Aurora Unclaimed Property Search
Aurora unclaimed money gets held by the state through the Great Colorado Payback program run by the Colorado Treasurer. As the third largest city in Colorado with nearly 400,000 people, Aurora has many residents with unclaimed funds waiting. The city made news when it had over 80 claims worth more than $13,000 in unclaimed property. Residents search the free state database to find old bank accounts, insurance refunds, stock dividends, and utility deposits. No fees apply to search or file a claim.
Aurora Quick Facts
Great Colorado Payback for Aurora
The Great Colorado Payback holds unclaimed property for all Colorado residents. The program manages over $2.5 billion in assets. This money comes from banks, insurance companies, employers, utilities, and investment firms. When these businesses lose contact with the owner for three to five years, they must turn the funds over to the state.
Aurora residents have the same access as anyone else in Colorado. The database contains more than 16.5 million names. The state returns about $80 million to owners each year through 86,000 claims. Average claims pay out $1,832 but amounts range from a few dollars to tens of thousands.
The City of Aurora website provides local government information but directs all unclaimed property searches to the state program.
News reports show Aurora had more than 80 claims totaling over $13,000 in unclaimed property at one point. This is just a sample. Many more Aurora residents likely have money in the database. The only way to know is to search your name.
Searching for Aurora Unclaimed Funds
Anyone can search the state database without cost. The process takes a few minutes and works on any device with internet access.
All Aurora unclaimed property searches must be conducted through the statewide database managed by the State Treasurer office.
- Go to the search page on the state website
- Enter your first name, last name, or both
- Type Aurora in the city field to narrow results
- Click search to see all property matches
- Review the list and identify items that belong to you
- Click on a property to begin the claim process
- Fill out the claim form online or request a paper version
- Provide documents to prove ownership
You do not pay any fee to search or claim property. The state does not charge for this service. Avoid third party firms that want to charge you to find your own money. You can do it yourself for free.
Business searches work the same way. Use the business name instead of a personal name. The database includes unclaimed property for corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors.
Arapahoe County Unclaimed Property
Aurora is located primarily in Arapahoe County. The county treasurer handles property taxes and tax lien sales but not unclaimed property from private sources. For those searches, the county directs residents to the state program.
Arapahoe County offices are at 5334 S Prince St in Littleton. The county website is arapahoeco.gov. The public trustee page is at arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/public_trustee/. These offices deal with property taxes and foreclosures, not bank accounts or insurance refunds.
| County | Arapahoe County |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Littleton |
| Website | arapahoeco.gov |
| Unclaimed Property | Refer to State Treasurer |
Types of Unclaimed Money
The state holds many different types of unclaimed assets. Most come from financial institutions and businesses that could not reach the owner.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Bank Accounts | Savings, checking, CDs with no contact for three years |
| Uncashed Checks | Payroll, refunds, rebates, dividends never deposited |
| Insurance Policies | Life insurance proceeds, annuities, premium refunds |
| Investment Accounts | Stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, brokerage accounts |
| Utility Deposits | Electric, gas, water, phone, cable company refunds |
| Safe Deposit Boxes | Contents from boxes that went unclaimed |
| Court Deposits | Settlements, judgments, deposits held by courts |
Property ends up with the state when mail gets returned or phone calls go unanswered. People move and forget to update addresses. Accounts sit idle for years. After the dormancy period set by law, the holder must report and turn over the property to the state.
How to File a Claim
When you find property in your name, you need to file a claim to get it back. The state requires proof that you are the rightful owner. The amount and type of property determine what documents you need.
Small claims under $100 usually need just basic info. You confirm your name, address, and Social Security number. Larger claims require more proof. You might need to send copies of a driver license, utility bill, bank statement, or old tax return. The exact list depends on the property.
The state sends claim forms after you start the process online. You fill out the form and attach the required documents. Mail everything to 200 E. Colfax Ave., Room 141, Denver, CO 80203-1722. You can also upload documents online through the secure portal.
Most claims take 90 to 120 days to process. Simple claims move faster. Estate claims or properties with multiple owners take longer. The state contacts you if they need more information. Once approved, they mail a check to your address on file.
Note: Colorado law does not set a deadline to claim property, so you can file a claim at any time even if the property was reported decades ago.
Aurora Unclaimed Money Contacts
All unclaimed property questions for Aurora residents go to the State Treasurer office in Denver. This office handles the entire state.
| Program | Great Colorado Payback |
|---|---|
| Office | Colorado State Treasurer - Unclaimed Property Division |
| Address | 200 E. Colfax Ave., Room 141, Denver, CO 80203-1722 |
| Denver Phone | 303-866-6070 |
| Toll Free | 800-825-2111 |
| Hours | Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM MST |
| GreatCOPayback@state.co.us | |
| Website | colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com |
The City of Aurora at 15151 E Alameda Pkwy can help with city tax and service questions. Call 303-739-7000 for city matters. For unclaimed property from banks or businesses, contact the state office.
Additional Resources
The state website has many helpful pages. The FAQ section covers common questions about the program. The How to Claim page provides step by step instructions.
The What is UCP page explains how property becomes unclaimed. The UCP Law page summarizes the Colorado statutes that govern the program.
Businesses holding unclaimed property must file annual reports. The reporting guidelines explain these rules. Companies can submit reports online. The claim status tool lets you check on pending claims using your claim number.