Unclaimed Money Florida: Search & Claim

Unclaimed Money Florida sits in state‑held accounts, waiting for owners who may not even know it exists, and the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Unclaimed Property offers a free unclaimed funds search to connect people with lost assets. By entering a name, business title, or previous address into the official unclaimed property database, users can uncover dormant account balances, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, and even unclaimed tax refunds. The system also tracks missing money claim forms for retirees, heirs, and seniors, ensuring that unclaimed retirement account claims and unclaimed wages claim are not left to chance. Understanding the unclaimed cash recovery process helps residents meet eligibility criteria, avoid claim fees, and protect against fraud, while the online portal provides a straightforward unclaimed money verification and claim status check.

Unclaimed Money Florida also explains how money becomes abandoned, from dormancy periods on bank accounts to returned payments that shift to the state treasury unclaimed money pool. When a claim is filed, the claimant identification step requires proof of ownership, such as a missing money claim form or estate documents, and the state reviews each submission for accuracy. Users can learn unclaimed money claim tips, explore success stories, and follow a clear unclaimed money claim timeline that includes verification, processing, and payment. This transparent approach reduces claim deadlines worries and clarifies tax implications, making the unclaimed assets lookup both safe and effective for anyone searching for lost inheritance or other monetary assets.

How to Search Unclaimed Money

The Florida Department of Financial Services runs a free public search tool that lets you look up unclaimed money held by the state. Lee County residents and anyone with a Florida connection can check the unclaimed property database at any time. You only need a name, business title, or property ID to start an unclaimed funds search. The person lookup shows dormant account balances, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, and other cash that the state holds for safekeeping.

Official Search Portal: https://www.fltreasurehunt.gov/

Steps to Search

• Open your web browser and go to the official Florida Treasure Hunt website.
• Click the search box and type your full legal name, such as former names.
• Add your city or county if your name is common to narrow the results.
• Review the list of unclaimed property records that match your name.
• Click each record to see the reported holder, property type, and dollar amount.
• Select the property you want to claim and click “Claim Property” to start the process.
• Follow the on-screen form to enter your claimant details and upload proof of identity.
• Submit your claim and save your tracking number for later status checks.

Lee County Unclaimed Money Search

Lee County sits on Florida’s southwest coast, and the state unclaimed property system covers the entire county along with all others. Records tied to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Sanibel, and Captiva appear in the same database. Banks, insurers, utilities, courts, employers, and government agencies report property to the state when accounts go quiet. That makes the Lee County unclaimed money search a single statewide lookup rather than a county-only tool.

Search by Owner Name

The owner name search is the most common way to find records in the Florida database. Type your first and last name in the search box and review the list of matching property entries. The results screen shows the owner name exactly as the holder reported it, so you may see old spellings or missing middle initials. If your search returns no results, try a different spelling or add your city to narrow the list.

Search by Business Name

Business owners and former business owners can run a separate lookup under the business name tab. The tool shows unclaimed accounts tied to LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships that reported property to the state. Dormant business bank accounts, vendor credits, and tax refunds often show up under the legal entity name rather than under a personal name.

Search by Previous Name

Many people change their name through marriage, divorce, or court order. The Florida database stores these previous names so you can still find lost accounts. Search your maiden name, a former married name, or any other name you used in the past. The system lists each property under every name reported by the original holder.

Search by Property Record

You can search the database by property ID if you have a reference number. The property ID search shows a single record and skips the name matching process. This lookup works well for heir searches, estate research, and follow-up checks on a known claim. Each record carries a unique property identification number tied to the original report.

Search for Multiple Name Matches

Common names produce long lists of search results. The Florida system shows every match and lets you click each entry to read the holder name, city, and reported amount. You should look at every result that lists an address you once lived at or a company that once paid you. If you spot a property that fits, open the full record to begin a claim.

Unclaimed Money Record Details

Every record in the Florida unclaimed property database carries a set of standard data fields. These fields help you confirm whether the listed property belongs to you. The system draws these details straight from the report filed by the original holder, so the wording matches what the company sent to the state.

Owner Name

The owner name field lists the legal name on the account. It may show a joint owner, a minor, or a business entity. If your name appears here and you once had a relationship with the reported holder, the record likely belongs to you. Cross-check the name against your ID documents to confirm.

