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Frictions in recovering unclaimed property: Evidence from a large-scale natural field experiment

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  • Zentner, Alejandro
  • Holz, Justin

Abstract

Governments hold billions of dollars in assets abandoned or forgotten by their owners. We conducted a large-scale natural field experiment to understand the role of filing frictions preventing claims of this property. Overall, increasing awareness and providing instructions increased claims substantially. We also study unequal access. In the control group, Hispanic property owners are 64 % less likely to claim their property than White owners, leading to unequal access to one’s own property. Hispanic subjects are also less responsive to aid. We discuss policy implications and how the setting we introduce can be used to conduct natural field experiments without the biases and restrictions that may arise when conducting experiments with a partner organization.

Suggested Citation

  • Zentner, Alejandro & Holz, Justin, 2025. "Frictions in recovering unclaimed property: Evidence from a large-scale natural field experiment," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:249:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725001471
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105449
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • H2 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods
    • H7 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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