Any person notified pursuant to Section 1755 or 1755.1 who fails or refuses to surrender any credits or other personal property, or pay any debts owing to the delinquent employer, up to the amount specified in the levy, shall be liable in his or her own person and estate to the director in an amount equal to the value of the credits or other personal property in the amount of the debt, but not exceeding the amount specified in the notice of levy, if solely by reason of such failure or refusal, the department is unable to recover the contributions, penalties, or interest owing by the person with respect to which the notice was given.