Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been turned over to the state after a business or institution lost contact with the owner for a period of time. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, refunds, stock dividends, utility deposits, and other funds that legally belong to individuals, families, or businesses.

Once the holding company cannot locate the rightful owner, the funds are transferred to the State Controller's Office for safekeeping until the owner or heir claims them.

If you were contacted by an investigator or heir finder, it means research has identified you as the possible rightful owner or heir to funds currently being held by the state.

Because many claims require documentation, verification, and detailed research, investigators help locate the rightful owner and guide them through the recovery process.

As an investigator and heir finder, I conduct extensive research using public records, historical documentation, genealogy tools, and asset databases to locate individuals who may be entitled to unclaimed funds.

Many people are unaware these assets exist, which is why investigators work to reconnect owners with their property.

If you choose to proceed, you will sign an agreement authorizing me to assist with the recovery process. From there, we file a claim and we will let you know what documents are required by the State Controller's Office.

Once the claim is approved, the funds are released to you directly from the State of California in the form of a check.

There is no upfront cost! Our fee is 10% of the recovered amount.

We are paid directly by the State Controllers Office only after your claim is approved and the funds are recovered.

For example:
If $100 is recovered, the State Controllers office will issue two checks. One for you in the amount of $90 dollars and the other check will go to us for $10 dollars.

No recovery. No fee. Ever.

Yes. Individuals always have the right to file a claim directly with the state on their own.

However, some claims can involve extensive documentation, identity verification, or heirship research, which is why many people choose to work with an investigator who handles the process on their behalf.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the verification required by the state. You will have 30 days to provide required documents and once the claim is filed, typically, it can take several weeks to receive a check. However, the State Controllers Office has 180 days to to review and approve a claim.

Yes. Unclaimed property programs exist in every U.S. state and are managed by government agencies such as the State Controller's Office or Treasurer's Office. Their role is to safeguard assets until they are claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

Investigators and heir finders help locate individuals who may not know these funds exist and assist with the recovery process.

Common examples include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed payroll or refund checks
• Insurance payouts
• Utility deposits
• Stock dividends or securities
• Safe deposit box contents
• Trust distributions
• Estate assets

These funds remain held by the state until they are claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

In very rare cases, your claim may be intercepted to satisfy any outstanding debts owed to a California state agency, victim restitution order, county, city, or other government entity.

In some cases, unclaimed property belongs to someone who has passed away. When this occurs, heirs or family members may be entitled to the funds.

Genealogical and legal documentation is often required to establish rightful heirs and submit the claim to the state. (Ex: A will, or beneficiary information)

That's completely understandable. If you were contacted, it simply means research suggests you may be connected to a claim. Reviewing the information and asking questions is the best way to determine whether you would like to move forward.