Reported Holder

The reported holder field names the business or agency that turned the property over to the state. This often shows a bank, insurer, utility, brokerage, court, or government office. The holder’s name gives you a clear clue about the source of the money. Looking at old bank statements, bill stubs, and employer records helps confirm the match.

Property Type

The property type field describes the kind of asset held. Examples include checking accounts, savings accounts, safe deposit boxes, payroll checks, vendor credits, and utility refunds. Each type follows the reporting rules set by Florida law. The category helps you decide what proof to gather before filing a claim.

Reported Amount

The reported amount field lists the dollar value of the property. The figure may include interest the holder added before turning the property over. Amounts can range from a few dollars to thousands. The reported amount is the figure the state uses to calculate the value of your claim.

Property Identification Number

The property identification number is the unique tag the state uses to track each record. This number stays the same across all updates to the file. You will see it on the search result page, the claim form, and any status updates. Save this number when you begin a claim.

Reporting Date

The reporting date field records when the holder filed the property with the state. This date often falls years after the original account went quiet. The reporting date helps you tell whether the property is fresh in the system or has been waiting a long time. Older records sometimes need extra proof to verify.

Types of Unclaimed Money

The Florida unclaimed property program covers many types of cash and cash-equivalent assets. Each category follows its own dormancy rules, but the state pools them under one reporting system. Below are the common property types you can find through a Lee County unclaimed money search.

Uncashed Checks

Uncashed checks sit at the top of the list because they make up a large share of state-held property. Payroll checks, vendor checks, rebate checks, and refund checks can all end up in the database. The holder reports the check amount to the state after the check sits uncashed for the dormancy period. You can claim these once you prove you never cashed the original check.

Dormant Account Balances

Bank and credit union accounts go dormant when the owner stops making deposits, withdrawals, or contact for a set period. Florida treats these dormant balances as unclaimed property. Savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit all fall under this category. The state holds the balance until the owner comes forward to claim.

Refunds and Overpayments

Companies sometimes owe refunds or overpayments that the original recipient never collects. Utility refunds, insurance premium refunds, vendor credits, and customer rebates show up in this group. The holder reports the refund to the state after the refund check goes uncashed. You can claim these by showing proof of the original transaction.

Unclaimed Wages

Unclaimed wages happen when an employer pays an employee but the employee never receives the funds. Final paychecks, bonus checks, commission checks, and expense reimbursements all qualify. The employer reports these wages to the state after the dormancy period ends. A W-2, pay stub, or letter from the former employer helps confirm the unclaimed wages claim.

Insurance Payments

Insurance companies turn over unclaimed policy proceeds, premium refunds, and claim payouts to the state. Life insurance, annuities, and property insurance policies often leave small amounts behind. The holder reports these funds once the policy is closed and no beneficiary steps forward. Beneficiaries and named insureds can claim these payments through the state.

Utility Deposits

Utility deposits are refundable amounts that customers pay when starting service. The utility holds the deposit until the customer ends service and requests a refund. If the customer never asks for the refund, the utility turns the deposit over to the state after the dormancy period. Former utility customers in Lee County can search for these deposits by name.

Other Monetary Assets

The state holds a long list of other monetary assets. These include safe deposit box contents that the holder sells, escrow funds, court deposits, trust funds, securities, and mineral royalty payments. Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds also fall under unclaimed property if the owner stops responding to statements. Each asset type carries its own claim rules and proof requirements.

How Money Becomes Unclaimed

Money enters the unclaimed property system through a clear legal process. The process starts when an account goes quiet and ends when the holder turns the property over to the state. Knowing how the process works helps you understand why the state holds your funds and what steps the holder had to follow.

Dormancy Period

The dormancy period is the time an account sits with no owner activity. Florida law sets a dormancy period for each property type. Most property types use a five-year clock, but some types use a shorter or longer period. The clock starts when the holder last hears from the owner. After the dormancy period ends, the holder must try to contact the owner before reporting the property to the state.

No Owner Contact

When the owner stops responding to statements, letters, and account notices, the holder has no way to reach them. A change of address, a name change, or a closed post office box can break contact without the owner realizing it. The holder keeps records of these failed contact attempts and reports them to the state at the right time.

