(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.

123 records carry that name

The 100 shown below are worth $199,631 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 979 records under the surname Downs, worth $654,776. See every city and first name they are recorded under

  • Strong match

    James R Downs

    Uncashed check · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - California Na (318)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $20,118.68
    Start this claim

    State ID 1024268032

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Cash held by the State · Santa Clara, CA

    Reported by New York Life Insurance Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $8,999.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 967685484

  • Strong match

    James E Downs

    Cash held by the State · Lakewood, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Kba

    $455.04
    Start this claim

    State ID 17165895

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Pension or retirement funds · Huntington Beac, CA

    Reported by Union Bank Of California, N.a.

    $378.16
    Start this claim

    State ID 16034474

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Irvine, CA

    Reported by Mercury Insurance Services

    $373.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1030546549

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Cash held by the State · Fairfield, CA

    Reported by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

    $346.53
    Start this claim

    State ID 1326082

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Stocks or securities · Fresno, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $341.28
    Start this claim

    State ID 16108241

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Cash held by the State · Valley Center, CA

    Reported by Mediacom Communications Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $315.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 999666707

  • Strong match

    James E Downs

    Stocks or securities

    Reported by At&t

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $234.00 American Telephone & Telegraph$33.33
    Start this claim

    State ID 9615653

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Holtville, CA

    Reported by Capital One Na

    $209.41
    Start this claim

    State ID 1000619464

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Uncashed check · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Bbva Usa

    $200.13
    Start this claim

    State ID 1010930268

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Escrow balance · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Fox Rothschild Llp

    $188.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1034586323

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Credit balance · Monterey Park, CA

    Reported by Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

    $185.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 976621709

  • Strong match

    James R Downs

    Uncashed check · Chula Vista, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $183.38
    Start this claim

    State ID 11022940

  • Strong match

    James E Downs

    Unclaimed refund · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Comcast Cable Comm Mgmt Llc

    $108.69
    Start this claim

    State ID 975869459

  • Strong match

    James Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Valley Center, CA

    Reported by Mediacom Communications Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $102.89
    Start this claim

    State ID 999666706

  • Strong match

    James D Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Yuba City, CA

    Reported by Elevance Health Inc

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1032782035

  • Strong match

    James D Downs

    Cash held by the State · Yuba City, CA

    Reported by Elevance Health Inc

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1025766960

  • Strong match

    James D Downs

    Credit balance · San Diego, CA

    Reported by T-mobile Usa

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 972059093

  • Likely match

    J Downs

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Herbert P. Sears Company Inc.

    $185.09
    Start this claim

    State ID 9291859

  • Likely match

    James A Denise

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $22,514.98
    Start this claim

    State ID 964992400

  • Likely match

    James Denise

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Union Bank N.a.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $10,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 989622993

  • Likely match

    James Decd Dennis

    Cash held by the State · Oakland, CA

    Reported by Jackson National Life Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,127.27
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004293259

  • Likely match

    James Dines

    Cash held by the State · Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Fia Card Services N.a.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,978.36
    Start this claim

    State ID 959360663

  • Likely match

    James Dennis

    Cash held by the State · Hemet, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,953.95
    Start this claim

    State ID 17254438

  • Likely match

    James Dines

    Uncashed check · Belvedere, CA

    Reported by National Financial Services Llc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,800.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1006677380

  • Likely match

    James Downes

    Uncashed check · Irvine, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na (apecs 1009)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,619.64
    Start this claim

    State ID 1032970347

  • Likely match

    James K Dennis

    Stocks or securities · Oakland, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,340.31 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15465114

  • Likely match

    James Dennis

    Cash held by the State · Campbell, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,339.38
    Start this claim

    State ID 1021040517

  • Likely match

    James E Denos

    Stocks or securities · Huntington Beach, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,087.61 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005967449

  • Likely match

    James Dines

    Unclaimed refund · Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Csaa Insurance Exchange

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,073.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1002822903

  • Likely match

    James W Dennis

    Uncashed check · Carson, CA

    Reported by City National Bank

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9267847

  • Likely match

    James Dines

    Unclaimed refund · Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Csaa Insurance Exchange

    $763.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1023150150

  • Likely match

    James L Dance

    Mineral or royalty payments · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $691.48
    Start this claim

    State ID 997816158

  • Likely match

    James Dennis

    Insurance proceeds · Hesperia, CA

    Reported by State Farm General Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $691.07
    Start this claim

    State ID 15050973

  • Likely match

    James L Sr Dance

    Mineral or royalty payments · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $636.22
    Start this claim

    State ID 989022749

  • Likely match

    James K Dennis

    Cash held by the State · Santa Ana, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    $633.31
    Start this claim

