Guide to Opportunities in Unclaimed Property

Tap into local law enforcement

Once they finish their investigations, local law enforcement agencies often auction hundreds of seized items, from tools to computers.

I recommend: Contact your local police department, or bid yourself at PropertyRoom.com, a nationwide service where many local agencies sell surplus or unclaimed goods.

Scan state government sites

Some states conduct their own online auctions as the best way to attract nationwide buyers for unclaimed property.

I recommend: Visit the auction site for California, an early leader in this trend, or contact Luv2Bid for a schedule of upcoming auctions in all states.

Register with eBay

More states are finding it easier to auction items through industry giant eBay, which has a built-in national audience. Texas is among states using this service.

I recommend: Go to eBay to register your name and set up an ID and password. Also check this link to Texas' eBay auctions of unclaimed property.

Check your own records

Have you moved your business recently?You may not have claimed all your security deposits from landlords or utility companies. Such funds may become unclaimed property in your states.

I recommend: Visit Missing Money, a Web site officially endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) with records from 35 states. Find out more about unclaimed property from this MK Consulting.

Don't pay a fee

Some companies will want a fee to connect you with your unclaimed property. But the same information likely is available for free from your state government, which acts as a clearinghouse for such information.

I recommend: Contact NAUPA for links to all state agencies that specialize in unclaimed property.