Controller Cohen Announces New Partnership to Help Reunite Californians with Unclaimed Property

SACRAMENTO-California State Controller Malia M. Cohen announced today that California has joined MissingMoney.com, a free, safe, and secure national website created to reunite people with unclaimed property. The website provides an easy way for people to search unclaimed property databases in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

"My office safeguards over $11 billion in unclaimed property belonging to Californians, and I am committed to making the claims process easier for everyone," said Controller Cohen. "The Missing Money website is another useful tool in that effort."

Californians can start their unclaimed property search through the State Controller's website at claimit.ca.gov, MissingMoney.com, or by calling (800) 992-4647. Anyone can search or download the unclaimed property database for free to see if friends and family also have items safeguarded by the state.

California's unclaimed property law protects consumers by requiring banks, insurance companies, and other businesses to transfer property to the State Controller after a period of no activity (generally three years). Savings or checking accounts, insurance benefits, uncashed checks, wages, stocks, bonds, and safe deposit box contents are common types of unclaimed property. Visit claimit.ca.gov for more information.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state's financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation's two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on Twitter at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller's Office.

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