Returned Payments

Returned payments are a common path into the unclaimed property system. Checks, refund drafts, and dividend payments get returned to the sender when the postal service cannot deliver them. The sender holds the returned payment until the dormancy period ends. Once the period passes, the sender reports the payment to the state for safekeeping.

Inactive Accounts

Inactive accounts go quiet when the owner stops making deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. Banks and brokerages track these accounts and flag them for review. The holder sends the owner a final notice before reporting the account to the state. If the owner still does not respond, the holder turns the balance over to the state.

Transfer to the State

The final step in the process is the transfer to the state. The holder files a report with the Florida Department of Financial Services and sends the funds at the same time. The Division of Unclaimed Property sex offenders the property and posts it to the searchable database. From that point forward, the state treasury unclaimed money pool holds the funds and waits for the owner to file a claim.

Finding Money Belonging to You

The Florida search tool returns every record that matches your name, but the list can look confusing at first. A few simple checks help you confirm which records belong to you and which ones belong to other people with the same name. The steps below walk you through that review.

Matching Your Name

Start by checking the owner name on each result. Look at the spelling, middle name or initial, and any suffix. The match must line up with your legal name on file with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, or your bank. If the name matches but the address is wrong, the record may still belong to you.

Reviewing Previous Addresses

The state database lists the last known address tied to the property. Compare this address to addresses you have lived at over the years. Old apartment numbers, old street names, and old ZIP codes often appear on these records. An address match from the past is a strong sign the property belongs to you.

Checking the Property Type

The property type tells you the kind of asset on file. A checking account, utility deposit, or payroll check should match a real relationship you had with the holder. If the type does not fit your history, move to the next record. The type tells you what kind of proof to gather before filing a claim.

Comparing the Reported Holder

The reported holder field shows the company or agency that turned the property over. Check this field against your own records. A bank you used, a utility that served your home, or an insurer that once covered your property are all strong signals. If you do not recognize the holder, the record likely belongs to someone else.

Confirming Ownership

Confirming ownership ties the record to your identity. You need a government photo ID, a Social Security number, and a current address that matches the state record. If your name changed, gather proof of the name change. Once you confirm ownership, you can move on to the claim process.

Claiming Unclaimed Money

The Florida claim process is free and runs through the same online portal you used to search. You start the claim by clicking the “Claim Property” button on the matching record. The state walks you through a set of forms that collect your identity, address, and ownership details. After you submit the claim, the state reviews your proof and issues a payment if the claim passes review.

Common documents you should gather before filing a claim include:

• Government photo ID, such as a driver license or state ID card
• Social Security number tied to your identity
• Old account statements or canceled checks from the reported holder
• Pay stubs, W-2 forms, or employer letters for wage claims
• Utility bills or lease agreements that prove a past address
• Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders for name changes

Starting a Claim

You start a claim by clicking the claim button on the property record that matches your name. The portal opens a claim form that asks for your full legal name, current address, phone number, and email. You pick the relationship you had with the reported holder, such as a former customer, employee, or beneficiary. The portal saves your draft so you can return and finish later.

Claimant Identification

The claimant identification step collects your personal data. You enter your date of birth, Social Security number, and driver license number. The state uses this data to match your claim to your identity. Keep your entries exact as they appear on your ID documents to avoid delays in review.

Ownership Proof

Ownership proof ties the property record to your identity. The portal asks for documents that show you held the account, received the payment, or worked for the reported holder. Common proofs include old account statements, W-2 forms, and canceled checks. The state reviews each document against the record before paying the claim.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents add extra weight to your claim. A utility bill proves you lived at the service address. A pay stub proves you worked for the employer on file. A court order proves a name change. Upload clear scans or photos so the state can read every detail. A complete set of unclaimed money claim paperwork helps the reviewer finish on the first pass.

Claim Submission

Once you finish the form and upload your documents, you submit the claim to the state. The portal issues a confirmation page with your claim number. Save this number for follow-up calls and status checks. The state sends a confirmation email with the same claim number.

