(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.

88 exact, and 12 close matches worth a look

The 100 shown below are worth $146,730 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 791 records under the surname Moser, worth $650,573. See every city and first name they are recorded under

  • Strong match

    Michael D Moser

    Stocks or securities · Encinitas, CA

    Reported by Charles Schwab & Co.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $847.16 Vanguard Total Intl Etf
    Start this claim

    State ID 1003864069

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Insurance proceeds · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Financial Indemnity Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $593.17
    Start this claim

    State ID 14479319

  • Strong match

    Michael A Moser

    Money order

    Reported by Wells Fargo & Company

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 971508694

  • Strong match

    Michael R Moser

    Stocks or securities · Salinas, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $455.04
    Start this claim

    State ID 16139312

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Cash held by the State · Redwood City, CA

    Reported by Paypal Inc

    $405.68
    Start this claim

    State ID 966248262

  • Strong match

    Michael J Moser

    Pension or retirement funds · Oakland, CA

    Reported by U.s. Bank - Pars

    $261.94
    Start this claim

    State ID 987462822

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Uncashed check · Irvine, CA

    Reported by Country Mutual Insurance Co.

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $250.97
    Start this claim

    State ID 973354302

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Cash held by the State · Rancho Cordova, CA

    Reported by Google, Llc

    $194.15
    Start this claim

    State ID 997927957

  • Strong match

    Michael E Moser

    Cash held by the State · Walnut Creek, CA

    Reported by National City Mortgage Company

    $175.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 18359142

  • Strong match

    Michael L Md Moser

    Unpaid wages · Beverly Hills, CA

    Reported by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co

    $135.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 17100310

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Unclaimed refund · Windsor, CA

    Reported by Allstate Indemnity Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $134.33
    Start this claim

    State ID 974172200

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Savings account · Clayton, CA

    Reported by Digital Federal Credit Union

    $132.44
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037512247

  • Strong match

    Michael Moser

    Cash held by the State · Santa Barbara, CA

    Reported by At T Wireless Services Inc

    $127.24
    Start this claim

    State ID 17214824

  • Strong match

    Michael L Moser

    Cash held by the State · Clovis, CA

    Reported by The Ohio Casualty Insurance

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $105.16
    Start this claim

    State ID 15259289

  • Strong match

    Michael D Moser

    Credit balance · Encinitas, CA

    Reported by Charles Schwab & Co.

    $104.56
    Start this claim

    State ID 1003864068

  • Strong match

    Michael J Moser

    Uncashed check · Sacramento, CA

    Reported by Alorica Inc & Subsidiaries

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 991381004

  • Strong match

    Michael J Moser

    Cash held by the State · Tracy, CA

    Reported by State Of Washington

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 2695663

  • Likely match

    Michaela A Moser

    Escrow balance · Sacramento, CA

    Reported by Nationstar Mortgage, Llc

    $132.83
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037372956

  • Likely match

    M C Moser

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Principal Life Insurance Co

    $247.61
    Start this claim

    State ID 9505058

  • Likely match

    M Moser

    Insurance proceeds · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Republic Insurance Co

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $140.01
    Start this claim

    State ID 12542664

  • Likely match

    Michael Mosier

    Stocks or securities · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Marriott International Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $5,833.55 Marriott Intl Inc Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 976566017

  • Likely match

    Michael Mosier

    Unpaid dividends · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Marriott International Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,564.95 Marriott Intl Inc Cl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 976566037

  • Likely match

    Michael Tal Mazor

    Uncashed check · Bloomington, IN

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (053)

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,709.43
    Start this claim

    State ID 977135015

  • Likely match

    Michael A Mosier

    Uncashed check · Folsom, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na (apecs 1009)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,570.17
    Start this claim

    State ID 1043630826

  • Likely match

    Michael Mosier

    Stocks or securities · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,287.87 Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
    Start this claim

    State ID 986015014

  • Likely match

    Michael Masarie

    Savings account · Millbrae, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,187.05
    Start this claim

    State ID 956093813

  • Likely match

    Michael A Mazour

    Stocks or securities · Bel Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Ibm

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,065.41 Intl Business Machines Corp
    Start this claim

    State ID 975498617

  • Likely match

    Michael J Mazer

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Manufacturers Bank

    $855.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 5464122

  • Likely match

    Michael J Mouser

    Stocks or securities · Klamath, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $635.84 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16316555

  • Likely match

    Michael A Mauceri

    Uncashed check · North Hollywood, CA

    Reported by Atlas Escrow Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $600.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 14721223

  • Likely match

    Michael Masser

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Boston Financial Data Services

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $593.47
    Start this claim

    State ID 13146467

  • Likely match

    Michael Messer

    Unclaimed refund · Atascadero, CA

    Reported by Pacific Gas & Electric Company

    $547.38
    Start this claim

    State ID 994082222

  • Likely match

    Michael Masser

    Unpaid dividends · Van Nuys, CA

    Reported by Charles Schwab & Co Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $508.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 9491289

