Alberta looking to return unclaimed money and property

Alberta’s government is on the hunt for the rightful owners of $154 million in unclaimed money and property.

The province’s unclaimed property registry houses lost, abandoned, or forgotten funds, including cash, cheques and money orders. These items belong to individuals who may be eligible for unexpected windfalls.

In 2023, the registry returned $1.4 million to 650 people. Currently, nearly 350,000 items remain unclaimed, among them a single item worth more than $850,000, potentially setting a new payout record for Alberta if claimed.

“Who doesn’t like free money? Alberta’s unclaimed property registry is free and easy to check,” said Nate Horner, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. “A quick search could reunite someone with money they didn’t know they were entitled to.”

Since its launch in 2008, the registry has reunited more than 8,500 owners with $13.8 million. The funds come from sources such as unclaimed deposits, uncashed wages, and inactive investment accounts.

Alberta’s unclaimed property program operates under the Unclaimed Personal Property and Vested Property Act. Funds unclaimed for a decade are transferred to the government’s general revenue fund to support programs and services.

Individuals can search the registry via MissingMoney.com, a portal used by Alberta and other jurisdictions across North America.

For more information: visit MissingMoney.com