Custer County Unclaimed Funds Search

Custer County unclaimed money is managed through Colorado's state program run by the State Treasurer. Residents in Westcliffe and throughout the county use the Great Colorado Payback database to search for funds. The county treasurer at 205 S 6th St, Westcliffe, CO 81252, handles property taxes but directs unclaimed property inquiries to the state. This mountain county follows state law for forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and utility deposits. All unclaimed property transfers to the state after the holding period where it remains available for owners to claim at any time through the free online system.

Treasurer Office Contact

The Custer County Treasurer is an elected position. The office is at 205 S 6th St, Westcliffe, CO 81252. Call 719-783-2341 for questions about property taxes or motor vehicle registration. This office handles local tax collection and related county duties. Unclaimed property cases go to the state treasurer in Denver.

Property tax sales may create overbid funds when a property sells for more than the debt owed. The county holds these temporarily. If no one claims them, they transfer to the state unclaimed property division. Most people find these funds by searching the state database later.

State Database System

All Colorado unclaimed property goes to the State Treasurer. The Great Colorado Payback program manages these funds for the entire state. This includes Custer County and all other counties. Businesses report property after they cannot reach the owner. The state lists it in a public database.

You can search the Great Colorado Payback database for free any time. Enter your name and see if property appears. The system shows the type, location, and approximate value. File a claim online if you find a match.

How Funds Become Unclaimed

Bank accounts become dormant after three years of no owner contact or activity. The bank tries to reach you at your last address. If they cannot, the account must be reported to the state. The bank sends the balance to the State Treasurer. Mountain communities like Custer County have seasonal residents who may leave accounts behind.

Wages become unclaimed after one year. An employer sends a final paycheck. You move and do not update your address. The check comes back. After a year, the employer reports it to the state. You can claim the wages later with no deadline.

Utility deposits become unclaimed after one year. You close an account with a credit balance. The company sends a refund check to your old address. You never cash it. The deposit goes to the state. This includes electric, gas, water, and propane common in rural areas.

Insurance policies create unclaimed property when beneficiaries cannot be found. A policy pays out but the company cannot locate the heir. After several years, the benefit goes to the state. The rightful person can still claim it many years later.

Searching the Database

Start with your full name. Try variations if nothing shows up. Use first and last name only. Add your middle initial or full middle name. Some records list nicknames or maiden names. Search all versions to find everything that might be yours.

Look at the location shown for each property. Custer County properties may show Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, or other local towns. Some might list neighboring counties if you banked or worked there. The database does not filter by county, so you see all statewide matches.

Business owners should search their company name. Custer County has tourism businesses, ranches, and seasonal operations. Vendor payments and deposits can all become unclaimed property. If you ran a business here, search for that name. Try old names if it changed over the years.

Seasonal residents and vacation homeowners should search too. If you own property in Custer County but live elsewhere, you might have utility refunds or other deposits waiting. Use all addresses where you received mail.

The Colorado Department of Property Taxation page for Custer County provides property tax information. This helps with tax questions but not unclaimed property.

This page offers property tax details for Custer County. For unclaimed money, use the state database instead.

Filing a Claim

When you find property, click on it to start a claim. The form asks for your current address and contact information. You need proof of identity like a driver's license or state ID. Upload a scan or photo with your claim.

Some claims need proof you lived at the address shown. An old utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement can work. The state verifies ownership before releasing funds. They contact you if more documents are needed.

Small amounts usually process quickly with minimal paperwork. Larger claims require more proof. Follow the form instructions carefully. Call 303-894-2443 with questions. State treasurer staff can explain what you need to submit.

Payment arrives by check or direct deposit once approved. Most people get a check by mail. Direct deposit requires your bank account number. There is no fee for either method. The state does not charge to return your property.

Types of Property

Bank accounts are the most common unclaimed property. Checking, savings, and CDs become dormant after three years. The bank sends the balance to the state. Mountain communities have high turnover, so many accounts get left behind when people move.

Uncashed checks include payroll, tax refunds, insurance payments, and rebates. These become unclaimed if not deposited within the holding period. The issuer reports them to the state. You can claim the value later even if the original check expired.

Security deposits from landlords and vacation rentals are common in tourist areas. If you rented in Custer County and did not get your deposit back, check the state database. It may have been reported as unclaimed property.

Other types include stock dividends, safe deposit box contents, court settlements, and trust distributions. Any asset can become unclaimed if the owner cannot be found. The state holds everything in one system.

Legal Framework

Colorado follows the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. This law sets dormancy periods for different types of property. It defines reporting requirements and owner rights. You never lose the right to claim your property. There is no time limit.

Holders must try to contact owners before reporting to the state. If the owner cannot be found, the holder files a report and sends the funds. The state lists the property publicly and holds it until claimed. This protects your rights while preventing businesses from keeping forgotten funds.

Scam Prevention

Scammers target people with unclaimed property notices. They send letters saying you have money waiting. Then they ask for a fee to claim it. Do not pay. The state never charges to search or file claims. Do it yourself for free.

Some companies offer claim services for a percentage of the recovery. This is legal but often not needed. The process is simple enough to do yourself. If you hire someone, read the contract carefully. Make sure the fee is fair and only charged after you receive your money.

Never give personal information to someone who contacts you first. The state asks for documents when you file a claim, but they do not make cold calls or send unsolicited emails. Verify everything through the official website before sharing details.

Mountain Community Resources

Custer County is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The economy relies on ranching, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Many residents are retirees or seasonal visitors. This creates opportunities for unclaimed property when people move or forget about accounts.

Public libraries in Westcliffe offer computer access for searching the state database. Library staff cannot help with claims but can direct you to the website. This is helpful for residents without internet at home.

Ranching is a major part of the economy. Equipment purchases, livestock sales, and agricultural payments can all become unclaimed property. If you or your family ranched in Custer County, search for both personal and business names. You might find forgotten vendor refunds or insurance proceeds.

Nearby Counties

Custer County borders Fremont County to the north, Pueblo County to the east, Huerfano County to the south, and Saguache County to the west. If you lived or worked in these areas, search for property there too. The state database covers all Colorado counties in one search.

Some residents travel to Canon City or Pueblo for services. You might have bank accounts or business dealings in those cities. Check the location listed on each database result to see where the property was held. This helps identify what belongs to you.