(949) 988-4809· Contact· Free search Serving all 58 California counties
CALIFORNIAUNCLAIMED PROPERTY SERVICES Claim Property

Free · no account

Search California Unclaimed Property — Free

Enter a name exactly as it may have appeared on an old account. We search the State Controller’s published records under every reasonable variant of it, not just the spelling you typed.

65 exact, and 35 close matches worth a look

The 100 shown below are worth $94,317 between them. A match is not proof — the State holds many people with the same name, and establishing which record is yours is the real work of a claim.

The State holds 774 records under the surname Beatty, worth $870,646. See every city and first name they are recorded under

  • Strong match

    David L Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Anaheim, CA

    Reported by Washington National Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $485.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 998770340

  • Strong match

    David Beatty

    Unclaimed refund · Laguna Hills, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    $263.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 1017829959

  • Strong match

    David E Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Yucca Valley, CA

    Reported by American Reserve Ins Co

    $229.96
    Start this claim

    State ID 3011662

  • Strong match

    David Beatty

    Mineral or royalty payments

    Reported by Warner Chappell Music Inc.(f/k/a Tri-chappell Music Inc.)

    $200.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 13654390

  • Strong match

    David F Beatty

    Insurance proceeds · Davis, CA

    Reported by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

    $174.66
    Start this claim

    State ID 11473570

  • Strong match

    David Beatty

    Credit balance · Hollister, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a (300056)

    $169.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 978747500

  • Strong match

    David O Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Santa Clara, CA

    Reported by Citigroup Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $140.14 Citigroup Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 980319735

  • Strong match

    David O Beatty

    Savings account · Berkeley, CA

    Reported by Cooperative Center Fcu

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $128.39
    Start this claim

    State ID 957595386

  • Strong match

    David M Beatty

    Credit balance · Angwin, CA

    Reported by American Express Company

    $115.47
    Start this claim

    State ID 969161261

  • Strong match

    David Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Stockton, CA

    Reported by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

    $105.53
    Start this claim

    State ID 14323234

  • Strong match

    David Beatty

    Uncashed check · Scott Valley, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank, Na (apecs 1009)

    $105.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011104783

  • Likely match

    D Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Los Altos, CA

    Reported by Standard Fire Insurance Co

    Someone has already filed a claim on this property. It may be you, or it may not.

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9721979

  • Likely match

    David S Boyd

    Uncashed check · Emeryville, CA

    Reported by Us Bank Na

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $11,582.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1025203781

  • Likely match

    David S Boyd

    Cash held by the State · Emeryville, CA

    Reported by State Farm General Insurance Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,998.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1045888826

  • Likely match

    David G Beattie

    Stocks or securities · San Jose,

    Reported by Evergreen Service Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,814.82 Evergreen Large Co Grwth A
    Start this claim

    State ID 13556315

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Uncashed check · Emeryville, CA

    Reported by Independent Purchasing Cooperative Inc.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,554.30
    Start this claim

    State ID 993407608

  • Likely match

    David L Boyd

    Cash held by the State · Santa Monica, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,779.80
    Start this claim

    State ID 17253585

  • Likely match

    David C Beattie

    Uncashed check · Redwood City, CA

    Reported by Fund 1 Independent Foreclosure Review Pa

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 984676256

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Uncashed check · Carpinteria, CA

    Reported by Fdic 10543 First Republic Bank

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,911.90
    Start this claim

    State ID 1040015826

  • Likely match

    David R Baade

    Credit balance · Irvine, CA

    Reported by American Express Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,425.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 991426916

  • Likely match

    David Byttow

    Unpaid wages · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Trinet Hr Iii, Inc.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,369.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 982413726

  • Likely match

    David A Baty

    Stocks or securities · Altadena, CA

    Reported by Teradata Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,991.03 Teradata Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 994619944

  • Likely match

    David E Beaty

    Unpaid dividends · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Procter & Gamble Company The

