Found Property: Avoid Legal Trouble and Claim Reward

Who among us has never found someone else’s lost item, be it a phone or a wallet with money? Many people naively believe that anything found on the street or in other public places can be kept without any consequences, especially if no one saw it. In reality, this is not the case. We explain what to do so that your find does not turn into serious problems for you, and also how to receive a reward for someone else’s property. Read more — in our guide.

First of all, it is necessary to understand that appropriating someone else’s lost property is strictly punished by law. According to paragraph 1 of Article 227 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (CC RF), upon discovering a lost item, you must immediately notify the owner of its discovery.

For example, if you find documents on the street, try to find the owner using the information on them. You can post an announcement in local city groups. You are also obliged to report it to the police.

If you find abandoned items on a bus or in a taxi, you should give them to the driver. If you do not do so, you may be accused of theft.

Note that found items can also bring you profit. Although most people are willing to return a find free of charge, under Article 229 of the CC RF you have the right to demand a reward of up to 20% of the item’s value. If the owner refuses, you can go to court.

When can you keep the found item?

If the owner of the item or money does not appear within six months, the find becomes the property of the finder. However, note that the fact of the find must be registered with the police.