Frequently Asked Questions

Unclaimed funds are financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. These funds become unclaimed when:

• Address changes: You moved and did not update your address with all institutions
• Forgotten accounts: Old bank accounts, insurance policies, or investments left inactive
• Uncashed checks: Refunds, dividends, or payroll checks that were never deposited
• Deceased relatives: Inheritance or assets from family members you were not aware of
• Business closures: Deposits or refunds from companies that went out of business

In the United States, over 60 billion dollars in unclaimed property is currently held by state governments, waiting to be returned to rightful owners. In California alone there is over 14 billion dollars in unclaimed funds.

Many people are surprised to discover they have unclaimed funds. Common signs include:

• You have moved frequently and may have lost track of accounts
• You have had relatives pass away who may have left assets
• You have worked for companies that have closed or changed ownership
• You have had insurance policies, utility deposits, or investment accounts
• You have received notifications about unclaimed property, which many people ignore

The only way to know for certain is through a comprehensive search. We use proprietary search methods that go beyond basic state websites to uncover funds you might not find on your own. Our licensed Private Investigator has access to databases not available to the public.

Self searching limitations:

• State websites only show a fraction of available funds
• You must search each state individually, most people have lived in multiple states
• Many databases are not accessible to the public
• Complex claim forms often get rejected due to errors
• Time consuming process that most people abandon halfway through
• 47 percent of DIY claims denied for incomplete paperwork (California State Controller Office, 2024 Annual Report)

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Multi state database search using your current and previous names
• Access to federal and private databases not available to the public
• Professional document preparation by licensed Private Investigators
• State commissioned and background checked notary public for all required notarization
• Direct relationships with California State Controller for faster processing
• Complete paperwork handling from start to finish

Results speak for themselves: We find 3 times more funds than typical self searches and achieve a 98 percent success rate on claims we file.

Zero upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No fees if we do not recover your money
• You only pay when funds are successfully recovered
• No hidden fees, retainers, or surprise charges
• Our fee is a percentage of funds recovered at industry standard rates
• You keep the majority of all recovered funds
• Payment comes directly from the California State Controller after you receive your check

What this means for you:

• Zero financial risk on your part
• We are incentivized to maximize your recovery
• No out of pocket expenses for searches, paperwork, or processing
• Transparent pricing with no surprises

Our fee structure ensures we only succeed when you do, aligning our interests with yours completely.

Timeline breakdown:

• Initial search: 1 to 2 business days
• Document preparation: 3 to 5 business days
• Claim submission: Same day once documents are ready
• State processing: 3 to 6 months for typical claims, up to 180 days subject to backlog and case complexity

Factors that affect timing:

• State processing speeds vary, some states are faster than others
• Complexity of the claim and required documentation
• Whether additional research or genealogical investigation is needed
• Estate cases typically take 6 to 12 months due to probate requirements

What we control versus what we do not: While we cannot speed up California State Controller processing times, we ensure you are never the bottleneck. If there is any issue with your claim, we have a direct line with the State to file an appeal within 48 hours at no additional charge.

Yes, we are fully licensed and bonded in the State of California. Here is what sets us apart:

• Licensed Private Investigators on staff with specialized asset recovery training
• State commissioned and background checked notary public for all required notarization
• Bonded and insured for your protection
• Compliant with all state regulations for asset recovery services
• A plus Better Business Bureau rating with verified customer reviews
• 5.0 star rating based on 28 verified client reviews

Red flags to avoid: Be wary of companies that ask for upfront fees, promise unrealistic results, or pressure you to sign immediately. Legitimate recovery firms work on contingency and provide transparent information about their process.

Our 98 percent success rate and over 5 million dollars recovered for 100 plus California clients speak to our legitimacy and effectiveness.

Basic information needed for search:

• Full legal name, current and any previous names
• Current address and previous addresses where you have lived
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number for verification purposes only

Additional information that helps maximize recovery:

• Names of deceased relatives who may have left assets
• Previous employers or business associations
• States where you have lived or worked
• Any known unclaimed property notifications you have received

Your information is secure: We use bank level 256 bit encryption and never share your personal information with third parties. All data is used solely for the purpose of locating and recovering your unclaimed funds. Our systems are compliant with California privacy laws and financial data protection standards.

