(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.

13 exact, and 87 close matches worth a look

The 100 shown below are worth $168,081 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 212 records under the surname Marta, worth $150,897. See every city and first name they are recorded under

  • Strong match

    L Gomez Marta

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Unauthorized Account Qsf

    $347.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1057898687

  • Strong match

    L Cheathamlott Md Marta

    Uncashed check · Beaumont, CA

    Reported by Verizon Services Corp

    $299.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 973370054

  • Strong match

    L Hurtado Marta

    Pension or retirement funds · Chula Vista, CA

    Reported by Delaware Charter Guarantee And Trust

    $267.41
    Start this claim

    State ID 1066194399

  • Strong match

    L Jones Marta

    Unclaimed refund · Sacramento, CA

    Reported by Pacific Gas & Electric Company

    $108.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 954127341

  • Likely match

    Luz Escobar Marta

    Pension or retirement funds · Santa Cruz, CA

    Reported by Delaware Charter Guarantee And Trust

    $416.79
    Start this claim

    State ID 1066191777

  • Likely match

    Lopez Marta

    Unpaid wages · Corona, CA

    Reported by Bbsi

    $276.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1057780143

  • Likely match

    Lopez Marta

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Rodriguez V. American Textile Maintenance

    $191.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1084302879

  • Likely match

    Lionel Marta

    Unpaid wages · Garden Grove, CA

    Reported by United Parcel Service Inc. (oh)

    $152.31
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020916956

  • Likely match

    Linda Isela Marta

    Uncashed check · Cathedral City, CA

    Reported by Ross V Stater Bros Markets Fund

    $139.89
    Start this claim

    State ID 1039266622

  • Likely match

    Lizeth Castro Marta

    Uncashed check · Richmond, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Unauthorized Account Qsf

    $138.88
    Start this claim

    State ID 1057892872

  • Likely match

    Lilian German Marta

    Cash held by the State · North Hollywood, CA

    Reported by Service Corporation Intl.

    $116.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 1071967167

  • Likely match

    Lara Marta

    Unclaimed refund · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Chase Home Finance Llc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $112.88
    Start this claim

    State ID 17658569

  • Likely match

    Lynne Marta

    Cash held by the State · Sherman Oaks, CA

    Reported by Bny Mellon - Unit Investment Trust

    $101.39
    Start this claim

    State ID 952486385

  • Likely match

    L Johns Marietta

    Retirement account · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Forge Trust (f/k/a Ira Services)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $5,211.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 1000165399

  • Likely match

    L Mitchell Marti

    Cash held by the State · Ontario, CA

    Reported by Cigna Health & Life Insurance Company

    $409.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1058845041

  • Likely match

    L A Marietta

    Credit balance · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Cdw Llc

    $353.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 999667219

  • Likely match

    L Gosney Martie

    Uncashed check · Stanton, CA

    Reported by Contreras V Ralphs Grocery Company Fund

    $297.45
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069812329

  • Likely match

    L Mereta

    Savings account · San Leandro, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank

    $195.74
    Start this claim

    State ID 503459

  • Likely match

    L N Merritt

    Cash held by the State · Sherman Oaks, CA

    Reported by Blue Cross Of California

    $150.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 5579329

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Western Media Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $12,272.81 Sun Communities Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12845944

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Western Media Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $12,272.81 Sun Communities Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12845944

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Western Media Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $12,272.81 Sun Communities Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12845943

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Western Media Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $12,272.81 Sun Communities Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 12845943

  • Worth checking

    Liquor Marietta

    Cash held by the State · Menifee, CA

    Reported by Stripe Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $11,921.70
    Start this claim

    State ID 1058995011

  • Worth checking

    Lax Airport Marriot

    Unclaimed refund · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Tenet Healthcare Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $9,528.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 12659282

  • Worth checking

    Liliana Moretti

    Savings account · Chiasso Ch 683o,

    Reported by Bank Of America - California

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,930.03
    Start this claim

