DES MOINES (SPECIAL) – Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants Iowans to know they do not have to get dressed up in a costume and go door-to-door to receive treats for Halloween this year. In fact, there are plenty of treats in the form of unclaimed property waiting to be returned through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. “My office’s goal is to return as much of the property to the rightful owners as possible,” Fitzgerald explained.

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $100 million to more than 280,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Companies and banks in Iowa and from across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the state treasurer each year. Common examples of unclaimed property include money in forgotten savings/checking accounts, uncashed insurance benefit and payroll checks, IRA funds, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents, gift cards, utility refunds or deposits.

“Finding out if you have money or property in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is easy and claiming it is even easier,” said Fitzgerald. “There are no tricks or fees involvedonly treats for those who find they have property waiting for them. Better still, there is no time limit for collecting it.” Treasurer Fitzgerald guarantees that unclaimed property will be held until claimed by the rightful owner or heir.

For more information about the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, please visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com. Treasure seekers may also write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 or correspond by email at foundit@iowa.gov.