred back to the holder. Owners must establish legal entitlement. A name alone is insufficient proof of ownership.
Note: All names associated with court actions are listed as "potential" owners. For further details on the contents of this database, please visit Property Held by the British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society .
Unclaimed Money Legislation
As of April 1, 2000, the Unclaimed Money Act was repealed and replaced with the Unclaimed Property Act. Both the British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society and non-government organizations are required to make reasonable efforts to reunite owners with their unclaimed property.
As of July 1, 2000, if a prescribed circumstance arises, a holder is required to make reasonable efforts to locate the owner of the property. If unsuccessful within six months of making reasonable efforts, the holder must post the name of the owner on a public database. This legislation is not retroactive and applies only to transactions occurring after July 1, 2000.
To view the approved electronic versions of British Columbia's Revised Statutes and Consolidated Regulations, please visit: Queen's Printer Web Site
To directly access the Unclaimed Property Act and Regulation, click on the following links:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens to unclaimed money?
A: Each year, a portion of unclaimed funds held by BCUPS is transferred to Vancouver Foundation for distribution into communities across the province. In 2006 $1,500,000 was transferred to Vancouver Foundation for its grantmaking programs.
Q: Is there a time limit to make a claim:
A: No, there is no time limit
Q: Do we get interest?
A: No, interest does not accrue once the funds have been transferred to the Society
Q: What is your address?
A: Harbour Centre, PO Box 12136
555 – West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H3
Q: Are you open to the public?
A: No, we do not have public access. Please fax, mail or email us your information.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Our telephone hours are from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Q: I have questions about the Unclaimed Property Act?
A: We ask that all questions regarding the Act be made to our government representative Ron Tannhauser 250-387-8551 or ron.tannhauser@gems4.gov.bc.ca
Q: How can I find out what kind of property/land you have?
A: When we refer to property we always mean money; we do not hold any land or material property.