    State ID 970779771

  • Worth checking

    Leonardo Morita

    Stocks or securities · San Marino, CA

    Reported by Dreyfus General Ca Municipal Bond Fund

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,969.64 Dreyfus Gen Ca Municipal Bd Fd
    Start this claim

    State ID 13768203

  • Worth checking

    Leonardo M Morada

    Uncashed check · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:0236-azusa Branch

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $5,713.49
    Start this claim

    State ID 13891627

  • Worth checking

    Leah L Merritt

    Cash held by the State · Santa Rosa, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $4,448.79
    Start this claim

    State ID 967550068

  • Worth checking

    Leonardo Morita

    Stocks or securities · San Gabriel, CA

    Reported by Janus Fund

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,714.82 Janus Fund Cl T
    Start this claim

    State ID 15617312

  • Worth checking

    Linda C Marty

    Uncashed check · Fresno, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - California-north

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,602.13
    Start this claim

    State ID 959971724

  • Worth checking

    La Jolla Marriott

    Credit balance · La Jolla, CA

    Reported by Johnson Controls Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,695.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1021865192

  • Worth checking

    Leonardo Morita

    Stocks or securities · San Gabriel, CA

    Reported by Dreyfus Mid-cap Growth Fund-cl F

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,633.52 Dreyfus Founders Midcap Grwth
    Start this claim

    State ID 16690852

  • Worth checking

    Laurie Mairet

    Cash held by the State · Hunting Park, CA

    Reported by American Ntl Ins Co

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 954963164

  • Worth checking

    Lavanne W Murdaugh

    Uncashed check · Sherman Oaks, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,184.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 11024266

  • Worth checking

    Lloyd L Merritt

    Stocks or securities · San Leandro, CA

    Reported by Lumen Technologies Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,007.29 Centurylink Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 980643911

  • Worth checking

    Luis A Merida

    Cash held by the State · Richmond, CA

    Reported by Toyota Motor Insurance Service

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,884.05
    Start this claim

    State ID 1031555022

  • Worth checking

    Lester C Merritt

    Retirement account · San Carlos, CA

    Reported by Putnam Mortgage Securities-a

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,843.05 Putnam Mtg Secs Fd Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011300314

  • Worth checking

    Lindsay A Merritt

    Uncashed check · Aliso Viejo, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - Pre-paid Card

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,727.06
    Start this claim

    State ID 994816678

  • Worth checking

    Lillian F Marotta

    Stocks or securities · Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,708.82 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16310280

  • Worth checking

    Laguna Cliffs Resort Marriott

    Uncashed check · Dana Point, CA

    Reported by Interstate Hotels & Resorts Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,692.96
    Start this claim

    State ID 982189358

  • Worth checking

    Lupe G Murrietta

    Uncashed check · Sn Bernrdno, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - California

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,453.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 981558228

  • Worth checking

    Laundry And Marriott

    Unclaimed refund · Gilroy,, CA

    Reported by Verizon California

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,328.79
    Start this claim

    State ID 16815127

  • Worth checking

    Linda D Marot

    Stocks or securities · Monterey, CA

    Reported by Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,158.45 Pinnacle West Capital Corp
    Start this claim

    State ID 989242857

  • Worth checking

    Lisa R Meriedy

    Unpaid wages · Pismo Beach, CA

    Reported by Sharp Healthcare

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,074.45
    Start this claim

    State ID 16493212

  • Worth checking

    Lindsey Merritt

    Uncashed check · Yountville, CA

    Reported by Westamerica Bank

    $930.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 997849034

  • Worth checking

    Leslie Murad

    Stocks or securities · Highland, CA

    Reported by Jackson National Life Insurance Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $854.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 14981044

  • Worth checking

    Leonel Merida

    Cash held by the State · Inglewood, CA

    Reported by Loya Casualty Insurance Company

    $847.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 1006785639

  • Worth checking

    Louise Merritt

    Uncashed check · North Hollywood,

    Reported by Brentwood Escrow Inc-los Angeles

    $846.71
    Start this claim

    State ID 4521035

  • Worth checking

    Lauren Merritt

    Cash held by the State · Sunnyvale, CA

    Reported by John Hancock Life Ins Co (usa)

