Find Unclaimed Money in Adams County
Adams County unclaimed money searches go through the state system run by the Colorado State Treasurer. Most funds in Adams County come from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits. People who once lived in Brighton or other parts of the county may have funds waiting. The county treasurer handles property taxes but not unclaimed assets. All searches use the Great Colorado Payback database to find money owed to you or family members.
Adams County Treasurer Office
The Adams County Treasurer handles property tax collection and public trust matters. You can reach this office at 4430 S Adams County Parkway, Suite W1000, Brighton, CO 80601. The main phone line is 720-353-6160. This office does not keep unclaimed property beyond what the law requires.
Tax payments and lien sales fall under the treasurer's duties. When property taxes go unpaid, the county holds a tax lien sale. If a sale brings more than the debt, that extra money becomes unclaimed. The county holds these overbid funds for a set time. After that, the state takes custody. Most people search the state database to find these funds later.
The Adams County Treasurer Division provides tax information and payment options online. You can look up property tax bills and see payment history. The site does not list unclaimed property. For that, you need the state system.
This page shows the main services the treasurer provides. Tax collection is the primary function. The office also acts as public trustee in foreclosure cases.
How Unclaimed Funds Work
Unclaimed funds come from many sources. A bank closes your account and cannot reach you. An employer sends a final check that never gets cashed. A utility company owes a deposit refund. These businesses try to contact you. If they cannot, state law makes them send the money to the Colorado State Treasurer.
Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law sets rules for when property becomes unclaimed. Most accounts turn over after three to five years of no contact. Insurance policies may take longer. The time period depends on the type of property.
Once the state receives the funds, they hold them forever. There is no time limit to claim your money. You can search any time. If you find a match, you file a claim. The state reviews it and sends payment if everything checks out.
State Database Search
The Great Colorado Payback database is free to use. You do not need to pay anyone to search. Third parties may offer search services, but you can do it yourself at no cost. Start with your full name. Try variations if you do not see results right away. Some records use middle initials. Others have old addresses.
You can search by first and last name or business name. The system shows all matches. Look at the city listed to narrow down results. If you lived in Adams County, focus on those entries. Some properties may show Denver or Commerce City if that was your mailing address.
The state updates the database when new property arrives. Check back if you do not find anything now. Businesses report unclaimed property each year. Your funds may not show up until the next reporting cycle.
Visit the Great Colorado Payback homepage to begin your search. The site walks you through each step. You can also call 303-894-2443 with questions.
The Adams County main website has links to all county departments. You can find information about local services, elected officials, and public records. The site does not host unclaimed property searches. For those, use the state system.
Filing a Claim
When you find property in your name, the next step is filing a claim. The process is simple. Click on the property listing in the database. The system takes you to a claim form. Fill in your current contact information. Provide proof of your identity and address.
Most claims need a copy of your driver's license or state ID. You may also need to show that you lived at the old address. A past utility bill or bank statement works. If the amount is small, you may not need extra documents. Larger claims require more proof.
The state reviews claims in the order received. Simple claims process fast, often within a few weeks. Complex cases take longer. If the state needs more information, they will contact you. Once approved, you get a check by mail. Some people choose direct deposit.
You do not pay to file a claim. The state does not charge fees. If someone asks for money upfront, it is a scam. Legitimate claim services may take a percentage after you get paid, but they cannot charge before that.
Types of Unclaimed Property
Bank accounts make up a large share of unclaimed funds. You opened an account years ago and forgot about it. The bank sent mail to an old address. Eventually they stop trying and send the balance to the state. Checking and savings accounts both end up this way.
Uncashed checks are another common source. Payroll checks, tax refunds, insurance reimbursements, and rebate checks all become unclaimed if not cashed. The issuer holds the money for a time. Then they report it to the state.
Utility deposits come back when you close an account with a credit balance. If the company cannot find you, the deposit goes to the state. Security deposits from landlords work the same way. Court settlements and judgments also become unclaimed if you never collect.
Other types include stocks, dividends, safe deposit box contents, and trust distributions. Anything of value can become unclaimed property. The state holds it until you claim it.
Local Resources
Adams County residents can contact the state treasurer with unclaimed property questions. The office is in Denver at 140 State Capitol, Denver, CO 80203. You can also call or search online. Most people use the website because it is fast and available all day.
The county treasurer can explain how property tax overbids work. If you want to know about funds from a tax lien sale, start there. They will tell you if the money went to the state or is still with the county. The phone number is 720-353-6160.
Local libraries in Brighton, Commerce City, and Thornton offer computer access if you do not have internet at home. You can use library computers to search the state database. Library staff cannot help with claims but can point you to the right website.
The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Adams County has information about property assessments and tax rates. This helps if you need background on local tax matters. Unclaimed property goes through a different system.
Avoiding Scams
Scammers target people with unclaimed property. They send letters or emails claiming you have money waiting. Then they ask for a fee to release it. Do not pay. The state does not charge to search or claim your property.
Legitimate businesses may help with claims for a fee, but they should not ask for payment before you receive your money. Read any contract carefully. Some firms take a large cut of your funds. You can handle the claim yourself and keep everything.
If you get a call about unclaimed money, hang up and search the database yourself. Scammers often have some real information but exaggerate the amount or urgency. Verify everything through the official state website.
The state will never ask for your Social Security number or bank account over the phone. They do not pressure you to act fast. Real unclaimed property does not expire, so there is no rush. Take your time and check things out before sharing personal details.
Nearby Counties
If you have lived in other parts of Colorado, check those counties too. Property is listed under the address where you lived when the account was last active. If you moved from Boulder County or Weld County to Adams County, search all three. The state database covers the whole state, so one search shows everything.
Arapahoe County borders Adams County to the south. Denver County is to the southwest. Weld County lies to the north and east. If you worked or banked in any of these counties, you might have unclaimed funds there.