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,783.19 Procter & Gamble Co
    Start this claim

    State ID 985937302

  • Likely match

    David Bate

    Cash held by the State · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by Comerica Bank

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,761.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 992658751

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Deposit held · Santa Barbara, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,533.91
    Start this claim

    State ID 1022877886

  • Likely match

    David L Bate

    Uncashed check · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - Pre-paid Card

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,189.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 989630580

  • Likely match

    David E Beaty

    Stocks or securities · Petaluma, CA

    Reported by Edward D. Jones & Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,165.32 American Fd Invsmnt Co Of America Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 995983951

  • Likely match

    David E Boyd

    Uncashed check · Bellflower, CA

    Reported by Safeway Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,156.45
    Start this claim

    State ID 968351068

  • Likely match

    David J Boyd

    Uncashed check

    Reported by City First Bank Na (formerly Broadway Federal Bank)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,136.02
    Start this claim

    State ID 966096919

  • Likely match

    David Budde

    Escrow balance · Hawthorne, CA

    Reported by Landamerica Financial Group Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962710453

  • Likely match

    David J Bette

    Uncashed check · Torrance Area, CA

    Reported by Citibank N A

    $800.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1006881009

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na (apecs 1009)

    $784.54
    Start this claim

    State ID 1033014587

  • Likely match

    David H Boyd

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Pruco Life Insurance Company

    $775.13
    Start this claim

    State ID 1017180628

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Cash held by the State · Unknown,

    Reported by Jeffrey M Carlton Trust On Behalf Of Press Forge Co

    $752.62
    Start this claim

    State ID 984218709

  • Likely match

    David E Beaty

    Stocks or securities · Petaluma, CA

    Reported by Edward D. Jones & Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $749.32 American Fd Growth Fd Of America A
    Start this claim

    State ID 995983950

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Unclaimed refund · Bloomington, CA

    Reported by Arrowhead General Insurance Agency Inc

    $697.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 972018037

  • Likely match

    David Body

    Cash held by the State · Chino Hills, CA

    Reported by Hp Inc

    $681.97
    Start this claim

    State ID 1014803208

  • Likely match

    David Baty

    Stocks or securities · Point Reyes, CA

    Reported by Holnam Inc/ideal Basic % Ssb

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $659.73 Holnam Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12973742

  • Likely match

    David E Beaty

    Stocks or securities · Petaluma, CA

    Reported by Edward D. Jones & Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $651.89 American Fd Capital World Grth & Inc Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 995983949

  • Likely match

    David S Boyd

    Unclaimed refund · Emeryville, CA

    Reported by California Earthquake Authority

    $649.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1047003480

  • Likely match

    David R Beattie

    Insurance proceeds · San Bernardino, CA

    Reported by Lincoln National Life ( Cigna)

    $636.86
    Start this claim

    State ID 13031215

  • Likely match

    David Bate

    Cash held by the State · Manhattan Beach, CA

    Reported by Safeco Ins Co Of America

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $478.30
    Start this claim

    State ID 1036503986

  • Likely match

    David Boyd

    Deposit held · Oxnard, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison Company

    $464.24
    Start this claim

    State ID 983313954

  • Likely match

    David P Boyd

    Cash held by the State · Rocklin, CA

    Reported by Gutierrez V Wells Fargo Bank Na Qualified Settlement

    $461.35
    Start this claim

    State ID 1012259633

  • Likely match

    David A Boyd

    Unclaimed refund · Truckee, CA

    Reported by United Services Automobile Association

    $460.37
    Start this claim

    State ID 1044359009

  • Worth checking

    Dan Beatty

    Cash held by the State · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Safeco Ins Co Of America

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,685.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1003041127

  • Worth checking

    Delainey D Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Cameron Park, CA

    Reported by Primerica Shareholder Services

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,014.24 Invesco American Franchise Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 972127144

  • Worth checking

    D S Boyd

    Cash held by the State · San Jose, CA

    Reported by First American P&c Ins Co

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,872.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 12393995

