Money Search

Money Search - Colorado

The Great Colorado Payback Office
1120 Lincoln Street
Suite 1004
Denver, CO 80203
Phone No. (303) 894-2443
Phone No . (800) 825-2111
Fax No. (303) 894-2351
Email: greatcopayback@qwest.net

State Treasurer Cary Kennedy welcomes you to the Great Colorado Payback!

The Great Colorado Payback is responsible for reuniting Coloradans with their lost or forgotten assets.

For example: if you have lost track of a bank account, stock certificate, or a retirement account; misplaced a rebate check, reimbursement or paycheck from a business; or moved prior to receiving your Colorado state tax rebate, the bank, business or state agency is required by law to file a report and forward those assets to the Unclaimed Property office of the Colorado State Treasurer.

Even businesses lose track of property and payments, occasionally resulting in unclaimed property which can be claimed. Corporations, schools, hospitals, and small businesses are also listed among the many individuals whose assets are in the possession of the State.

The Colorado State Treasurer currently maintains a list of over 500,000 names of individuals as well as businesses for whom property is available. People can check names on the missing money site. Examples of these reportable accounts would include:

Checking Utility Refunds Stocks and Bonds

Oil and Gas Royalties	Safe Deposit Boxes	Uncashed Insurance Checks
Savings Accounts	Mutual Funds	Money Orders
Payroll Wages	Dividends	Security Deposits

Money or property turned over to the State Treasury for safekeeping always belongs to the owner or heir of the account and there are no time limits for filing your claim.

To see if you or someone you know may have money or property being held by Colorado visit our search site or elsewhere, visit Missing Money .com the Savings Bonds Treasury Hunt , Housing and Urban Development , the National Credit Union Administration or for lost pensions, visit the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation .

• The Great Colorado Payback Office 1580 Logan St., Ste. 500 Denver, CO 80203 • (800) 825-2111 • Fax 303-866-6154
  State of Colorado, Denver, CO
  For general questions about state government, send us an email or call us at 800-970-3468 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Why is Money turned over to the State Treasury?

To protect unclaimed property and return it to its rightful owner(s) or their heirs. Once received by his office, the Treasurer guarantees that the claimants who properly prove rightful ownership will receive their property back, even if the original financial institution or business closes.

For the convenience of the property's rightful owner(s), people trying to locate forgotten bank accounts or other property in Colorado can find them with just one call.

How does the State Treasurer find the rightful owners?

The Treasurer publishes the Great Colorado Payback list each year. The list is distributed statewide in newspapers and provided to public libraries, county treasurers' offices, and state legislators.

The Treasurer also sends a notice directly to thousands of property owners if a new address can be determined.
In addition to making a list of over 400,000 owner names available on line, you can find, the State Treasurer at public events, such as the Colorado State Fair, where a claimant may obtain a claim form on the spot.

Will the State return my money?

Absolutely! Unclaimed property always belongs to its rightful owner(s). The State Treasury acts only as a custodian of your property. There is no time limit or charge for claiming what is yours.

Do other states have unclaimed property laws?

Yes.  All states now have some type of unclaimed property law and many are similar to Colorado's.  The Treasurer's staff can also help Coloradans claim property reported in other states.
In addition, Internet users can go directly to the MissingMoney.com web page to search nationwide for lost or forgotten property.

If my account “sits” collecting interest or dividends, isn't it still active?

No. Even if interest or dividends are automatically deposited into your account it is not considered active unless you have contact with the financial institution or business.  To keep an account active, you must contact the financial institution, insurance company or other business by phone or mail, or just cash or deposit a check in the account.  A financial institution or business may even cross-reference an inactive account with an active one to keep it open.

Will I be able to reactivate my bank account?

Yes, a financial institution or company can always reactivate your account, or pay you directly. The Colorado Treasury will reimburse them upon request and proof that you were paid. This is a policy decision for each company.

What about my safe deposit box?

Safe Deposit boxes become dormant and reportable to the State Treasury as unclaimed property three years after the rent has expired.  You should check with your financial institution about other rules that apply to your safe deposit box. If you or a relative have lost track of a safe deposit box, please contact the Treasurer office after checking with the financial institution. (Note: Some accounts are subject to a five year dormancy period. If in doubt, check with the Great Colorado Payback office.)

What about my CD or IRA?

Certificates of Deposit (CD) become inactive five years after the date of maturity if your financial institution is unable to find you.  Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), or other long term pay-off accounts are inactive five years after the maturity date, the distribution date or when the owner reaches 72.5 years of age.

What if an account is never claimed?

Unclaimed property always belongs to its owner even if it is never claimed.  All unclaimed property is held in trust until the rightful owner(s) or their heirs claim it.  Beginning in July of 2001, all interest earned from the trust will support Colorado Uninsurable Health Insurance Program (CUHIP), now called "Cover Colorado."  This program subsidizes the premium payments for individuals with pre-existing conditions or abnormally high insurance expenses who otherwise cannot afford health insurance.  In no way does this limit the ability of owners to reclaim their property at any time.

What is a “finder?" Should I pay one?

A finder is someone who may contact you offering to locate your lost or forgotten property for a fee. Before you sign anything or pay a fee, check with the Great Colorado Payback office to see if your name is on the list.  You may also visit the Treasury's website and check for your name.