    State ID 967457941

  • Likely match

    James S Dennis

    Cash held by the State · San Pedro, CA

    Reported by Progressive Casualty Insurance Co

    $625.14
    Start this claim

    State ID 10965075

  • Likely match

    James D Dennis

    Savings account · Quincy, CA

    Reported by Plumas Bank

    $600.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 1030984461

  • Likely match

    James Dinse

    Cash held by the State · Cathedral Cty, CA

    Reported by Pathward

    $600.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1040881110

  • Likely match

    James Dines

    Uncashed check · Belvedere Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Csaa Insurance Group

    $573.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 986222484

  • Likely match

    James L Dance

    Mineral or royalty payments · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $570.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 991557184

  • Likely match

    James G Danos

    Stocks or securities · Visalia, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $556.35 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16277838

  • Worth checking

    Jeffrey N Downs

    Uncashed check · Oakland, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (703)

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

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $12,685.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 978484313

  • Worth checking

    Janet L Downs

    Stocks or securities · Exeter, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $8,941.73 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 1019310841

  • Worth checking

    J Healey Dennis

    Uncashed check · Palm Desert, CA

    Reported by Banc Of California

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,467.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 1059022093

  • Worth checking

    Josephine Downs

    Escrow balance · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by United Escrow - Los Angeles

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,165.70
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037657919

  • Worth checking

    J Carroll Dennis

    Unclaimed refund · Carlsbad, CA

    Reported by Clubcorp Holdings Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1065711897

  • Worth checking

    J M Duenas

    Pension or retirement funds · Norwalk, CA

    Reported by U.s. Bank - Pars

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,817.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 983528353

  • Worth checking

    J Zeimet Dennis

    Unclaimed refund · Anderson, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (500009)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,066.25
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068996981

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Southland Title Corporation

    Held jointly with 6 other people

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $5,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 14840008

  • Worth checking

    Judith A Daught Downs

    Cash held by the State · Irvine, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,490.91
    Start this claim

    State ID 1017175177

  • Worth checking

    Jeffery R Downs

    Escrow balance

    Reported by Trans Union Title And Escrow Service Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,859.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 959033746

  • Worth checking

    Josephine E Downs

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Citibank Na Nyb (9452)

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,828.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 977814838

  • Worth checking

    J Amoroso Construction Dennis

    Credit balance · San Rafael, CA

    Reported by Golden Gate Disposal Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,401.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 998623231

  • Worth checking

    Jane Downs

    Stocks or securities · Anaheim, CA

    Reported by The Walt Disney Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,248.14 Disney Walt Company
    Start this claim

    State ID 967823748

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Savings account · Malibu,

    Reported by Century Federal Savings & Loan Assoc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,052.92
    Start this claim

    State ID 4438848

  • Worth checking

    Jeffery Arthur Downs

    Uncashed check · Perris, CA

    Reported by Loancare Llc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,927.36
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011558914

  • Worth checking

    Julianna Downs

    Stocks or securities · Bakersfield, CA

    Reported by Bei Holdings Ltd

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,562.82 Amresco Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12952438

  • Worth checking

    Julia Downs

    Cash held by the State · Bakersfield, CA

    Reported by Comerica Bank

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,422.55
    Start this claim

    State ID 1030609686

  • Worth checking

    Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Burney, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

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

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,376.49
    Start this claim

    State ID 1033328730

  • Worth checking

    Jack A Downs

    Deposit held · Riverside, CA

    Reported by Department Of Financial Protection And Innovation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,290.13
    Start this claim

    State ID 1025646184

  • Worth checking

    Jake Downs

    Uncashed check · Hemet, CA

    Reported by Loancare Llc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,263.37
    Start this claim

    State ID 1032688199

  • Worth checking

    J Amoroso Const Dennis

    Credit balance · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Hajoca Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962847793

  • Worth checking

    Juliana G Downs

    Savings account · Burney, CA

    Reported by Us Bank Na

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $995.59
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011502158

  • Worth checking

    J Dennis

    Stocks or securities · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $910.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 16106866

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Unclaimed refund · El Cajon, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.a. (510009)

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $902.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1031788640

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Cash held by the State · Glendale, CA

    Reported by Jhusa John Hancock Life Ins Co Usa

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $844.51
    Start this claim

    State ID 971006291

  • Worth checking

    J Healey Dennis

    Savings account · Palm Desert, CA

    Reported by First-citizens Bank & Trust Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $818.85
    Start this claim

    State ID 1073321290

  • Worth checking

    Jack Downs

    Stocks or securities · Big River, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $735.65 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 18872272

  • Worth checking

    J E Downes

    Cash held by the State · Lake Elsinore, CA

    Reported by Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

    $720.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 1814223

  • Worth checking

    John G Downs

    Uncashed check · Laguna Woods, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.a. (1601)