  • Worth checking

    Douglas Beatty

    Escrow balance · Fresno, CA

    Reported by Stewart Title Of California

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 973618225

  • Worth checking

    Doris T Beatty

    Savings account · Walnut Creek, CA

    Reported by Patelco Credit Union

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,115.30
    Start this claim

    State ID 997498429

  • Worth checking

    Donald J Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Westhaven, CA

    Reported by John Hancock Financial Services Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,071.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 15664852

  • Worth checking

    Daniel G Beatty

    Stocks or securities · San Mateo, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $682.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 16093943

  • Worth checking

    Douglas L Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Garden City, CA

    Reported by John Hancock Financial Services Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $612.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 15672044

  • Worth checking

    Diana E Beatty

    Uncashed check · Martinez, CA

    Reported by Flagstar Bank Fsb

    $597.80
    Start this claim

    State ID 960811360

  • Worth checking

    Dan Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Corona Del Mar, CA

    Reported by Toyota Motor Credit Corporation

    $597.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 998011651

  • Worth checking

    Delvin Beatty

    Cash held by the State · San Jacinto, CA

    Reported by Optumrx

    $571.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005812713

  • Worth checking

    D M Boduy

    Stocks or securities · Azusa, CA

    Reported by Bellsouth Corp

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $557.20 Bellsouth Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 16352484

  • Worth checking

    Deborah Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Western General Insurance Company

    $527.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 969773644

  • Worth checking

    Debbie Beatty

    Unclaimed refund · Yorba Linda, CA

    Reported by Truck Insurance Exchange

    $508.72
    Start this claim

    State ID 1027972424

  • Worth checking

    D M Boduy

    Cash held by the State · La Puente, CA

    Reported by Nynex Corporation

    $502.67 Bell Atlantic Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 4552503

  • Worth checking

    Diana Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Cypress, CA

    Reported by State Of Virginia

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 3334245

  • Worth checking

    D M Boduy

    Stocks or securities · Azusa, CA

    Reported by Vodafone Group Plc/airtouch Communicatio

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $483.43 Vodafone Group Plcadr
    Start this claim

    State ID 14823213

  • Worth checking

    Donald R Beatty

    Escrow balance · Palm Springs, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na Dba Wells Fargo Home

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $475.44
    Start this claim

    State ID 956857187

  • Worth checking

    D Abercrombie Bettie

    Mineral or royalty payments · Merced, CA

    Reported by Silver Hill Energy Operating Llc

    $472.92
    Start this claim

    State ID 1063002003

  • Worth checking

    Beatty

    Unclaimed refund · Hemet, CA

    Reported by Fire Insurance Exchange

    Someone has already filed a claim on this property. It may be you, or it may not.

    $467.53
    Start this claim

    State ID 971206897

  • Worth checking

    D M Boduy

    Stocks or securities · La Puente,

    Reported by Verizon Communications Inc/gte Corp

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $453.01 Bell Atlantic Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 13482704

  • Worth checking

    Danielle Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Malibu, CA

    Reported by Time Warner Companies Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $450.78 Time Warner Inc New
    Start this claim

    State ID 11816542

  • Worth checking

    Denise M Beatty

    Stocks or securities

    Reported by Capital One Sharebuilder Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $407.22 Russell 1000 Value (ishar
    Start this claim

    State ID 976269315

  • Worth checking

    Douglas Beatty

    Credit balance · Oxnard, CA

    Reported by Synchrony Bank

    $400.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 995698631

  • Worth checking

    Denise M Beatty

    Stocks or securities

    Reported by Capital One Sharebuilder Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $399.89 Ishares Etf Russell 1000 Growth
    Start this claim

    State ID 976269316

  • Worth checking

    Donald W Beatty

    Uncashed check · Newport Beach, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Vendor Checks

