California unclaimed property

Money in your name is waiting with the State. We’ll help you get it back.

The California State Controller holds billions of dollars in forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock, and insurance proceeds. If we contacted you, it’s because a public record lists property under your name. We handle the paperwork, and the State pays you directly.

What you can count on

  • No upfront cost, ever
  • Fee capped at 10% by California law, and only if you’re paid
  • The State sends your money directly to you
  • Everything in a written agreement before any work starts
  • You’re always free to claim on your own at no cost

You can always claim it yourself, for free. The California State Controller’s Office lets owners search and file claims at no cost at claimit.ca.gov. You never need to hire anyone. We exist for people who would rather have someone else handle the research, forms, and follow-up.

How it works

Four simple steps

You stay in control the whole way. Nothing is filed without your signature.

We found a record

We review the State Controller’s public unclaimed property records and reach out when property appears to belong to you.

You confirm

You tell us whether it’s yours. If you want our help, you sign a short written agreement that spells out the property, its value, and our fee.

We prepare and file

We gather the right documents, complete the claim forms, and submit everything to the State. We track it and answer the State’s questions.

The State pays you

The State Controller issues payment directly to you. Our agreed fee is due only after you’ve been paid.

Our fee

Simple, capped, and only if you’re paid

Our fee is a contingency fee: a percentage of what’s actually recovered. California Code of Civil Procedure § 1582 limits fees for locating and recovering unclaimed property to no more than 10%, and we never exceed that limit.

  • No upfront cost and no application fee
  • Nothing owed if the claim isn’t paid
  • The fee is set in a written agreement you sign, which discloses the nature and value of the property and the holder’s name and address
  • We will never ask for your bank login or for money before you’re paid

Example

10% max

If the State pays you $5,000, the most you would owe us is $500. You keep at least $4,500.

  • Claim not approved? You owe nothing.
  • Prefer to file yourself? It’s free at claimit.ca.gov.

What we help recover

Common types of unclaimed property

Uncashed checksPayroll, vendor, and refund checks never cashed
Bank accountsDormant checking and savings balances
Stocks & securitiesShares, dividends, and mutual fund balances
Insurance proceedsLife insurance benefits and policy refunds
Refunds & creditsUtility deposits, overpayments, customer credits
Estates & heirsProperty of a deceased relative you may be entitled to

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this a scam?

It’s a fair question, and you should ask it. Here’s how to check us: we never ask for money upfront, we never ask for bank passwords, and the State always pays you directly. You can verify the property yourself by searching your name at claimit.ca.gov. Anything we do is set out in a written agreement you sign first.

Why would I use you if I can claim it for free?

You don’t have to, and many people file on their own successfully. Some owners prefer help because claims can involve old addresses, name changes, business records, joint owners, or a deceased relative’s estate, each of which needs specific documentation. We handle the research, forms, and follow-up so you don’t have to.

How long does it take?

It varies. Simple claims can be processed relatively quickly, but many take several months depending on the State Controller’s review and how much documentation is required. We keep you updated along the way.

What will I need?

Usually a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number or taxpayer ID, and proof that you lived at or were connected to the address on file (an old bill, statement, or other record). Estate, business, and joint-owner claims may need more. We’ll tell you exactly what applies to your claim.

Do you ever ask for payment upfront?

No. Never. Our fee is contingent, which means it is owed only after the State pays you. If anyone asks you to pay first to release unclaimed property, be cautious.

How did you get my information?

From public records. The California State Controller’s Office publishes unclaimed property records, including owner names, last known addresses, and the business that reported the property. We use those records to reach owners. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Will you contact me again?

Only a couple of times, and you can stop us at any point. Reply “UNSUBSCRIBE” to any email or use our unsubscribe page. Requests are honored promptly and always within 10 business days.

Ready to get your property back?

Reply to the email you received, or send us a message. Tell us the property ID if you have it, and we’ll confirm the details before anything is signed.