American Samoa
Statutory term: Escheat of Unclaimed Property
Overview
Dormancy Periods
The dormancy period is how long property must be inactive before it is considered unclaimed and reported to the state.
| Property Type | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Savings/time deposit accounts | 10 | ASCA 28.1604: bank deposits inactive for 10 years; applies to banks and credit unions (28.1615) |
| Checking accounts | 10 | General bank deposit dormancy under ASCA 28.1604 |
| General personal property | 14 | ASCA 40.0503: personal property unclaimed for 14 successive years escheats to the Territory |
American Samoa has a very limited unclaimed property program compared to other US jurisdictions. Bank deposits escheat after 10 years of inactivity (ASCA Title 28, Chapter 16, enacted via P.L. 20-64 in 1988). General personal property escheats after 14 years (ASCA 40.0503). Deposits under $50 escheat automatically; deposits $50 and over are handled through formal reporting procedures. Banks must report to the Treasurer by January 31 annually. Money orders and traveler's checks are explicitly exempt from the general escheat provision.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: None
Fee Cap: None specified — American Samoa's escheat statutes do not address finder fees or helper restrictions. The territory's program is limited in scope compared to states.
Waiting Period: None specified — No statutory waiting period. The escheat program is limited.
Solicitation Rules: No specific finder solicitation rules in territorial law.