    $840.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1024745697

  • Worth checking

    Linda D Marot

    Unpaid dividends · Monterey, CA

    Reported by Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $827.47 Pinnacle West Capital Corp
    Start this claim

    State ID 989242858

  • Worth checking

    Lowell E Meritt

    Uncashed check · Barstow, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:0082-barstow Branch

    $822.38
    Start this claim

    State ID 14899724

  • Worth checking

    Lillian C Merta

    Stocks or securities · Burbank, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $811.31 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15502166

  • Worth checking

    Louise Maurada

    Savings account · Hollywood, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:0307-hollywood Main Office

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $807.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 1181013

  • Worth checking

    Lymme Morried

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Bank Of America - California

    $800.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 956322935

  • Worth checking

    Lily M Merritt

    Unpaid dividends · Oroville, CA

    Reported by Wd-40 Company

    $722.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 15880810

  • Worth checking

    Lending Merit

    Uncashed check · Costa Mesa, CA

    Reported by Yahoo Inc

    $721.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 967785669

  • Worth checking

    Leah L Merritt

    Stocks or securities · Santa Rosa, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $654.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 16136912

  • Worth checking

    Leonard Marut

    Cash held by the State · Monterey, CA

    Reported by Pluto Holdings Inc

    $625.76
    Start this claim

    State ID 1036883184

  • Worth checking

    Laura J Merritt

    Stocks or securities · Temple City, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $625.68
    Start this claim

    State ID 16136909

  • Worth checking

    Lurene C Merritt

    Uncashed check · Culver City, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Na

    $624.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1045298462

  • Worth checking

    Lutgardo Merida

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

    $622.66
    Start this claim

    State ID 1015808905

  • Worth checking

    Luis Maurtua

    Unclaimed refund · Stockton, CA

    Reported by Fidelity National Insurance Services Llc

    $603.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 955870769

  • Worth checking

    Lupe G Murrietta

    Savings account · San Bernardino, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - California

    $569.85
    Start this claim

    State ID 981578227

  • Worth checking

    Lester C Merritt

    Cash held by the State · San Carlos, CA

    Reported by Honeywell International Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $560.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004791104

  • Worth checking

    Laurene Mariotti

    Unclaimed refund

    Reported by Fire Insurance Exchange

    $549.82
    Start this claim

    State ID 964071418

  • Worth checking

    Lucille Moreta

    Credit balance · Torrance, CA

    Reported by Voya Retirement Insurance And Annuity Company

    $525.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 17332053

  • Worth checking

    Lucille A Moreta

    Stocks or securities · Torrance, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $517.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 15927843

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Growth Properties

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $509.22 Growth Propertiescap
    Start this claim

    State ID 12841946

  • Worth checking

    Lee Marriott

    Stocks or securities · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Growth Properties

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $509.22 Growth Propertiescap
    Start this claim

    State ID 12841945

  • Worth checking

    Laura Murrietta

    Cash held by the State · Fullerton, CA

    Reported by Capital One Na

    $504.48
    Start this claim

    State ID 1029953101

  • Worth checking

    Linda Merritt

    Savings account · Marina Del Ray, CA

    Reported by Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union

    $503.54
    Start this claim

    State ID 955012999

  • Worth checking

    Luis Manuel Maurtua

    Cash held by the State · Stockton, CA

    Reported by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Of So Cal

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1035813242

  • Worth checking

    Logan Morita

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Umpqua Bank

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962357909

  • Worth checking

    Luis Mrad

    Uncashed check · Corona, CA

    Reported by First American Title Company

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 15910379

  • Worth checking

    Lim Rivian Mareto

    Credit balance · Jakarta 10730, CA

    Reported by Charles Schwab & Co Inc

    $497.10
    Start this claim

    State ID 1031527597

  • Worth checking

    Lester C Merritt

    Unclaimed refund · San Carlos, CA

    Reported by Reliastar Life Insurance Co

    $489.68
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004415167

  • Worth checking

    Luz Monica Murrieta

    Escrow balance

    Reported by Emerald Escrow

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $489.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1035620249

