$9.3 Billion In Unclaimed Property Waiting For Californians

California officials this week reminded residents of the Golden State they may be missing out on some cash or property that belongs to them. And those long-lost valuables can certainly add up — there's more than $9.3 billion in unclaimed California property. But it's up to you to claim those funds and/or property.

"As Californians prepare for school valentine exchanges, date nights, and Galentines’ get-togethers this February, State Controller Betty T. Yee is reminding revelers to search her online database for unclaimed property," the state controller's office said in a news release. "More than 48 million properties worth a total of $9.3 billion are ready for matchmaking at claimit.ca.gov."

While the U.S. government lacks a central website to find unclaimed funds, you can search for money owed to you through the California state treasury website. To search for unclaimed money that may be lying in a different state’s treasury, click here.

"Whether you’re dreaming of flowers, chocolate, or homemade crafts this Valentine’s Day, one very sweet treat is money you didn’t know you had," said Controller Yee. "You also could play Cupid and help reunite loved ones with their lost or forgotten cash and heirlooms."

Last month, the controller's office shelled out more than $25 million in property to approximately 28,000 people. They shared the following snapshot of property claims paid in 12 major cities in January:

• 882 properties valued at $793,467 in San Diego
• 902 properties valued at $591,072 in San Jose
• 554 properties valued at $318,775 in Long Beach
• 326 properties valued at $273,076 in Fresno
• 242 properties valued at $197,398 in Riverside
• 135 properties valued at $159,158 in Salinas
• 146 properties valued at $91,818 in Anaheim
• 100 properties valued at $86,186 in San Bernardino
• 73 properties valued at $82,627 in Santa Cruz
• 484 properties valued at $65,336 in Bakersfield
• 202 properties valued at $46,739 in Modesto
• 210 properties valued at $44,811 in Fremont

If you are one of those who finds unclaimed property on the state controller’s website, you can submit claims at claimit.ca.gov or call (800) 992-4647.

If you don’t have money lying in the state treasury, the government also suggests checking for unclaimed funds from bank failures or unclaimed deposits from credit union closures. You could also check for unclaimed or undelivered tax refunds or a refund from an FHA-insured mortgage. Finally, you can check for unclaimed back wages, pension money or life insurance funds. Click here to find out how to search for these unclaimed funds.

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