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How to spot a scam or a costly finder
Because the lists are public, some people use them to contact owners and ask for money. Some are legal businesses called finders or heir hunters; some are plain scams. The Bank of Canada says it does not endorse any of these firms and has no business relationship with them. Warning signs:
- They ask for a fee before telling you what they found. Searching and claiming are free on the official sites. Revenu Quebec warns that some firms charge high fees, sometimes just to give preliminary information.
- The message arrives by text or email with a link. The New Brunswick commission says not to respond to unsolicited messages about unclaimed property, and BC Unclaimed says it does not send unsolicited emails with links or attachments.
- They push you to act right away. Official programs do not require an immediate response.
- They ask for your banking password, card number or a payment by gift card. No official claim needs that.
If you do choose to use a finder, get the deal in writing. In Alberta, a locator fee cannot be more than 10% of the property, and New Brunswick also caps third-party fees at 10%. At the Bank of Canada, anyone claiming on your behalf must have a Third-Party Authorization Form signed by you, or the claim is closed. You can always do it yourself.
Documents you may be asked for
The exact list comes with your claim form. At the Bank of Canada, every claimant sends two pieces of identification: at least one with a photo and at least one with your current address. A letter from a government office, such as the CRA, or a utility bill can show the address. You also prove the money was yours with something like:
- an old passbook, bank statement or void cheque from the dormant account;
- a GIC certificate, term deposit or deposit receipt;
- the original bank draft or money order, or proof that you bought it;
- a letter from the bank about the account.
Documents must be in English or French. Foreign documents need a certified translation, certified by a notary. If you have moved since, keep anything that links your old address to you.
If the money belonged to someone who died
Heirs can search too. At the Bank of Canada, a claim can be made by an heir or beneficiary when there is no will, or by the executor, administrator or liquidator when there is one. You will be asked for estate documents such as the will, letters of probate or, in Quebec, will search certificates. Revenu Quebec has its own heir form (BD-81.3-V), and BC Unclaimed says executors can search the name of the person who died. The CRA list also shows cheques issued to a person who has died.
Frequently asked questions
Does searching cost anything?
No. The Bank of Canada, the CRA and the provincial programs listed here are free to search, and the Bank of Canada does not charge a fee to process a claim.
I found my name. Does that mean the money is mine?
Not yet. Names repeat, and a match is only a starting point. The money is paid only after you prove identity and ownership.
Can I search for a parent or a company?
Yes, you can search any name. To claim, you must be the owner or have the legal right to act for the owner or the estate.
How long does it take?
At the Bank of Canada, the average is 120 days. BC Unclaimed says its process can take 4 weeks or more. Complete documents make it faster.
Will anyone contact me if I have money?
Do not count on it. The Bank of Canada does not notify owners when balances are transferred, so searching yourself is the only sure way. Be careful with anyone who contacts you first and asks for money.
This site is independent, supported by ads, and has no connection with the Government of Canada, the Bank of Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, any provincial government or any bank. We do not search or claim on anyone’s behalf, and we cannot say whether you have money waiting. Information checked against the official sites on October 15, 2026; rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official site.
