How to spot a money scam
Wherever there's money to claim, scammers pretend to help. These are the signs to watch for.
They want a fee to get your money
Searching for and claiming unclaimed property is free on your state's site, and there's no fee to apply for a government grant.
They say a grant is guaranteed
Real grants have applications and rules. "Guaranteed or your money back" is a classic scam line.
They contacted you out of the blue
A call, text or social media message saying you've won money or a grant, especially from someone claiming to be the government.
They ask for gift cards, wire transfers or crypto
No government agency or settlement is paid that way.
They want your Social Security number or bank login by phone or email
Type sensitive numbers only on official .gov sites or the court-approved settlement site, and only when you started the search yourself.
They rush you
"Act today or lose it" is pressure, not policy. Real deadlines are posted on the official site.