Keep It or Return It? Lost Property

[MotherCitay]

February 24th, 2013
CNN Student News anchor Carl Azuz

"A homeless man returned a woman's diamond engagement ring to her after she accidentally dropped it into a donation cup. Definitely the right thing to do - and the story has a great ending.

Some friends of mine were discussing this and started thinking about when to return something they find. They agreed that if they found five bucks on the ground and no one else was around, they'd probably keep it. But if they found a diamond ring somewhere, they'd try to find its owner - or at least a nearby lost-and-found.

What's the cut-off? Is it $100...$1,000? A gold ring? A diamond?"

Do you have an unusual story of something extremely valuable being lost or returned to you by a stranger?

[The Sushi Hunter]

If the person who lost it can identify it, I return it. If it's something like money blowing down the road, no id, it can't be identified, I keep it then.

[SunshineTwilight]

I found a wallet at a movie theater once that contained around $360 bucks along with a driver's license and a few credit/debit cards. I returned it via registered mail with everything intact including all the money and was sent a "thank you" card with $100 reward for its return.

If it had of been just money with no identification or credit card, I would have kept the money!

[Rick]

I found a cell phone sitting in a gate house at work. I asked whose it was, because it was exactly like mine, and I had never seen another one like mine before. They said they found it about a week ago, and just hadn't taken it to lost and found. So I asked if I could take it home so I could charge it up and find out who it belongs to. It turned out to belong to a dentist in El Paso. I spoke with his receptionist, who gave me an address and told me that the doctor wanted to give me a $100 reward. I said that he could just reimburse me for the shipping charges. She said, nope, he insists on sending you $100. Well, the money never came, so I called her and told her that it hadn't arrived, that maybe they should stop payment on that check. She said yes, and that they would send out another one. It never arrived the next time either. That receptionist stole that money, I'd bet my next paycheck on that. I just let it go.

I found a Blackberry in a seat back pocket one day at work, so I ran up to the gate agent and asked who was sitting in whatever seat it was and she said it was a guy who was leaving in 30 minutes to some American Eagle destination. So I hopped on a tractor and headed over there. When I got there, I went in the jetbridge there by the plane and asked the flight attendant to page the gentleman. She said she believed he was still with the gate agent in the terminal trying to find his phone. So I ran up there, and there he was. He saw me with his phone, and I thought he was going to hug me. He said his whole life was in that phone. His hands were shaking, and he started to go for his wallet, and I said that won't be necessary, sir, have a nice flight. The joy on that mans face was enough reward for me.

We find all kinds of stuff on airplanes. Laptops, Ipods, wallets, coats, ballcaps, you name it. Or we used to, until they contracted out that job.

[scarygirl]

Oooh, this is hard. If it was a lot of money I'd feel guilty to keep it because you never know what that money mrsnt to the person who lost it. I would turn it into the police. If it was $100 or so and had just fallen out, no wallet or anything I'd keep it. Unless of course I saw it fall out, and then I would give it to its rightful owner.

[Don]

I found a deposit envelope in the middle of the lobby in a building in Century city way back when. I took it to the concierge, made him log it in and count the cash inside. 3,700 DOLLARS. A few days later I was in the the little lobby store (they had the best pepperoni bagels) when the Bldg. Property Manager approached me. She said she he had been reviewing the lobby security camera , the one that not even the guards apparently know about and saw me pick something up and take it over to be turned in. Needless to say, the person who lost the money had reported it but the guy I gave it to had played dumb and also altered the lost and found log. It looked like I was going to have to give a statement to the police and and a bunch of other crap but the guy copped to it. He returned the money and was fired; I guess he was pretty scared even though he never saw the tape from what I understand.

[StevePerryHair]

A few years back, my mom's purse fell out of our van when we were taking her with us on a trip from FL to PA. It fell out at a gas station in South Carolina. She didn't notice until we were 2 hours north of it. We found the phone number on the gas receipt, called, and they checked outside....no purse. We thought for sure it was gone forever. And were discussing if we should back track and lose 4 hours, or what. Just then my mom's husband, still in FL, calls us. He got a phone call from a woman who said she found the purse at a gas station, found the address and phone number my mom had in her wallet, and don't worry, they were heading to the Orlando area, and would bring him the purse! So we headed north, as her purse headed south.

My mom was more concerned over expensive prescription glasses than her money and credit cards. When the purse arrived, everything was intact! A very honest couple!!! I know from the relief of that, if I ever find anything that belongs to someone, and I can find who, they are getting it back!!! My mom got her purse the next day via fed ex.

I know a woman who was at a YMCA, took off her engagement and wedding bands to wash her hands, and forgot to put them back on. She walked out for a few minutes, realizing it, went back in... rings gone!! And everyone she asked denied it. One woman said she heard a woman yell "did anyone lose their rings" but no one answered her. So apparently the woman felt that was the end of her duty. Pretty SAD. Wedding bands are irreplaceable. I don't know how anyone could do that and live with themselves.

