Property that has been abandoned or lost for three years is listed as “unclaimed” by the state of New Jersey. This can include bank accounts, utility deposits, rebate cards, insurance payouts and physical property.  

In the past year, 236,845 records of unclaimed property were reported to the state and are being advertised, according to the Department of the Treasury. With the aim of alerting rightful owners that they have money or property to be claimed, over the next two weeks Treasury will be listing all the property; advertisements will  run in local newspapers. People can also find the listings on the property administration’s website, where they can then submit a claim free of charge.  

Nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States have accounts or items that have been abandoned. In fiscal year 2023, New Jersey returned a record-breaking $203 million worth of property to rightful owners. 

“The Unclaimed Property Administration has done a tremendous job reconnecting New Jerseyans with their property and getting the word out about how easy it is to do the free search on their website,” said state Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “I’ve witnessed in person the excitement and surprise when UPA tells someone about property being held for them, and I hope many more New Jerseyans get a similar thrill when they see their name on this year’s list.” 

Treasury emphasizes that “While certain third-party companies will charge a fee to connect individuals with their assets, there is never a charge for searching UPA’s database or for claiming property on the State’s secure website. Once approved, the asset is returned to its rightful owner with interest.”