What Is Considered Unclaimed Property?

From time to time, the CFPB may come into possession of property, documents, funds, or other items belonging to clients, customers, or third parties.

When such property remains unclaimed after reasonable notice and the passage of the applicable claim period, it may be classified as Unclaimed Property in accordance with internal policies and applicable regulations.

Unclaimed Property can be intangible, which is the most common (ex. uncashed paychecks, stocks) or tangible(ex. safe deposit box contents).

Unclaimed Property includes:
 

• Physical documents or records
   
• Client files or correspondence
   
• Funds, credits, or payments not claimed
   
• Personal property left in the Company’s custody
   
• Returned or undeliverable items
   
• Digital records or access credentials

• Checking or Savings accounts

• Stocks

• Uncashed Dividends or payroll checks.

• Refunds

• Traveler's Checks

• Trust Distributions

• Certificates of deposit

• Lottery & Prizes

• Customer overpayments

• Utility security deposits

• Mineral royalty payments

• Safe deposit boxes

• Insurance payments or refund

• Life insurance policies

• Annuities

Property is considered unclaimed when no action, response, or claim has been made by the rightful owner within the required period.

This section is provided to inform the consumer/company of unclaimed property, abandoned assets, and custodial items that remain in the possession or control of the CFPB after reasonable notice and the expiration of the applicable claim period.

The CFPB is committed to maintaining transparency, procedural fairness, and compliance with applicable U.S. standards governing record retention, custodial responsibility, and asset disposition. This page serves as a formal notice and outlines the process by which individuals may report potential unclaimed property and submit an inquiry for review.

The CFPB acts in a custodial or administrative capacity with respect to certain property arising from its business operations. Such custody does not, by itself, imply ownership by the CFPB during the applicable claim period, until the period expires.

While property remains within the claim period, the CFPB maintains the item/funds in accordance with internal retention policies, security protocols, and administrative standards. The CFPB does not guarantee indefinite preservation, storage, or accessibility beyond the claim period.

Individuals who believe they may have unclaimed property held by the CFPB are encouraged to initiate an inquiry through the designated reporting process.

To ensure proper handling and review, all inquiries must be submitted through the official reporting mechanism provided on this page.

Reporting Potential Unclaimed Property

After a designated period if time (called the dormancy period) with no activity or contact, the property becomes "unclaimed" and by law, must be turned over to the state.