  • Worth checking

    Lester C Merritt

    Unclaimed refund · San Carlos, CA

    Reported by Reliastar Life Insurance Co

    $488.57
    Start this claim

    State ID 998763701

  • Worth checking

    Lily M Merrit

    Savings account · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:0476-panorama City Branch

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $466.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 1534605

  • Worth checking

    Lisa Meuret

    Cash held by the State · Foster City, CA

    Reported by Enterprise Holdings Inc

    $460.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1026699404

  • Worth checking

    Lutgardo Merida

    Uncashed check · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Citibank N A

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $460.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1047367809

  • Worth checking

    Lugene Merritt

    Unclaimed refund · Sun Valley, CA

    Reported by Dish Network Corp & Subs

    $432.79
    Start this claim

    State ID 1028430662

  • Worth checking

    Larry Moreda

    Unclaimed refund · Livermore, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

    $424.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 1007725892

  • Worth checking

    Marta

    Cash held by the State · Ontario, CA

    Reported by Paypal

    $414.63
    Start this claim

    State ID 1036796644

  • Worth checking

    Lido Mariett

    Uncashed check · Santa Cruz, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank N A

    $408.18
    Start this claim

    State ID 992857706

  • Worth checking

    Les Marty

    Cash held by the State · Thermal, CA

    Reported by Alliancebernstein U S Government C

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $399.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 9708050

  • Worth checking

    Leo Morad

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $397.44 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16315844

  • Worth checking

    Leontine R Moretti

    Unpaid dividends · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by At&t Teleholdings Inc.

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $391.95
    Start this claim

    State ID 15811079

  • Worth checking

    Leslie M Murata

    Escrow balance · Long Beach, CA

    Reported by Nationstar Mortgage, Llc

    $387.33
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037373044

  • Worth checking

    Latif Lucas Marotti

    Cash held by the State · Santa Monica, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Na

    $380.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 994768840

  • Worth checking

    Lena Brahim Mourad

    Uncashed check · Bell, CA

    Reported by Lkq Corporation

    $375.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1040200433

  • Worth checking

    Lisa Meriedy

    Uncashed check · Grove, CA

    Reported by Buford V Medical Solutions Llc

    $369.93
    Start this claim

    State ID 1019906952

  • Worth checking

    Lu Ann Marty

    Stocks or securities · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Bank One Corp/liberty National Bancorp Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $353.51 Bank One Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 16383465

  • Worth checking

    Luann Merida

    Uncashed check · Watsonville, CA

    Reported by Bay Federal Credit Union

    $352.83
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037659408

  • Worth checking

    Louerta O Morte

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $352.70 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15505274

  • Worth checking

    Lilah K Murata

    Savings account · W Sacramento, CA

    Reported by First Northern Bank Of Dixon

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $349.01
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004790314

  • Worth checking

    Lea Maritt

    Savings account · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt & Sa

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    $344.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 10887840

  • Worth checking

    Lisa J Marriott

    Insurance proceeds · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Blue Cross Of California

    $332.22
    Start this claim

    State ID 18792494

  • Worth checking

    Loretta Murrieta

    Unclaimed refund · Lakeside, CA

    Reported by Safeco Ins Co Of America

    $331.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 1044485066

Showing the 100 most valuable of 204. 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.

  • Mort Lulu Alicegcarl

    Probate estate · San Luis Obispo County · 1981

    Matched on Mort Lulu Alicegcarl (decedent)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956804961
    Case 14379

  • Moret Leole Fhardary

    Probate estate · San Francisco County · 1983

    Matched on Moret Leole Fhardary (decedent)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956829490
    Case 222 534

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.