    Held jointly with 3 other people

    $718.63
    Start this claim

    State ID 17639738

  • Worth checking

    J Sloan Dennis

    Escrow balance · Palmdale, CA

    Reported by Ce Escrow

    $710.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 992625349

  • Worth checking

    J Gorrell Dennis

    Unpaid wages · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Unified Grocers Inc. (f.k.a Unified Wes

    $623.62
    Start this claim

    State ID 993686973

  • Worth checking

    John P Downs

    Uncashed check · San Pedro, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (703)

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    $611.80
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005666138

  • Worth checking

    Downs

    Insurance proceeds

    Reported by Mid Century Insurance Company

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

    $600.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 17606937

  • Worth checking

    Jerry W Downs

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Hewlett Packard Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $600.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 980438866

  • Worth checking

    John William Downs

    Stocks or securities · Newcastle, CA

    Reported by Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $548.92 Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 984520656

  • Worth checking

    J C Dennis

    Cash held by the State · Sun City, CA

    Reported by Aetna Life Insurance Company

    $530.21
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004223295

  • Worth checking

    Janet L Downs

    Stocks or securities · Exeter, CA

    Reported by Brighthouse Financial Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $516.69 Brighthouse Finl Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 1018711802

  • Worth checking

    John F Downs

    Stocks or securities · Sepulveda, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $516.37 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16280859

  • Worth checking

    John F Downs

    Stocks or securities · Sepulveda, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $516.37 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16280860

  • Worth checking

    J Cervar Dennis

    Unclaimed refund · Chino Hills, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (500009)

    $508.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068983743

  • Worth checking

    Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Pomona, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

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

    $501.87
    Start this claim

    State ID 1030324770

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Uncashed check · Malibu, CA

    Reported by Monument Escrows Inc

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9413037

  • Worth checking

    J Day Dennis

    Unclaimed refund · Riverside, CA

    Reported by Clubcorp Holdings Inc

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1065711143

  • Worth checking

    Judith G Downs

    Cash held by the State · Walnut Creek, CA

    Reported by Ams Industries Inc

    $488.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1470672

  • Worth checking

    John H Downs

    Unclaimed refund · Bakersfield, CA

    Reported by State Farm General Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $464.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 1045891489

  • Worth checking

    Julie A Downs

    Stocks or securities · Lakewood, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $455.04
    Start this claim

    State ID 16108247

  • Worth checking

    John R Downs

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Crocker National Bank

    $449.86
    Start this claim

    State ID 384074

  • Worth checking

    Jr Eugene Downs

    Uncashed check · Sierra Madre, CA

    Reported by Bickley V Schneider National

    $442.44
    Start this claim

    State ID 1019900058

  • Worth checking

    Jolie T Downs

    Savings account

    Reported by Patelco Credit Union

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $396.74
    Start this claim

    State ID 957228292

  • Worth checking

    Jeffrey Downs

    Unclaimed refund · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $384.23
    Start this claim

    State ID 1017832147

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Uncashed check · Castaic, CA

    Reported by Union Bank Of California, N.a.

    $365.66
    Start this claim

    State ID 18145213

  • Worth checking

    Julie M Downs

    Uncashed check · Lucerne Vly, CA

    Reported by Usaa Federal Savings Bank

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $332.58
    Start this claim

    State ID 1044735307

  • Worth checking

    John Downs

    Uncashed check · Chatsworth, CA

    Reported by D And G Escrow Corp

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $328.28
    Start this claim

    State ID 15017297

  • Worth checking

    John P Downs

    Unclaimed refund · 29 Palms, CA

    Reported by Transamerica Life Insurance Company

    $320.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 15299254

  • Worth checking

    Downs

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Mediacom Communications Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $315.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 999666707

  • Worth checking

    Juianna Downs

    Cash held by the State · Bakersfield, CA

    Reported by A W Liquidating Trust

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $313.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 1064306

  • Worth checking

    Jane M Downs

    Cash held by the State · Pasadena, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Na

    $277.71
    Start this claim

    State ID 1045335601

Showing the 100 most valuable of 166. 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

3 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.

3 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.

  • Downs James R

    Probate estate · Kern County · 2005

    Matched on Downs Jr. James R (heir), Downs James R (decedent)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956809965
    Case 50769

  • Peterson Lois Marthaeraio

    Probate estate · Kern County · 1994

    Matched on Downs James (heir)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956810390
    Case 40001

  • Dennis James Harrymeeryent)

    Probate estate · Los Angeles County · 1978

    Matched on Dennis James Harrymeeryent (decedent)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956811144
    Case 627 271

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.