Finders

Please note that If you are inquiring about a matter associated with The Pennsylvania’s Treasury Department’s Finder Registration Program, the office is currently working on a modified schedule in response to the health threat posed by the coronavirus. This is a precautionary measure and prioritizes the health and safety of our employees and those we serve. Please e-mail any specific questions to FinderRegistration@PATreasury.gov. We appreciate your patience as a response to your inquiry may be delayed due our modified schedule.

lost & found

Finder Registration

Pennsylvania state law requires that all "Finders" and property recovery professionals who assist potential claimants assemble a claim for a fee must complete an application and be certified as a finder by the Pennsylvania Treasury. Like much of the Unclaimed Property law, this process is designed to protect consumers from predatory practices and fraud. While Pennsylvania Treasury always assists claimants prepare and file claims for free, Finders may provide their services for a fee. Those fees are now capped at 15% through Pennsylvania law.

To obtain an application for a certificate of finder registration, contact Finder Registration at finderregistration@patreasury.gov

Finders FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to hire a professional finder to claim my unclaimed funds?

No, you can claim your funds on your own, directly with the Bureau of Unclaimed Property, free of charge. Anyone can claim unclaimed funds by submitting a claim form along with proof of ownership. Unclaimed property staff will assist you throughout the claims process and are available to answer your questions.

Contact a representative now at:

Does a finder have to be licensed or registered to operate in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, no person may assist in the recovery of unclaimed property and receive compensation therefor unless the person has applied for and received a certificate of registration from the Treasurer. It is illegal for finders to operate without the required Certificate of Registration.

You can also find out if a finder is registered by calling Finder Registration at:

Is there a limit on the fees these finder companies can charge?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, a finder is not permitted to charge more than 15% of the total amount claimed.

What if I would like to go through a third party to claim my property?

If you do use a finder to help locate or claim your property, please make sure the identity of the finder is included on the claim form. Additionally, if a finder is assisting you, you must submit with your claim forms a copy of the agreement or contract between you and the finder and the agreement must comply with the following guidelines as required by Pennsylvania law:

  1. Be in writing and duly signed and acknowledged by the owner;
  2. Clearly state the fee or compensation to be paid, which shall not exceed fifteen per centum of the value of the abandoned and unclaimed property;
  3. Disclose the nature and value of the property;
  4. Disclose the name and address of the holder and, if known, whether the abandoned and unclaimed property has been paid or delivered to the State Treasurer;
  5. Identify the name, address and telephone number of the person assisting in the location, delivery or recovery of the abandoned and unclaimed property; and
  6. Identify the valid certificate of registration number assigned to the person assisting in the location, delivery or recovery of the abandoned and unclaimed property.

Please be advised all unclaimed property payments will be made payable to and sent directly to the claimants and not to any third-party finders. If Treasury discovers that a finder is having payments made out or sent to them, they may be subject to an investigation that may result in a revocation of their finder registration.

How can I apply for a certificate of finder registration?

To obtain an application for a certificate of finder registration, contact Finder Registration at:

Changes Important to Finders of Unclaimed Property

Can my Certificate of Registration be revoked?

Yes, a Finder’s Certificate of Registration can be revoked as set forth in Section 1301.11b of the Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act.

How do I report illegal finder activity?

To report illegal finder activity contact:

Pennsylvania Treasury Department
Office of Investigations: