State Treasurer Roby Smith is encouraging Iowans to visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt booth at the Iowa State Fair and discover if they have any unclaimed money awaiting them. Located in the Varied Industries Building, the kiosk offers fairgoers access to computers for their search. Smith says, “Many Iowans would argue there is nothing better than their favorite food on a stick. But I would argue those Iowans have never stopped by the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt’s booth to find unclaimed money with their name on it. More than $485 million is waiting to be claimed, so visit us and start your search!” The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt aims to reunite unclaimed property with its rightful owners or heirs. Unclaimed property often occurs when businesses or financial institutions lose contact with the asset owners after a specific period and turn the funds over to the State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping. Assets waiting to be claimed may include forgotten checking and savings accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility refunds, and safe deposit box contents. Fairgoers can look for their names or the names of people and businesses they know. Great Iowa Treasure Hunt experts will be available at the booth to assist with questions and guide individuals through the claim process. For those who cannot attend the fair, the search can also be conducted online at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov any day, any time.
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