So turns out there's this concept called "Escheatment" where governments will take custody of unclaimed property, like if a check is sent to your previous address so you never cash it because you didn't know about it.

In the US, this is handled by state governments. If you google "[state] escheatment" you should see a .gov website that will let you search your name to see if they've got anything for you so you can file a claim. There are aggregator searches like missingmoney.com, but it didn't list some of the entries that the official one did so I wouldn't recommend it. You should check any state you've lived, and maybe your family too if you're feeling saucy.

I didn't find anything in my name, but it showed similar results by last name and I found stuff for my mom, dad, sister, a few aunts and uncles, and even my late grandmother! It usually won't be much, but it's your property, so you might as well get it, right? Plus in the case of your family you get to ring them up and say "Hey, how would you like some money?"

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[–] Darthsenio_Mall@hexbear.net 12 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

Bump, this is a great tip. Searched myself a few years ago on missingmoney and I got $20 from gamestop from i assume an ancient giftcard or something. Also searched my family and friends and a few of them had similar amounts.

[–] RION@hexbear.net 10 points 5 months ago (1 children)

So did you just get a $20 debit or was it $20 in gamestop bux or whatever? My sister's property is in "gift certificates" so I'm hoping it's not locked into like a fingerpainting studio or something

[–] Darthsenio_Mall@hexbear.net 2 points 4 months ago

I think they mailed me a check? I honestly don't remember exactly but it was definitely plain old money and not locked into gamestop bux or anything.