A practical guide to public-record searches

Forgotten money can come from ordinary life events.

Old addresses, payroll checks, deposits and account changes can create records over time. Learn where to look, what a match means, and when a paid tool is merely a convenience.

Educational content only. No payout or claim approval is promised.

OLD ADDRESSESEMPLOYERSBANKSUTILITIESREFUNDS

Five common reasons a record can be missed.

Address changes

Mail, refunds or notices can go to an old address after a move.

Useful clue: prior cities and provinces

Old employment

Uncashed payroll or reimbursement checks can become unclaimed property.

Useful clue: former employer names

Bank or account changes

Closed or inactive accounts can leave residual balances or notices.

Useful clue: former institutions

Deposits and utilities

Security or utility deposits can be missed after relocation or account closure.

Useful clue: prior service addresses

Refunds and checks

A valid check that was never deposited may eventually be reported to a holder or state.

Useful clue: old vendors and agencies

Free official search or paid convenience?

RouteCostBest forMain trade-off

Official databasesOften freeDirect DIY searchMore manual repetition

Personal checklistFreeMultiple provinces & namesYou organize everything

ADAM toolPaidGuided workflowConvenience has a price

Agency claim processVaries by agencyVerifying ownershipDocumentation required

Transparency note

SidePath is not a government site and does not hold or distribute unclaimed property. ADAM is an optional commercial tool. Many official databases can be searched directly without purchasing a third-party product.

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