Claim Status Tracking

You can track your claim status online at any time. The status page shows whether the claim is in review, needs more documents, has been approved, or has been paid. Most claims clear review within a few weeks, but complex claims can take longer. The status page updates as staff work through the file.

Unclaimed Money Claim Verification

The Florida Division of Unclaimed Property verifies every claim before paying it. The verification steps match your identity, address, and ownership data to the property record. Each check protects the original owner from fraud and keeps the process fair for everyone. Below are the main checks the state runs on a claim.

Identity Verification

Identity verification matches your photo ID to the name on the property record. The state checks the driver license or state ID number, the date of birth, and the photo on file. A valid Social Security number helps confirm identity. Any mismatch leads to a request for more proof.

Address Verification

Address verification confirms that you lived at the address tied to the property. Old utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements help here. The state may check its own records for past addresses on file. A clean address match speeds up the review.

Ownership Verification

Ownership verification checks that you had a real relationship with the reported holder. Account statements, pay stubs, and policy documents prove the relationship. The state looks at the dates on these documents to make sure they line up with the dormancy period. Strong ownership proof shortens the review time.

Name Change Documentation

Name change documentation proves a legal name change. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders all serve as proof. The state updates its records to reflect the new name. Without this proof, the state cannot link a maiden name or former name to your current identity.

Additional Evidence Requirements

The state may ask for additional evidence if the first review raises questions. A notarized affidavit, a sworn statement, or extra documents from the holder may be needed. The claim portal lists each missing item so you know exactly what to send. Responding quickly keeps the claim moving through review and helps with unclaimed money fraud prevention.

Unclaimed Money Claim Processing

After you submit a claim, the state moves it through a fixed processing path. The path covers review of your documents, requests for more information, and a final decision on the claim. Knowing what happens at each step helps you follow along and respond to any state request.

Typical processing stages for a Florida unclaimed money claim include:

• Initial claim receipt and tracking number assignment
• Identity, address, and ownership document review
• Request for additional documents if the first review raises questions
• Final approval or rejection by the unclaimed property team
• Payment by check or electronic transfer once the claim clears

Claim Review

The claim review step is the first stage of processing. A reviewer reads the form, checks your identity data, and pulls the property record. The reviewer confirms that the name, address, and holder all line up with the documents you uploaded. The review can take a few days to a few weeks based on the type of property.

Document Review

The document review stage looks at every file you uploaded. The reviewer checks the date, the issuer, and the wording on each document. Blurry scans or missing pages can pause the review. Clean, clear scans help the reviewer finish the check on the first pass.

Requests for Additional Information

The state sends a request for additional information when it needs more proof. The request lists the missing items and gives you a deadline to respond. You can upload the new documents through the claim portal. A quick response keeps the claim on track.

Approved Claims

Approved claims move to the payment stage after the reviewer confirms every detail. The state marks the property as claimed and removes it from public search. The reviewer signs off on the payment and forwards the file to the payment team. The claimant gets a notice of approval by email or mail.

Rejected Claims

Rejected claims come back when the proof does not meet the state’s rules. The rejection notice lists the reason and points to the missing items. You can fix the issue and file a new claim on the same property. Many rejected claims get paid after the claimant sends better proof.

Payment of Approved Claims

Payment of approved claims runs through the state’s payment team. The team issues a check or an electronic transfer based on the choice you made on the claim form. Payment usually arrives within a few weeks of approval. The state mails checks to the address on file or sends funds to a verified bank account.

Unclaimed Money for Deceased Owners

Money that belongs to a person who has passed away can still be claimed by their heirs. The Florida process for deceased owners follows estate and probate rules. The type of heir, the size of the estate, and the documents on file shape the claim. Below are the key paths the state follows for these claims.

Finding Money Under a Deceased Person’s Name

You can search the Florida database using the full legal name of a person who has passed away. The state lists property under that name even after death. The owner name field shows the deceased person as the owner. The reported holder field shows the company that turned the property over.

Heir Claims

Heir claims cover relatives named in a will or chosen by state law when there is no will. The state asks heirs to prove their relationship to the deceased owner. A family tree chart, a birth certificate, and a death certificate help. Heirs without a court appointment can still file a claim under state law.

