Losing a phone is an unpleasant event that can cause a lot of problems for its owner. In the modern world, smartphones store a huge amount of personal information: bank data, passwords, contacts, photos, and so on.If you find someone else’s gadget on the street or somewhere else, it is better to return it to its owner to avoid problems with the law. And our guide will help you with this.
What needs to be done first
First of all, do not rush to take someone else’s device. It is possible that the owner is somewhere nearby and is already looking for the gadget. Position yourself somewhere nearby, without losing sight of the gadget, and wait for a while.
If you are in a hurry or simply decide not to wait, do not turn off your smartphone. Otherwise, you will deprive the owner of the opportunity to call your number or send a message with return instructions. The owner’s contact information may be indicated on the lock screen, and the lost mode may be activated if he has previously configured the remote control function.
Battery charge is an important factor. If the phone is dead, try connecting it to a charger. The owner may already be looking for a way to contact his number, but cannot do so because the device is disconnected.
How to find the owner if the phone is unlocked
If the screen is not locked, finding the owner is easier. First, open the contact list and find numbers that may belong to the owner’s relatives: “Mom”, “Dad”, “Wife”, “Work”. Call one of these numbers and report the find. If the call log contains recently dialed numbers, this is also a good way to quickly contact the owner of the device.
Viewing notifications on the screen can also help in the search. If the phone is active, you can often see messages from banks, delivery services or messengers. In some cases, it is possible to identify the owner by the details of the correspondence or applications.
Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant can be useful. Try activating them with a voice command and asking them to “call a nearby contact.” Sometimes phones allow you to use the assistant even without unlocking them.
What to do if your phone is locked
A locked phone makes it difficult to find the owner, but there are several options. The main thing is to remain patient and not attempt to hack.
It is better to keep the phone on and wait for a call. Most often, owners immediately call the lost device to arrange for its return. If the smartphone supports remote blocking technology, a message with the owner’s contact information may appear on the screen.
If the SIM card is inserted, it can be removed and inserted into another phone. Some contacts may be stored on the SIM card, and it will be possible to contact the owner through it.
An alternative option is to contact a mobile phone store. Mobile phone operators can help by contacting the owner of the number. However, they do not always provide this service.
Where can I hand over a found phone?
The location where you found your phone plays a key role in getting it back:
- If the gadget is found in a store, restaurant or other establishment, it can be handed over to the administrator or security officer;
- In public transport, it is best to give the find to the driver, conductor, or leave it at the lost property office of the transport company;
- If the device is found on the street, in a park or on the territory of a residential complex, you can post an ad on social networks or hand the phone over to the police;
- If you find it in an office or educational institution, you can contact the administration or leave the phone with the security guard.
Can I keep the phone?
Legally, a found phone does not automatically become the property of the finder. The law requires that the person who finds someone else’s thing make attempts to return it. If no such attempts are made, the found property may be considered appropriated, which is already classified as theft.
According to Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, appropriation of someone else’s property may entail administrative or criminal punishment. However, if the phone was handed over to the police and the owner did not show up within six months, the finder can officially register it as his own.
What to do with a dead phone / phone without a SIM card
If the device is discharged, it is worth connecting it to the charger and waiting for it to turn on. Some smartphones immediately activate the “Find device” mode when turned on, and the owner’s contact information will appear on the screen.
If there is no SIM card, inspect the phone case. Some users leave stickers or engravings with contact numbers on their devices. In some cases, you can remove the memory card and check if there is information on it that can help identify the owner.
Why you shouldn’t claim a found phone
Modern phones are equipped with remote blocking systems. If the owner turns on the lost mode, the device becomes completely useless: it cannot be used or reset to factory settings without the owner’s credentials.
Some scammers intentionally “lose” phones and then demand money from the finder for the allegedly stolen device. Trying to keep the phone for yourself can lead to unnecessary legal trouble.
Aside from the legal implications, leaving someone else’s phone is unethical. The person who lost the smartphone is likely to be under a lot of stress, and getting the device back can bring them great joy.
If you find a phone, the best thing to do is to try to return it to its owner or hand it over to the lost property office or the police. This will help you avoid trouble and maintain your reputation as an honest person.