Who hasn’t felt a little thrill when spotting a stray dollar or a shiny quarter on the ground? It’s like a tiny, unexpected gift from the universe. But according to legal experts, picking up money—even just a few bucks—could have surprising consequences. Before you bend down to pocket that “free” cash, there are a few things to consider.
Picking Up Money: A Case of “Finders Keepers”?
A few months back, I spotted a $10 bill by a coffee shop’s entrance and, like most people, felt that quick temptation to grab it. But that small find isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Gerard Filitti, a senior lawyer at the Lawfare Project, explains that picking up lost money could actually lead to legal issues. In a recent interview, Filitti clarified that just because money appears “abandoned” doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking. “If you pick up money that isn’t yours, it can legally be deemed theft,” he explains, because that cash still technically belongs to someone.
Legal Steps to Take If You Find Money
Instead of assuming you’re lucky, consider the ethical and legal alternatives. According to Filitti, if you’re in a public place, it’s best to report the found cash to local authorities, such as the police. Many stores even have lost-and-found protocols, but turning it in to the police is often the safest choice. Not only does this protect you legally, but it also increases the chances that the money is returned to its rightful owner.
In some cases, local authorities may hold the money for a period—often around 28 days—and if no one claims it, you may legally be allowed to keep it. This policy gives you peace of mind and a little extra cash without the risk of legal trouble. And as Filitti points out, social media can also help reunite lost cash with its owner, especially if it’s found with a wallet, ID, or something distinctive.
Real-Life Consequences of Ignoring the Law
There are actually cases of people facing legal trouble over seemingly insignificant amounts of found cash. In one instance shared by LADbible, a woman kept a £20 bill (roughly $23) she found on the ground, only to end up with a criminal record because someone had observed her picking it up. While cases like this aren’t the norm, they remind us that the risk of being charged with theft—however minor the amount—is real.
Why It Might Be Better to Let It Lie
It’s worth thinking about the potential stress and hassle if someone were to question your intentions. Picking up a small amount of money may seem harmless, but if an observer were to report it or the owner returned looking for it, things could get complicated fast. Filitti suggests thinking about it as “someone else’s loss,” which adds a moral layer to the decision. Just as we’d hope others would try to return something we lost, returning the money when possible aligns with the basic principle of treating others as we’d want to be treated.
Considering the Ethics of “Found Money”
Beyond the legal implications, there’s also a personal integrity angle to consider. How often have you found yourself rooting for the lost item to be returned to its owner, maybe through a social media post or a community bulletin? In an increasingly connected world, a quick message on a neighborhood app or Facebook group could make a big difference to someone who’s genuinely missing that cash.
Peace of Mind and Doing the Right Thing
Ultimately, the satisfaction of doing the right thing can often outweigh the excitement of a quick find. By handing over lost money to the authorities, you can feel good about your actions and avoid any lingering guilt. And if the owner never claims it, you can enjoy the money fully, knowing you took the right steps.
So, next time you see cash on the ground, consider that this tiny “windfall” may come with bigger consequences than you’d expect. Taking a moment to think it over could save you from regret—and even put you in a position to make someone else’s day.