    $352.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 952366078

  • Worth checking

    Deborah C Beatty

    Stocks or securities · Fontana, CA

    Reported by General Dynamics Corp

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $345.13 General Dynamics Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 12900064

  • Worth checking

    Duncan E Beatty

    Uncashed check · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Fund 1 Independent Foreclosure Review Pa

    $300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 984676261

  • Worth checking

    Douglas E Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Oxnard, CA

    Reported by Capital One Bank Usa Na

    $260.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 1006221492

  • Worth checking

    Debbie Lynn Beatty

    Savings account

    Reported by Dept Of Corrections And Rehabilitation

    $226.69
    Start this claim

    State ID 969579220

  • Worth checking

    Damaris C Beatty

    Uncashed check · Sun City, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    $225.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020100059

  • Worth checking

    Douglas Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Reseda, CA

    Reported by California Physician's Service Dba Blue

    $220.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 5203259

  • Worth checking

    Denise M Beatty

    Credit balance

    Reported by Capital One Sharebuilder Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $206.97
    Start this claim

    State ID 976270499

  • Worth checking

    Dylan Beatty

    Uncashed check · Canoga Park, CA

    Reported by Carnival Cruise Lines Inc

    $200.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011543936

  • Worth checking

    Dave Beatty

    Unpaid wages · Scotts Valley, CA

    Reported by Phoenix Settlement Administrators

    $200.27
    Start this claim

    State ID 1032028974

  • Worth checking

    Douglas P Beatty

    Uncashed check · Sun City, CA

    Reported by Discover Bank

    $200.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1029749667

  • Worth checking

    Danielle Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Malibu, CA

    Reported by California Physicians Services 010909/dbp Dental/bsc Calif

    $186.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 960854190

  • Worth checking

    Dana Beatty

    Unpaid dividends · Clear Lake, CA

    Reported by Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $184.36 Public Service Enterprises Grp
    Start this claim

    State ID 969009357

  • Worth checking

    Douglas E Beatty

    Uncashed check · Oxnard, CA

    Reported by First National Bank Of Omaha

    $179.85
    Start this claim

    State ID 1022843883

  • Worth checking

    Debra A Beatty

    Uncashed check · Anaheim, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na (apecs 111)

    $178.80
    Start this claim

    State ID 1027332078

  • Worth checking

    Douglas P Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Menifee, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Na

    $178.06
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005836193

  • Worth checking

    Donna L Beatty

    Pension or retirement funds · Ventura, CA

    Reported by State Of California Savings Plus

    $159.99
    Start this claim

    State ID 15765488

  • Worth checking

    Daisy B Beatty

    Insurance proceeds · El Cajon, CA

    Reported by Family Service Life Insurance Company

    $158.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 14569432

  • Worth checking

    Deborah Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Westminster, CA

    Reported by Motors Insurance Corporation

    $155.39
    Start this claim

    State ID 12576146

  • Worth checking

    Denise Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Calabasas, CA

    Reported by Us Bank Na

    $152.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1010814970

  • Worth checking

    Douglas Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Los Gatos, CA

    Reported by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

    $150.49
    Start this claim

    State ID 14352752

  • Worth checking

    Donald Beatty

    Savings account · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:0311-wilshire-la Brea Branch

    $134.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 9140223

  • Worth checking

    Denise Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Calabasas, CA

    Reported by Us Bank Na

    $126.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1001844889

  • Worth checking

    Deanna L Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Santa Ana, CA

    Reported by Pioneer Value Fund C

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $124.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 1811512

  • Worth checking

    Danielle Beatty

    Deposit held · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison Company

    $123.88
    Start this claim

    State ID 978379814

  • Worth checking

    Diana Beatty

    Cash held by the State · Buena Park, CA

    Reported by United Services Automobile Association

    $122.95
    Start this claim

    State ID 9609233

  • Worth checking

    Duncan Beatty

    Deposit held · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Arizona Public Service Company

