Watch For These Red Flags

 

Scammers may target people by pretending to help with unclaimed property. These are some of the most common tricks as shared on the State of California's Unclaimed Property Division's website.

 

Postcards with Toll-Free Numbers

Some people have reported receiving generic-looking postcards asking them to call a number. 

These cards are not connected to any official state agency.

 

Emails or Letters Asking for Upfront Payment

Some scams look official and claim you need a lawyer or must pay fees upfront to recover money for yourself or a family member.

 

You do not need to pay to claim your property. The State Controller’s Office offers this service for free — no professional legal help, like lawyers, are required.

 

 If you choose to work with a legit Investigator, they will only be paid by the state from 

 

People Pretending to Be from the Government

It’s illegal for someone to falsely say they represent a government agency. If you receive a suspicious message: Don’t reply or share personal information.

Report it by forwarding it to : CSUResearch@sco.ca.gov — their legal team may investigate if they know about it.

 

 

 4. Avoid high-pressure tactics. Legitimate businesses don’t push you to “act now” or pay upfront before you’ve had time to verify who they are.

 

Quick Homework: VERIFY

 

Before you agree to work with anyone — it’s recommended to make sure the company or claims are legitimate.  A trustworthy company should be registered and in good standing with the state and city they operate from. We make it easy to verify Bolster Content is in good standing at the links below. 

 

Avoid high-pressure tactics. Legitimate businesses don’t push you to “act now” or pay upfront before you’ve had time to verify who they are.

 

 

Secretary of State Business Search  

https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/

 

 Daly City Business Search Portal. 

https://dalycity.hdlgov.com/Search/Index/BusinessLicens

 

State Controller's Unclaimed Property Search

https://www.sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html 

 

 

NOTE: Official government websites use ".gov" or more recently in smaller local agencies ".hdlgov " for their online business portals.

 

Active accounts are the happiest.

 

When banks or companies lose touch with you, your property (money, stocks, etc.) could be handed over to the California State Controller’s Office. Follow these simple steps to protect what's yours:

 

Keep Good Records & Stay Organized

Make a list of all your:

• Bank accounts
• Stocks, mutual funds, insurance policies
• Safe deposit boxes, utility/rent deposits
• Contact info for financial institutions/companies
• Review your records at least once a year.

 

Let institutions know if your:

• Address changes
• Name changes (e.g., after marriage or divorce)
• Ownership changes (e.g., after a death)

 

Pay Attention to Mail & Notices

• Read and respond to bank statements, notices, or proxy materials.
• Contact the institution if you stop receiving dividend checks or other communications.

 

Keep Accounts Active

• Make deposits, withdrawals, or send messages (mail or email).
• Keep UGMA accounts active with written or electronic contact.
• Visit safe deposit boxes at least once a year.
• Pay any fees associated with safe deposit boxes on time.

 

Handle Checks & Money Orders Promptly

• Cash dividend, interest, or refund checks right away.
• Cash cashier’s checks within 3 years or return them for reissue.
• Cash money orders within 7 years or return them for reissue.

 

 Share Info with Family & Add Contacts

• List beneficiaries on all accounts and keep them up to date.
• Let family members know where your important documents are.
• Add a secondary contact to your accounts.
• Prepare a will and let your spouse or heirs know your wishes.
• If you're managing someone else's estate, contact all relevant companies right away.

 

Respond to Property Transfer Notices

• If a bank/account is inactive, you’ll get a notice 6 months before property is turned over to the state.

It will say:“The State of California requires us to notify you that your unclaimed property may be transferred to the state if you do not contact us.”

• Act quickly — contact the business before the deadline listed on the notice.

 

What If You Missed a Notice from the business?

The State Controller’s Office will also send a notice before property is transferred.

It includes:

• The business name
• Contact information
• Type of property
• Amount

 

Click here to see the "Notice to Owners"

 

If contact info is outdated, check for updates or call:

📞 (800) 992-4647 (U.S.)

📞 (916) 323-2827 (Outside U.S.)(Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM PT, excluding holidays)