We recover all types of California unclaimed property, including:

• Bank accounts: Savings, checking, and dormant accounts
• Insurance proceeds: Life insurance payouts and policy refunds
• Investment accounts: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and dividends
• Payroll and benefits: Uncashed paychecks and retirement funds
• Utility deposits: Refunds from electric, gas, water, and phone companies
• Court funds: Judgments, settlements, and court deposits
• Business proceeds: Vendor payments and customer overpayments
• Safe deposit box contents: Items and cash from abandoned boxes
• Tax refunds: Unclaimed federal and state tax refunds

Specialized recovery services:

• Estate and inheritance assets requiring probate documentation
• Class action settlement funds
• Bankruptcy distributions
• Federal agency funds

Our comprehensive approach means we search for every type of unclaimed asset you might be entitled to receive under California law.

We specialize in complex inheritance cases:

• Estate research: We locate all eligible heirs and beneficiaries
• Genealogical investigation: Professional family tree research when needed
• Legal documentation: Proper probate court documents and heir affidavits
• Multiple heir coordination: We work with all parties to ensure smooth distribution
• Licensed Private Investigator: Tracks down missing documents and verifies relationships

Required documentation typically includes:

• Death certificates from county registrar
• Proof of relationship to deceased, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates
• Probate court documents if estate was probated
• Heir affidavits signed by all beneficiaries
• Estate administration papers or letters testamentary

Our expertise matters: Inheritance cases are often the most complex but can involve the largest amounts. Our licensed investigators and legal team have successfully recovered millions in inherited unclaimed funds. Average estate recovery is 42,000 to 69,000 dollars based on recent client cases.

We handle all the legal complexity so families can focus on what matters most during difficult times.

Honest answer: We cannot guarantee that every person has unclaimed funds waiting for them. However, statistics show that 1 in 10 Americans have unclaimed property, and California holds over 14 billion dollars waiting to be claimed.

What we can guarantee:

• Comprehensive search: We search every available California database plus federal and private sources
• Professional service: Licensed Private Investigators handle your case from start to finish
• No cost if unsuccessful: You pay nothing if we do not recover funds
• Complete transparency: Regular updates throughout the 3 to 6 month process
• Expert claim handling: Maximum recovery on any funds found with 98 percent success rate

Our track record speaks for itself:

• 98 percent success rate on cases we accept
• Over 5 million dollars recovered for California clients
• Average recovery of 12,000 dollars per successful case
• 100 plus clients served in California
• Many clients recover funds they never knew existed

While we cannot guarantee results for everyone, our thorough process and California specialization give you the best possible chance of recovery.

Valid question. You absolutely have the right to search and claim funds yourself. Here is the reality:

DIY challenges most people face:

• Time intensive: Searching 50 plus California databases takes weeks of full time work
• Complex paperwork: 47 percent of DIY claims rejected due to errors (California State Controller Office, 2024)
• Limited access: Many databases are not accessible to the public
• Legal complexity: Inheritance cases require specialized knowledge of probate law
• Follow up required: State often requests additional documentation that delays processing by months
• No direct contact: DIY filers wait 6 to 12 months versus our 3 to 6 months with direct State relationships

Why California clients choose our service:

• We find 3 times more funds than typical self searches
• Professional efficiency: We do in days what takes individuals months
• Higher success rate: 98 percent versus 53 percent for DIY (State Controller data)
• No upfront cost: You risk nothing by using our service
• Peace of mind: Licensed professionals handle everything from start to finish
• California specialist: We only work in California, so we know the system inside and out

The bottom line: Many of our clients tried self searching first and either found nothing or got stuck in the claims process. Our expertise and direct State relationships consistently deliver better results. Average time saved is 3 to 6 months compared to DIY filing.

Excellent question. Here is verifiable proof of our legitimacy:

Official credentials you can verify:

• California Private Investigator License: Registered with California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
• State Commissioned Notary: Background checked and bonded by California Secretary of State
• Better Business Bureau: A plus rating with verified business profile
• Google Reviews: 5.0 stars with 28 verified client reviews showing names and recovery amounts
• Physical office: 3 E 3rd Ave Suite 200, San Mateo, California 94401

How to spot actual scams:

• ❌ Companies asking for upfront fees or credit card information
• ❌ Pressure tactics demanding you sign immediately
• ❌ Promises of guaranteed specific dollar amounts
• ❌ No physical address or phone number
• ❌ Unwilling to provide license numbers or credentials
• ❌ Contact only through email or text with no in person meetings

What makes us different:

• ✓ Zero upfront costs, only paid on successful recovery
• ✓ Licensed and bonded with verifiable credentials
• ✓ In person notary appointments with state commissioned notary
• ✓ Transparent process with regular updates
• ✓ Real client testimonials with full names and amounts recovered
• ✓ Direct phone line: 650 761 7847

Still unsure? Call the California State Controller Office at 800 992 4647 and ask about legitimate unclaimed property recovery firms. They will confirm that licensed services like ours are legal and commonly used for complex claims.