    $121.64
    Start this claim

    State ID 973322312

  • Worth checking

    Dallas Beatty

    Savings account

    Reported by Chevron Federal Credit Union

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $116.72
    Start this claim

    State ID 1031552370

  • Worth checking

    Dun G Beatty

    Unpaid dividends · Escondido, CA

    Reported by 110 Franklin Us Government Securities

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $113.45
    Start this claim

    State ID 2060462

  • Worth checking

    Danielle Beatty

    Savings account · Malibu, CA

    Reported by First Entertainment Credit Union

    $112.62
    Start this claim

    State ID 13387074

Showing the 100 most valuable of 106. That is a common name — add a first name or a city to narrow it, and try any former spelling.

Tell us if this name comes up again

Banks and insurers hand accounts to the State Controller roughly twice a year, and the file grows every time. We will keep checking this name against each new file and write to you if it appears.

Only about this name, and you can stop it from any email. We do not sell or share the address.

How You Are Protected

Our fee is capped at ten per cent of what is recovered by Code of Civil Procedure §1582, and nothing is owed until the State Controller has paid you. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing.

There is no deadline. The State holds unclaimed property indefinitely, so nothing here is urgent.

A Second State File

2 probate estates carry that name

Separately from unclaimed accounts, the State Controller publishes the estates of deceased people that reached it through county probate. This file names the decedent and the heirs on record, which the main file does not.

2 more under that name that can no longer be claimed

When an estate goes unclaimed long enough, the State takes permanent title to it and no claim will be paid afterwards. These are shown because knowing what happened to a relative’s estate is worth something even when the money is gone. Nobody can recover these — if a firm offers to, that alone tells you what they are.

  • Boyd David Lee

    Probate estate · Solano County · 2001

    Matched on Boyd David Lee (decedent)

    Permanently escheated — the State now owns this and it cannot be claimed.

    $3,297.02 closed

    State ID 956805428
    Case 598-968-PAC8-SUM6

  • Boyd Donald F

    Probate estate · Los Angeles County · 2000

    Matched on Boyd David Franklin (heir)

    2 heirs named on the State’s record

    Permanently escheated — the State now owns this and it cannot be claimed.

    $184.60 closed

    State ID 956804127
    Case NP005603

Fees on probated estates are not capped by the ten per cent rule that governs ordinary unclaimed property. How estate claims work, including what we would charge and why the difference exists.

Commissioned California Notary Public $15,000 surety bond Fee capped at 10% by state law Nothing owed until you are paid
10%
Maximum fee, by statute
Code of Civil Procedure §1582 caps any recovery fee at ten percent of the property returned.
$1,000
Notarization threshold
Cash claims at or above this must be notarized. So must all securities and safe deposit boxes.
7 days
Data refresh cycle
The State Controller republishes the full record set every Thursday, and we rebuild our copy from it.
None
Deadline to claim
California places no time limit. The State holds unclaimed property indefinitely.

How This Search Differs from the Official One

The State Controller’s own search matches what you type, and nothing else. Ours also finds maiden names, married names, initials, common misspellings, hyphen variants, and business names with and without their suffixes — because the record was created by whoever held the account, not by you.

Every result comes from the Controller’s own published file, which we rebuild weekly. Each one carries the State’s own property ID, so the record you are looking at is traceable to the source rather than to us.

What We Search Under

  • Your name as typed, plus initials and middle-name variants
  • Maiden and former married names, if you tell us them
  • Common misspellings and transposed letters
  • Former addresses in California
  • Business names with and without Inc., LLC, Co. and DBAs

How You Are Protected

Our fee is capped at ten per cent of what is recovered by Code of Civil Procedure §1582, and nothing is owed until the State Controller has paid you. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing.

California Unclaimed Property Services is a private asset recovery firm. We are not the California State Controller’s Office.

Find out in About Thirty Seconds

Give us a name and we will check the State Controller’s records under every reasonable variant of it. Asking costs nothing and commits you to nothing.