State governments across the United States are holding more than $100 billion in unclaimed property, consisting of forgotten tax refunds, uncashed paychecks, and insurance payouts that remain unknown to their rightful owners.

The unclaimed funds represent a significant pool of assets that citizens may be unaware they are entitled to collect. These holdings typically accumulate when individuals move without updating their addresses, change banks, or simply forget about smaller financial accounts and payments.

Meanwhile, fraud experts warn that scammers are particularly active during a six-week period from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July, specifically targeting elderly Americans. This summer window appears to coincide with increased travel and outdoor activities when people may be more vulnerable to certain types of fraud.

Common scams during this period include fake vacation rental listings, grandparent scams where fraudsters impersonate family members in distress, and schemes that exploit public Wi-Fi networks. Security experts advise increased caution when using public internet connections and recommend verifying any urgent requests for money through independent contact with family members.

Both unclaimed property searches and fraud prevention require proactive steps from consumers. State treasury websites typically offer databases where residents can search for unclaimed assets using their names and previous addresses.