  • Likely match

    Michael J Meiser

    Cash held by the State · Riverside, CA

    Reported by John Hancock Life Insurance Co

    $440.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9716897

  • Likely match

    Michael R Messer

    Uncashed check · Cobb, CA

    Reported by Freedom Mortgage Corporation

    $421.34
    Start this claim

    State ID 1044233046

  • Likely match

    Michael A Mazour

    Stocks or securities · Bel Tiburon, CA

    Reported by Ibm

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $355.14 Intl Business Machines Corp
    Start this claim

    State ID 975498616

  • Likely match

    Michael A Mazour

    Credit balance · Mountain View, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    $350.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 17786212

  • Likely match

    Michael Mauceri

    Unclaimed refund · Irvine, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobile Club

    $345.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1011469413

  • Likely match

    Michael S Messer

    Cash held by the State · Camarillo, CA

    Reported by California Physicians Dba Blue Shield Of Ca

    $344.05
    Start this claim

    State ID 1021502322

  • Likely match

    Michael Mosser

    Unclaimed refund · Ramona, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    $291.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 986809987

  • Likely match

    Michael R Mazor

    Stocks or securities · Santa Ana, CA

    Reported by John Hancock Financial Services Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $289.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 15681678

  • Likely match

    Michael P Mizer

    Cash held by the State · Ferndale, CA

    Reported by Omnova Solutions Inc

    $274.05
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037192304

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Massaro

    Pension or retirement funds · San Juan Capo, CA

    Reported by U.s. Bank - Pars

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,654.12
    Start this claim

    State ID 1008939021

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Mizer

    Escrow balance · Elk Grove, CA

    Reported by Dovenmuehle Mortgage Inc.

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,924.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 955997519

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Meuser

    Credit balance · Redding, CA

    Reported by National University

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,458.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 979716350

  • Worth checking

    Michaela Mesure

    Credit balance · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Ebay Inc.

    $446.83
    Start this claim

    State ID 1037240427

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Masri

    Escrow balance · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Dixieline Builders Fund Control Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $350.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1014872003

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Mazur

    Unclaimed refund · Los Angeles,, CA

    Reported by Verizon California

    $319.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 18889545

  • Worth checking

    Michelle Mazur

    Insurance proceeds · Beverly Hills, CA

    Reported by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $268.91
    Start this claim

    State ID 12998133

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Stocks or securities · Laguna Hills, CA

    Reported by Rockwell Automation Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $29,565.62 Rockwell Automation Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 964060930

  • Worth checking

    Marie L Moser

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Beatrice Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $24,710.24
    Start this claim

    State ID 12966340

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Rockwell Collins Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $24,407.56 Rockwell Collins Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 960735883

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Stocks or securities · Anaheim, CA

    Reported by Arvinmeritor Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,196.34 Arvinmeritor Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16920412

  • Worth checking

    Mathilde Moser

    Stocks or securities · North Hollywood, CA

    Reported by Alliancebernstein Intl Value A

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,854.25 Alliancebernstein Intl Value A
    Start this claim

    State ID 967812142

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Unpaid dividends · Laguna Hills, CA

    Reported by Rockwell Automation Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,041.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 964060929

  • Worth checking

    Maureen L Moser

    Uncashed check · Rancho Cucamong, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - Pre-paid Card

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,727.23
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005862252

  • Worth checking

    Mark S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Aegon Nv

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,405.19 Transamerica Corp- Common
    Start this claim

    State ID 12155296

  • Worth checking

    Marlene S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Aegon Nv

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,405.19 Transamerica Corp- Common
    Start this claim

    State ID 12155296

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Unpaid dividends · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Rockwell Collins Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,345.68
    Start this claim

    State ID 960735882

  • Worth checking

    M Racha Masri

    Uncashed check · Hollister, CA

    Reported by Monterey Credit Union

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,148.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 1003072605

  • Worth checking

    Mona Moser

    Cash held by the State · Woodland Hll, CA

    Reported by Wellpoint Inc.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,101.45
    Start this claim

    State ID 961287496

  • Worth checking

    Maria E Moser

    Stocks or securities · Anaheim, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $987.61 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15505352

  • Worth checking

    Maria E Moser

    Stocks or securities · Moreno Valley, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $700.23 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 989302483

  • Worth checking

    Marie E Moser

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $635.99 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 16316426

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Skyworks Solutions Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $601.58 Skyworks Solutions Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 18180923

  • Worth checking

    Marina Natasha Moser

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Los Angeles Federal Credit Union

    $500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1028418248

  • Worth checking

    Marie L Moser

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Esmark Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $469.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1526867

  • Worth checking

    M H Mazer

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Western Medical Enterprises Inc

    $414.27
    Start this claim

    State ID 10129401

  • Worth checking

    Marcos N Moser

    Savings account · El Dorado Missiones,

    Reported by Bank Of America - California - South

    $352.05
    Start this claim

    State ID 952560889

  • Worth checking

    Megan Moser

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    $310.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 987989392

  • Worth checking

    Melina Moser

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Pathward

    $306.15
    Start this claim

    State ID 1040820930

  • Worth checking

    Matt Moser

    Unclaimed refund · Mckinleyville, CA

    Reported by Pacific Gas & Electric Company

    $305.78
    Start this claim

    State ID 1021575749

  • Worth checking

    Mark Moser

    Unclaimed refund · Glendora, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 969936645