Estate Claims

Estate claims cover the formal probate estate of a deceased person. The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of all heirs. The court appointment document proves the right to act for the estate. The state pays approved unclaimed estate assets to the estate account or to the court registry.

Executor Claims

Executor claims come from the person named in a will to handle the estate. The court-issued letters testamentary prove the role. The executor gathers proof of identity, proof of death, and proof of the relationship to the deceased owner. The state pays approved executor claims to the executor for distribution to the heirs.

Required Estate Documents

Required estate documents vary based on the claim path. Common items include a certified death certificate, a will or trust document, letters testamentary, letters of administration, and an affidavit of heirship. Each document must be a certified copy from the issuing authority. The state reviews each document before paying the claim.

Unclaimed Money Record Changes

The Florida unclaimed property database changes over time as holders report new property and claimants remove old property. These changes show up in the search results and the claim forms. Knowing how the database changes helps you keep your search fresh and follow up on records that interest you.

Newly Reported Money

Newly reported money enters the database every day. Holders file reports on a rolling schedule, and the state posts new records soon after each report. A property that did not show up in your search last month may appear this month. Re-running your search from time to time helps you spot new records.

Updated Property Information

Updated property information happens when a holder sends new data on a record. The holder may correct the owner name, update the address, or raise the reported amount. Updates happen when the state receives follow-up documents from the original owner. Each update shows the new details on the search page.

Claimed Money

Claimed money leaves the public search once the state approves a claim. The record stays in the state’s internal system for tracking and audit purposes. You will no longer see the record in your search results. If another person runs the same search after the claim is paid, the record will not appear.

Removed Records

Removed records are pulled from the database when the state confirms the owner is deceased with no heirs, the holder asks for the property back, or the record is a duplicate. The state flags the file as removed and keeps it in the audit trail. The public search no longer shows the property.

Archived Records

Archived records sit in the state’s long-term storage for property that has been claimed, removed, or held past the retention period. The state keeps archived records for audit, research, and legal purposes. You cannot search the archive, but the state can pull a file if a new claim or legal question comes up.

Unclaimed Money Search Problems

Search problems come up for many users, and the Florida system has fixes for each one. Most issues trace back to name spelling, address history, or proof of ownership. The list below covers the most common problems and what you can do to solve them.

No Matching Name

A no-matching-name result means the database did not find any records tied to your search. Try a different spelling, drop your middle name, or use a former name. Add your city or ZIP code to narrow the search if your name is common. If you still see no results, the state may not hold any property in your name.

Multiple Matching Owners

Multiple matching owners come up when your name is common. The state lists every owner who shares your name. Review each entry for the address, holder, and property type. Open the full record for any entry that matches your history before starting a claim.

Missing Property Record

A missing property record happens when the holder has not yet reported the property. New accounts can take a year or more to reach the state database. Wait and run the search again in a few months. The state adds records from older reports on a rolling schedule.

Insufficient Ownership Evidence

Insufficient ownership evidence happens when your documents do not clearly show your link to the property. The state may ask for older statements, additional ID, or notarized affidavits. Gathering more documents before filing a claim helps you avoid this issue.

Claim Documentation Problems

Claim documentation problems happen when scans are blurry, pages are missing, or names do not match. The state rejects claims with these issues and asks for new documents. Resubmit clear scans of every required page to move the claim forward.

Claim Already Submitted

A claim already submitted message appears when someone has filed a claim on the same record. The state locks the record during review to prevent duplicate claims. You can check the claim status page for an update. If the prior claim falls through, the record opens for a new claim.

Unclaimed Money and Related Records

The Florida database covers unclaimed money along with related record types. Each record type follows its own rules, but all of them sit in the same online portal. The table below shows how unclaimed money lines up with related terms you may see on the site or in state materials.

Unclaimed Money vs. Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed money covers cash and cash-equivalent assets, such as checks and account balances. Unclaimed property is a broader term that includes cash, securities, and tangible items like safe deposit box contents. Both sit under the same Florida law, and both appear in the same online database.

Unclaimed Money vs. Abandoned Property

Unclaimed money covers financial assets that went dormant because the owner stopped contact. Abandoned property covers physical items that the owner left behind, such as storage unit contents or hotel safekeeping. Florida treats these under different statutes, and the state tracks each one through a different reporting path.

