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California has nearly $12bn worth of unclaimed property, including uncashed checks, inactive stock and brokerage accounts, and utility rebates, with the average person owed $433 last year, according to the State Controller's Office. By law, insurance companies, financial institutions and businesses must report any unclaimed property to the State Controller's Office if the account has been inactive for three years or more. The state is encouraging residents and businesses to get started on claiming their cash by searching the unclaimed property database or national site MissingMoney.com. Residents can also seek further information and assistance by calling 1-800-992-4647.