We’ve all been there—walking along, minding our own business, when we spot some cash on the ground. It could be a shiny coin, a crumpled bill, or even a wallet. The immediate instinct is to pick it up and maybe even celebrate a little stroke of luck. But before you pocket that money, you might want to pause and consider the legal and ethical implications of doing so.
Legal Implications of Finding Money
You may think that “finders keepers” applies when you stumble upon loose change or a lost bill, but legal experts suggest otherwise. According to Gerard Filitti, a senior attorney at the Lawfare Project, picking up money that isn’t yours could technically be classified as theft. “If you pick up money that isn’t yours, it can be deemed theft,” Filitti explains. Even if it looks like nobody is coming back for it, that money still belongs to someone.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you find money, especially in a public place like a store or a park, it’s tempting to think that you’ve just had a lucky day. But Filitti advises that the best course of action is to report it—ideally to the police. That way, you’ve taken the right steps to ensure that the rightful owner has a chance to claim their lost property.
For those who want to go the extra mile, Filitti also suggests trying to locate the owner through social media or other methods. If you come across a wallet with identification, contacting the person directly is often the simplest route. And there’s good news if no one steps forward: “After 28 days, if no one has claimed the money, you may legally keep it,” Filitti adds.
Real-Life Consequences
Ignoring these guidelines could land you in hot water. One cautionary tale shared by LADbible involved a woman who picked up £20 (about $23) from the ground, only to end up with a criminal record. She was caught on camera and charged with theft. It’s a sobering reminder that even small amounts of money can come with big consequences.
Is It Really Worth the Risk?
The real question is: is it worth the potential legal trouble for a bit of extra cash? Most of the time, picking up a small amount of money feels harmless, but it’s essential to remember that there are laws governing found property. What seems like a stroke of luck to you might actually be someone else’s misfortune.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond the legalities, there’s also the ethical aspect to think about. Imagine losing your wallet or a significant amount of money—wouldn’t you hope someone made an effort to return it? In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to post a quick message on a local community board or social media platform to try and find the rightful owner.
Peace of Mind
Ultimately, choosing to do the right thing offers peace of mind. If the owner never comes forward and you’ve followed the proper process, you can keep the money without any guilt. Plus, knowing you’ve made an effort to help someone could be more rewarding than a random financial gain.
In short, the next time you come across some money lying around, take a moment to think about the potential consequences. It’s probably safer—and certainly more ethical—to report it rather than keep it and risk regretting it later.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.