Upfront release fees
Someone asks for a processing, tax, or release payment before you receive the property. California says to be suspicious of investigator fees demanded in advance.
CONSUMER PROTECTION GUIDE
Is unclaimed property a scam?
Unclaimed property is real. Some messages offering to recover it are fraudulent. Here's how to tell the difference before you reply, pay, or share personal information.
See the verification checklistTHE SHORT ANSWER
Unclaimed property is legitimate, but not every notification is. California holds unclaimed assets and lets people search and claim them for free at claimit.ca.gov. Independent investigators may also offer assistance for a fee, but hiring one is optional.
RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS
Eight signs that deserve a closer look.
One warning sign is reason to stop and verify, not proof that every unsolicited contact is fraudulent.
Fake government authority
A private company claims to be the State Controller, displays an unofficial government badge, or implies that the state endorses it.
Pressure and deadlines
A caller insists you must act immediately or lose the money. Do not let an artificial deadline replace independent verification.
Unsolicited links or texts
Unexpected texts directing you to claim funds through a link are a phishing warning sign. Open the state's official website yourself instead.
Requests for passwords or codes
Someone wants your banking login, one-time verification code, or sensitive identity details before you can evaluate the claim.
Payment by unusual methods
Requests to send gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire payments to "unlock" funds are major red flags.
Guaranteed payment claims
A promise that money is yours without checking identity or documentation ignores the state's actual claim approval process.
Unclear identity or contract
The sender refuses to give their real name, business contact information, fee terms, or written agreement identifying the property involved.
DO THIS BEFORE YOU RESPOND
How to verify an unclaimed property letter.
You can check the central facts without responding to an unknown sender or sharing sensitive information.
Start with an independent source.
Do not rely solely on a phone number or link contained in an unexpected message.
1
Search California's official website
Type claimit.ca.gov into your browser yourself. Look for a possible matching property record. A name match alone does not establish ownership.
2
Check who contacted you
Look up the investigator or business independently, review its contact details, and confirm the person can explain their role. California provides consumer guidance on investigators.
3
Understand the fee
California generally caps investigator fees at 10% of returned property, with a county probated estate exception. A legitimate fee arrangement does not require an upfront recovery payment.
4
Read the agreement before signing
Ask what property the agreement covers, what assistance will be provided, and how the fee is assessed. Do not sign under pressure.
5
Contact the state if you are unsure
Call California's Unclaimed Property Division at (800) 992-4647 using the number published on its own website. You may also claim directly through the state for free.
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Legitimate investigators exist. Government endorsement is different.
California recognizes independent asset locators and heir finders. Their services are optional.
Gives you the choice
- Identifies themselves and their business.
- Explains their role and any written agreement.
- Discloses fees and the option to claim directly for free.
- Does not promise approval or pressure you to sign.
No state seal of approval
The California State Controller's Office accepts investigator registration information, but does not issue an official investigator number or endorsement. Registration alone does not guarantee a claim or prove the quality of services.
Read the state's investigator FAQ ↗WERE YOU CONTACTED BY ME?
I'm William Webster. Here's how to check my outreach.
If you received a letter or call from me about potential California unclaimed property, I encourage you to verify the information independently first. A possible match in public records is not a guarantee that a claim will be approved.
My investigator information is registered with the California State Controller's Office. I am an independent service provider, not a state employee, and registration is not a government endorsement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers worth checking.
Especially if you received a letter you weren't expecting.
Is a letter about unclaimed money always a scam?
No. Some letters come from real private investigators and some come from scammers. Verify the sender and use California's official property search before deciding.
Are unclaimed property investigators legitimate?
California allows private investigators, also called asset locators or heir finders, to help owners with claims for a fee. The service is optional, and the state offers free direct filing.
Does the State Controller charge to release my money?
No. California's State Controller's Office processes direct unclaimed property claims free of charge. Be suspicious of anyone presenting an upfront charge as a required state release fee.
Does an investigator need a government license or number?
The California State Controller does not issue an official unclaimed property investigator number or a general license for this activity. Other licensing requirements may apply to related services. Registration is not endorsement.
What if the property belongs to a deceased family member?
An eligible heir, trustee, executor, or other authorized representative may be able to claim it, but additional documents may be required. A deceased person's name in a listing does not automatically establish who inherits.
Should I send my Social Security number to someone who contacted me?
Do not give sensitive information to an unverified caller or through an unexpected link. Legitimate claim procedures may later require identity documents, but verify the recipient and use an appropriate secure process first. Do not send sensitive documents through this website's general inquiry form.
Where can I report a suspicious message?
Read the California State Controller's fraud alerts and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. Do not click suspicious links or share information with the sender.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Read the warnings for yourself.
These public agencies provide the underlying consumer guidance. This article is an educational resource, not a government publication. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.
CA STATE CONTROLLERConsumer Fraud AlertsOfficial warnings about suspicious postcards, mail, and impersonation.↗
CA STATE CONTROLLERAbout Independent InvestigatorsConsumer rights, fee limits, written agreements, and free claiming.↗
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSIONUnexpected Calls About Unclaimed FundsFederal guidance on phishing, unsolicited texts, and advance-fee scams.↗
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?Verify first.
Verify first.
Decide second.
You can ask William about a letter, the fee arrangement, or the recovery process without committing to any service.
Contact William Or call (424) 243-6716