Can a finder charge me before the state pays out?

No. Legitimate finders work on contingency and are paid only after the state releases your money. Up-front fees are a scam.

What if I signed a finder contract and want to back out?

Most states give you 30 days to cancel. Call the finder to cancel in writing; if they refuse, contact your state's unclaimed-property office — they can often void the agreement.

Why do some finders refuse to tell me the property amount?

To prevent you from filing yourself for free. It's a tactic. A reputable finder will always disclose the amount in writing before signing.

Are heir hunters the same as finders?

Essentially yes, though heir hunters specialize in estates where the rightful heir is unknown. They'll contact you saying you may be related to a deceased person whose assets are unclaimed.

How do I know if my state caps finder fees?

Check your state's unclaimed property page on HeirClaim.com — we publish the cap and statute citation for every state.

Are Unclaimed Property Finders Worth It? (Honest Answer)

What finders actually do

A finder (sometimes called an "asset recovery specialist" or "heir hunter") searches public unclaimed-property databases, finds a match in your name, and contacts you offering to recover it — for a percentage.

The search data is free. Every state publishes it. The finder's value isn't in finding; it's in (a) knowing you have money you didn't know about, and (b) handling the paperwork and follow-up. Whether that's worth 10–30% depends on your situation.

The fee range, by state law

Most states cap finder fees by statute. Common caps:

**10%:** CA, IL, OH, GA, MI, TN, IN, MO, MD, WI, CO, KY, AR, most smaller states.

**15%:** NY, PA, SC.

**20%:** FL, NC, NJ (NJ is 10% if filed <2 years after reporting).

**30%:** AZ — the highest. Still, reputable AZ finders charge 10–15%.

**5%:** WA — strictest.

Plus: **most states make finder agreements unenforceable for the first 24 months after property is reported to the state.** Meaning if the finder contacts you right after the state receives your money, the agreement is legally void — you can claim it yourself for free.

When a finder IS worth it

**The amount is large (>$5,000) and the paperwork is complex.** Multi-state estates, out-of-state heirs, foreign claimants — a legitimate finder's experience earns its fee.

**You're the heir of someone who died intestate in a state you don't live in.** Probate + out-of-state travel + multiple affidavits is a real hassle. A $500 finder fee on a $5,000 claim is fair if it saves you a trip.

**You'd never have found the money otherwise.** If a finder contacts you about an obscure life-insurance policy nobody in the family knew existed, they genuinely earned their fee.

When a finder is NOT worth it

**You already know about the money.** If a finder contacts you and you can easily verify the claim yourself on your state's website, do it yourself.

**The amount is small** (under $1,000). A $200 finder fee on a $1,000 claim is 20% for filling out 4 forms.

**The money is in your own state and the state has online filing.** States like California, New York, Texas, and Illinois have straightforward online claim portals. You can do it in an afternoon.

**You're offered more than the statutory cap.** If an AZ finder quotes 25% on a simple claim, say no — reputable AZ finders charge 10–15%. Higher quotes signal you're being worked.

Questions to ask any finder before signing

1. **What's the total recovery amount?** You have the legal right to know before you sign.

2. **What's your fee, in dollars and as a percentage?** Get it in writing.

3. **Is there a minimum time since the property was reported to the state?** If <24 months, the contract may be unenforceable in your state.

4. **Do you have a bond / are you registered with the state?** Most states require finders to register; some require a bond.

5. **Can I see the property record number in the state database?** Legitimate finders will show you. Scammers won't.

6. **Can I cancel within X days?** Most states require a 30-day cooling-off period.

The middle path: do-it-yourself with help

HeirClaim's Document Preparation tier is this middle path. We're a technology service — not a finder. For under-$1,000 claims we charge a one-time $29–$79 (based on claim size) to generate your AI-drafted affidavits, cover letters, and state-specific filing instructions. You file it yourself. You keep 100% of the recovery. No contingency fee.

For claims over $1,000 we do offer a Full Service plan (a small monthly subscription + a contingency finder fee of 5–18% after state pays you) — but only if you want us doing the end-to-end filing. The choice is yours.