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When U.S. businesses cannot locate an individual to whom they owe money, they are required to provide the funds to state governments, which are then responsible for locating the owners and returning the property to them. However, less than half of individuals recover their funds annually, and states are currently estimated to hold over $58 billion in unclaimed funds. This is the first randomized control trial to examine unclaimed property and test potential causes of non-claiming behaviour. I randomize a subset of individuals who are owed funds into receiving information or assistance in recovering it. I experimentally vary the information received to consider the role of transaction costs, credibility, and stigma. Finally, I elicit time preferences and beliefs and consider whether providing individuals with deadlines or reminder messages can increase recovery rates.
