Finding a stray dollar or a loose coin on the sidewalk might seem like a small fortune’s beginning, but according to legal experts, it’s best to think twice before pocketing that seemingly lucky find.
It’s a common scene: a glint of metal on the pavement or a crumpled bill under a park bench. The immediate temptation is to grab it—finders keepers, right? However, Gerard Filitti, a senior lawyer at the Lawfare Project, advises caution. In an interview highlighted by LADbible from the Mirror, Filitti explains the potential legal ramifications that could spoil your good fortune.
Legal Implications of Finding Money
Unintended Theft Picking up money off the ground isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Filitti warns that such an action might legally be considered theft. “If you pick up money that isn’t yours, it can be deemed theft,” he says. This is because the money has an owner, and just because it’s lost doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking.
What to Do Instead If you find money, especially inside a public place like a store, Filitti advises not to rely on the storekeepers but to take further steps. “It’s best to report the found money to the police,” he suggests. This way, you’re covering yourself legally by making an effort to return the money to its rightful owner.
Efforts to Find the Owner Filitti recommends using social media or any other means to attempt to locate the person who lost the money. If you find a wallet with ID, you might contact the owner directly. There’s a legal grace period: “After 28 days, if no one has claimed the money, you may legally keep it,” Filitti explains.
Cautionary Tales
There are real-life consequences to ignoring these guidelines. LADbible recounts the story of a woman who ended up with a criminal record for keeping ÂŁ20 (about $23) she found on the ground. She was observed picking up the bill, which was enough evidence to charge her.
Why Risk It?
This guidance begs the question: is the risk worth the reward? Picking up a small amount of money might seem harmless, but the potential legal issues can be a hassle. Instead of seeing it as a stroke of luck, seeing it as someone else’s loss might frame the moral and legal implications more clearly.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond the legal perspective, there’s an ethical side to consider. If you were the one who lost the money, you’d hope for an attempt at returning it. In a society where we’re increasingly connected by technology, a quick post on a community page could reunite the lost with their belongings.
Personal Peace of Mind
Finally, there’s personal integrity and peace of mind. Knowing you’ve done the right thing can be more rewarding than any small windfall. And should the rightful owner never come forward, knowing you’ve followed the process correctly allows you to enjoy your find guilt-free.
In a nutshell, the next time you spot some cash just lying around, remember that this minor windfall could carry major consequences. It might just be safer—and more ethical—to leave it or report it than to regret it later.