[Rip Rokken]

I found a deposit envelope in the middle of the lobby in a building in Century city way back when. I took it to the concierge, made him log it in and count the cash inside. 3,700 DOLLARS. A few days later I was in the the little lobby store (they had the best pepperoni bagels) when the Bldg. Property Manager approached me. She said she he had been reviewing the lobby security camera , the one that not even the guards apparently know about and saw me pick something up and take it over to be turned in. Needless to say, the person who lost the money had reported it but the guy I gave it to had played dumb and also altered the lost and found log. It looked like I was going to have to give a statement to the police and and a bunch of other crap but the guy copped to it. He returned the money and was fired; I guess he was pretty scared even though he never saw the tape from what I understand.

You apparently possess what's commonly known as 'cash register honesty'.

[Don]

I found a deposit envelope in the middle of the lobby in a building in Century city way back when. I took it to the concierge, made him log it in and count the cash inside. 3,700 DOLLARS. A few days later I was in the the little lobby store (they had the best pepperoni bagels) when the Bldg. Property Manager approached me. She said she he had been reviewing the lobby security camera , the one that not even the guards apparently know about and saw me pick something up and take it over to be turned in. Needless to say, the person who lost the money had reported it but the guy I gave it to had played dumb and also altered the lost and found log. It looked like I was going to have to give a statement to the police and and a bunch of other crap but the guy copped to it. He returned the money and was fired; I guess he was pretty scared even though he never saw the tape from what I understand.

You apparently possess what's commonly known as 'cash register honesty'.

Or it could have been one of those "Somebody has to have seen me pick this up" feelings you get in the back of your mind.

Seriously though, the weight alone told me it was a lot of money. If someone couldn't pay their bills because of losing it, that would be a terrible feeling to carry around within myself. Now, if it had been outside on the sidewalk, would I have taken it to the police or the bank that was printed on the envelope? I would hope that I would have taken it the bank and told them what happened but when we have to make an effort to be honest and have to work at returning something, I think most people just say fuck it and pocket it.

[Rip Rokken]

If the person who lost it can identify it, I return it. If it's something like money blowing down the road, no id, it can't be identified, I keep it then.

#1 and most relevant response. Basically, if it can conceivably and easily be reclaimed, even if it takes a little effort to find the owner, make it so. If it's so random that you'd subject yourself to 20 con artists trying to call in and claim it as their property, screw that...

I read something recently about a Muslim cab driver who found a wallet in his cab, and took off from work and spent the next couple of weeks trying to return it to the owner at his own expense. It's a noble concept but people need to accept the reality of what drives them to do this. It's about feeling better about yourself, plain and simple. And there are so many better ways to feel better about yourself than going to unreasonable extremes. Do they want a story written about them that grandfathers will tell their children for generations? Probably so.

[scarygirl]

I found a deposit envelope in the middle of the lobby in a building in Century city way back when. I took it to the concierge, made him log it in and count the cash inside. 3,700 DOLLARS. A few days later I was in the the little lobby store (they had the best pepperoni bagels) when the Bldg. Property Manager approached me. She said she he had been reviewing the lobby security camera , the one that not even the guards apparently know about and saw me pick something up and take it over to be turned in. Needless to say, the person who lost the money had reported it but the guy I gave it to had played dumb and also altered the lost and found log. It looked like I was going to have to give a statement to the police and and a bunch of other crap but the guy copped to it. He returned the money and was fired; I guess he was pretty scared even though he never saw the tape from what I understand.

You apparently possess what's commonly known as 'cash register honesty'.

Or it could have been one of those "Somebody has to have seen me pick this up" feelings you get in the back of your mind.

Seriously though, the weight alone told me it was a lot of money. If someone couldn't pay their bills because of losing it, that would be a terrible feeling to carry around within myself. Now, if it had been outside on the sidewalk, would I have taken it to the police or the bank that was printed on the envelope? I would hope that I would have taken it the bank and told them what happened but when we have to make an effort to be honest and have to work at returning something, I think most people just say fuck it and pocket it.

I firmly believe God reward those who go out of their way to do the right thing.

Different subject, but when I was let go in January I was scared as all get out worrying about how I would pay my bills. Especially, after being fired and all. Well, I lost my job on a Friday and Saturday when I went to pick up my mail I received a letter from the hospital. My first thought was why is X hospital contacting me? I hadn't been sick or anything. So imagine my total shock when I discovered a CHECK. I opened it thinking, cool $50, I can use it. So imagine my greater shock at it being $1700! It was an insurance over payment from an accident I had three years ago! Some say that's just a coincidence. I say BALONEY! What are the chances of my receiving a $1700 check, enough money to pay bills for probably the next month and a half. Especially after what 3 years? And day the after I am let go? That money saved me from missing mortgage payments to be sure. If I hadn't I would have been hurting since my chances of getting unemployment were questionable. That money tided me over until my unemployment was approved. Without it my credit would have gone south.