Unclaimed Money vs. Estate Assets

Unclaimed money covers dormant accounts and other assets held by the state. Estate assets cover the full range of property owned by a deceased person at the time of death. The estate may hold unclaimed money as one of its assets. Heirs and executors can claim the unclaimed money through the estate process or directly from the state.

Unclaimed Money vs. Tax Refunds

Unclaimed money can include unclaimed tax refunds that the state turned over after a dormancy period. Tax refunds that the state never sent to the taxpayer also sit in the unclaimed property database. A separate IRS or Florida Department of Revenue tool may list unclaimed refunds. The state database remains the best starting point for these lookups.

Unclaimed Money vs. Government Payments

Unclaimed money covers payments from government agencies that the recipient never collected. These include Social Security checks, veteran benefit checks, and unclaimed state warrants. The federal government runs its own unclaimed money programs. The Florida database lists only those government payments the state holds, not the federal ones.

Contact Information

The Florida Department of Financial Services runs the Division of Unclaimed Property. You can reach the division by phone, online, or by mail to ask questions about a search, a claim, or a record. The phone line runs during normal state business hours, and the online portal stays open around the clock. Trained staff offer unclaimed money claim assistance to walk you through each step of the process.

• Agency: Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property
• Contact Number: (888) 258-2253
• Office Hours: Verify with the state office
• Official Website / Search Portal: https://www.fltreasurehunt.gov/

The phone line covers search help, claim status, and document questions. The online portal covers search, claim filing, document upload, and status checks. Lee County residents can use the same contact points as anyone else in Florida because the state runs a single unclaimed-property system for the entire state, including Lee County. Residents who prefer in-person help can also visit local unclaimed money claim assistance events hosted by the state in nearby counties throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida residents can recover cash that has sat idle for years. The state’s unclaimed‑property portal lists dormant bank balances, forgotten utility deposits, uncashed checks, and more. Searching costs nothing, and filing a claim takes just a few minutes. Getting back money you never knew existed can boost savings and close financial gaps.

What is unclaimed money and how does the Florida database work?

Unclaimed money means cash, checks, or assets that owners have not accessed for at least three years. The Florida Department of Financial Services gathers these items and stores them in an online database. Anyone can type a name, business title, or account number to see if a record matches. When a match appears, the portal shows the source, amount, and steps to file a claim. The system updates daily, so new finds appear regularly.

How can I start an unclaimed funds search for a missing inheritance?

Visit the official portal at https://www.fltreasurehunt.gov/. Enter the full name of the deceased, any known maiden name, or the last known address. If the search returns a result, note the claim reference and gather proof of identity, such as a driver’s license and the death certificate. Submit the paperwork through the online form or mail it to the address listed. Most claims are processed within 30 days after verification.

What documents are needed to claim an abandoned bank account?

You will need a government‑issued photo ID, the account holder’s Social Security number, and a recent statement or closing letter from the bank if available. If the account was joint, include the surviving co‑owner’s ID. For accounts older than ten years, a notarized affidavit may be required. Upload scanned copies to the portal or attach them to the mailed packet. Missing paperwork can delay the payout, so double‑check before sending.

Are there any fees or taxes when I receive unclaimed money?

The state does not charge a fee to search or claim unclaimed property. Some private services may ask for a commission, but they are not needed. The money you receive is not taxable as income, though it may affect your tax bracket if the amount is large. Keep the claim confirmation for records, and report any interest earned on the recovered funds on your next tax return.

How do I avoid scams while looking for unclaimed cash?

Only use the official Florida portal or call the verified hotline at (888) 258‑2253. Real agencies never ask for payment before delivering the money. If a caller requests bank account access or credit‑card details, hang up. Check that the website’s URL ends in .gov. Report suspicious offers to the state’s consumer protection division.

Can seniors claim unclaimed money if they are unable to file themselves?

Yes. A trusted family member or legal guardian can act on the senior’s behalf. The representative must submit a power‑of‑attorney document, the senior’s ID, and proof of relationship. The portal allows a third‑party login using the representative’s email. Once the claim is approved, the payout can be directed to a designated account or mailed as a check. This helps protect vulnerable adults from losing assets.