Found a Lost or Stolen iPhone? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve found a lost or stolen iPhone, your first instinct may be to keep it or sell it for a quick profit. However, it’s important to remember that the phone is someone else’s property and you could potentially face legal consequences for not taking the proper steps to return it. So, what should you do if you’ve found a lost or stolen iPhone? Follow these steps:
1. Check for a passcode or contact information
If the iPhone is locked with a passcode, try contacting the owner by asking Siri “whose phone is this?” or check for any emergency contact information on the lock screen. If this information is available, try contacting the owner to let them know you have their phone.
2. Ask around
If you can’t find any information on the phone, try asking people around you if they’ve lost an iPhone recently. If you’re at a public place, such as a restaurant or coffee shop, ask the manager or staff if anyone has reported a lost phone.
3. Check with local authorities
If you still can’t locate the owner, consider turning the phone in to the local authorities. They may have a lost and found department or be able to track down the owner through the phone’s serial number.
4. Use social media
If all else fails, try posting a message on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Include a description of the phone and where you found it. Be careful not to share any personal information about the phone, as this could potentially put the owner at risk.
5. Protect yourself
If you decide to keep the phone or sell it, you may be breaking the law. In many states, it’s illegal to possess stolen property or keep property you know doesn’t belong to you. If you keep the phone and it turns out to be stolen, you could face criminal charges. It’s better to do the right thing and attempt to return the phone to its rightful owner.