How to Use AI to Find Unclaimed Money

Billions of dollars in "unclaimed property" sit in state government accounts, waiting for owners to find it. This could be a utility deposit from 1990, a forgotten savings account, or an uncashed dividend check. While AI cannot search the database directly (for security), it can guide you through the process for every state where you have lived.

Step 1: List Your Locations Make a list of every state where you (or a deceased relative you are handling the estate for) have lived or worked.

Open ChatGPT and type: "I have lived in Florida, New York, and Ohio. I want to search for unclaimed property in these states. Please give me the official, government-run website link for each state's unclaimed property division. Do not give me commercial sites."

Step 2: Learn the Search Tricks Searching for "John Smith" will give you too many results. AI knows the tricks.

Ask: "What are the best tips for searching for a common name? What variations should I try?" It will suggest trying "J. Smith," misspellings, or maiden names.

Step 3: Understand the Claim Process If you find money (and many people do!), the claim form can be confusing.

Copy the instructions from the website and paste them into ChatGPT. Ask: "I found $50 from an old electric bill. What specific documents do I need to mail in to prove this is me?" It will give you a simple checklist, like "Copy of Driver's License" and "Proof of old address."