I guess what I am saying is the Lord keeps blessing me, even when I don't feel worthy. Not trying to be preachy. I just think when you do the right thing, the lord will bless you eventually one way or another.

[RocknRoll]

I totally believe there are so many people in this world who will do the "right" thing.

A few years ago I dropped my wallet in a Best Buy parking lot and didn't realize it until I made my next stop at a grocery store. I went back to Best Buy and checked with the guy at the door and nothing. I went home thinking about losing cash, my drivers license and having to cancel credit cards. When I got home there was a VM from a guy who had picked up my wallet, turned it in to the manager at Best Buy and managed to track down my phone number even though my license still had my downtown address. Before I could leave I had a call from the manager at Best Buy. These guys had to go out of there way to find my number! I've also lost a company credit card getting out of a cab, when I went to report a lost credit card it had already been reported by the person who found the card. Like I said, most people are good and do the right thing.

Unfortunately, a few months ago I had my MC/debit card hacked and they were able to withdraw $1700 on MC buying Walmart Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards before the fraud group picked up on it. So if you wonder where those credit card fees go. they're paying for those fraud departments and having to reimburse those of us who get ripped off.

Point is, there are a lot of scumbags out there but the majority of people are good and always do the right thing. I know I will!

[steveo777]

One thing I will never return is a clearly abused animal. We have several dogs, 3 of which are rescued. One Chihuahua that has been with us for 4 years now was found near death, wandering around, dirty, wet and cold, had worms, parasites and a host of other health problems. We took her in bathed her, fed her and put her to bed. We spent money to take her to the vet and get her healthy. She made an amazing recovery and returns the affection that we have shown her. No way was I going to look for that terrible owner and send that dog back into that environment!

[scarygirl]

One thing I will never return is a clearly abused animal. We have several dogs, 3 of which are rescued. One Chihuahua that has been with us for 4 years now was found near death, wandering around, dirty, wet and cold, had worms, parasites and a host of other health problems. We took her in bathed her, fed her and put her to bed. We spent money to take her to the vet and get her healthy. She made an amazing recovery and returns the affection that we have shown her. No way was I going to look for that terrible owner and send that dog back into that environment!

AMEN!

I rescued a cat just a couple months back. Love (as she came to be named) kept showing up at my door. She was skinny as all get out with some pretty nasty cuts to boot. I took her in with the purpose of f finding her a forever home. I was working a with a local cat adoption team at the time. It only took only cat adoption fair for me to realize that I just couldn't do it. I couldn't be sure she would get a great home. Plus, she kept looking at me with those eyes saying, "why?" She had been with me a couple months at thAT point, so she was already very attached.

I learned a couple things from that experience. There is no way in HELL I could ever be a foster parent. If I did, you guys would wind up seeing me tooithless in a moo moo on Animal Hoarding. Three is my magic cat number.... She is actually the fourth cat I have had in two years with Mya passing away. Mya begat Hershey, and now Love. If it hadn't been for Mya's passing I wouldn't have been able to save Hershey and probably said no to LOVE.

I still miss my precious Mya. He was truly one of a kind.

[MotherCitay]

Those were some great stories, thanks so much for sharing.

I've had a stolen wallet returned to me - sans cash - but all cards still there. I was so grateful not having to go through the inconvenience of replacing them all.

[SherriBerry]

When I was about 12, I had a little change purse I used as a wallet and about $60 in babysitting money stuffed in there (a lot now but even more back then!). I didn't realize until we got home that I had lost it somewhere - I had a feeling it fell out of the car at the last store we visited which turned out to be the case. No ID of course, but it was a distinct change purse with easily identifiable markings. The person who found it put an ad in the paper which my dad saw and surprised me when I came home from school. He gave the lady a $20 reward from me and she later went on to become mayor of our little town.

When I was in high school, I had a little sapphire ring my parents had given me. I took it off to wash my hands and put it on the ledge above the sink. The bell rang and I forgot it there for 2 minutes - when I ran back, I saw a girl coming out the washroom and I asked if she had seen a ring which she denied. I looked and it wasn't there - this was after the bell and no one else had been in there, so I know she was the one who stole it. I hope the karma taught her a lesson!

One of the worst things is when someone loses their camera with a couple of years worth of photos in the memory. I worked in a photo lab and one of the store staff found a camera up on the mountain. The camera had been run over and was pushed in the dirt, but the darn thing still worked. It had family Christmas photos, vacation photos and special memories on it. We tried to find anything that would identify the owners, but judging from the photos they were tourists from the US and the camera had been on the mountain for months, so they were long gone. The staff member took the camera to the RCMP in case it had been reported missing, but the owners never claimed it. If I ever find something like that, I would take it to the local RCMP station. Anything where I can track down the owner, I would contact them right away - I know how much it means!