  • Worth checking

    Mathilde Moser

    Unpaid dividends · North Hollywood, CA

    Reported by Alliancebernstein Intl Value A

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $283.29
    Start this claim

    State ID 967812140

  • Worth checking

    M L Mazur

    Unpaid dividends · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Rockwell Collins Inc

    $272.16
    Start this claim

    State ID 18896357

  • Worth checking

    Marybeth Moser

    Uncashed check · Petaluma, CA

    Reported by Suntrust Mortgage 888

    $255.15
    Start this claim

    State ID 986030065

  • Worth checking

    Mark Moser

    Cash held by the State · Rancho Palos Ve, CA

    Reported by American Insured Mortgage Investors Dep

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $252.53
    Start this claim

    State ID 18811284

  • Worth checking

    Mona Moser

    Cash held by the State · Woodland Hll, CA

    Reported by Wellpoint Inc.

    $248.35
    Start this claim

    State ID 961287497

  • Worth checking

    Mark R Moser

    Stocks or securities · Glendora, CA

    Reported by Lucent Technologies Inc Odd Lot Tender C

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $228.54 Lucent Technologies Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15097488

  • Worth checking

    Mark R Jr Moser

    Stocks or securities · Glendora, CA

    Reported by Lucent Technologies Inc Odd Lot Tender C

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $228.54 Lucent Technologies Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15097488

  • Worth checking

    Mark R Moser

    Cash held by the State · Glendora, CA

    Reported by Ncr Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $223.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 14967584

  • Worth checking

    Mark R Jr Moser

    Cash held by the State · Glendora, CA

    Reported by Ncr Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $223.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 14967584

  • Worth checking

    Mary Moser

    Uncashed check · Los Angels, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Nt&sa Branch:2132-museum Square Branch

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $220.70
    Start this claim

    State ID 13897011

  • Worth checking

    Matthew Moser

    Cash held by the State · Eureka, CA

    Reported by Cellco Partnership Dba Verizon Wireless

    $203.59
    Start this claim

    State ID 983005117

  • Worth checking

    Marc Moser

    Unpaid dividends · Rancho Palos Ve, CA

    Reported by American Insured Mortgage Investors Dep Unit 84

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $185.51
    Start this claim

    State ID 16691701

  • Worth checking

    Mildred D Moser

    Unclaimed refund · Altadena,, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison 4.78%

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $184.85
    Start this claim

    State ID 11402976

  • Worth checking

    Marvin D Moser

    Cash held by the State · Mckinleyville, CA

    Reported by Premera Blue Cross

    $183.78
    Start this claim

    State ID 969796057

  • Worth checking

    Mark Moser

    Cash held by the State · La Mesa, CA

    Reported by Home Depot Wage And Hour Settlement Fund

    $178.72
    Start this claim

    State ID 1039906112

  • Worth checking

    Maria T Moser

    Uncashed check · Redwood City, CA

    Reported by Tri Counties Bank

    $171.22
    Start this claim

    State ID 1005664633

  • Worth checking

    Manly Moser

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by First Interstate Bancorp

    $171.07
    Start this claim

    State ID 10235496

  • Worth checking

    Marlene S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Sabre Holding Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $168.50 Sabre Holdings Corporationcl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 18797380

  • Worth checking

    Mark S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Sabre Holding Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $168.50 Sabre Holdings Corporationcl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 18797380

  • Worth checking

    Marlene S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Sabre Holding Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $168.50 Sabre Holdings Corporationcl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 18797379

  • Worth checking

    Mark S Moser

    Stocks or securities · Fremont, CA

    Reported by Sabre Holding Corporation

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $168.50 Sabre Holdings Corporationcl A
    Start this claim

    State ID 18797379

  • Worth checking

    Marie Moser

    Cash held by the State · Santa Barbara, CA

    Reported by Fireside Bank

    $166.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 1460784

  • Worth checking

    Mark Moser

    Escrow balance · Apple Valley, CA

    Reported by Nationstar Mortgage, Llc

    $158.67
    Start this claim

    State ID 1029739481

  • Worth checking

    Mary M Moser

    Unclaimed refund · Desert Hot Springs, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    $155.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 958815186

  • Worth checking

    Maren Moser

    Cash held by the State · La Mesa, CA

    Reported by World Savings And Loan Association

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $148.17
    Start this claim

    State ID 5470775

  • Worth checking

    Margaret A Moser

    Cash held by the State · Hawthorne, CA

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    $146.75
    Start this claim

    State ID 11550754

  • Worth checking

    Megan M Moser

    Pension or retirement funds · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Empower Trust Company Llc

    $140.96
    Start this claim

    State ID 1041347515

Showing the 100 most valuable of 125. 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

1 probate estate carries 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.

1 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.

  • Moser Maymen Jack

    Probate estate · Santa Clara County · 1977

    Matched on Moser Maymen Jack (decedent)

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

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956820723
    Case 93075

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.