Did you find a telephone or wallet? This 1 mistake can make you a thief.

A walk in the park, fast buying in the buying mall or returning from work by public transport – in each of these situations you can encounter a lost phone, wallet or another valuable thing. The first thought is usually a desire to aid and to give the owner his death. It is simply a noble impulse, but under Polish law, the boundary between an honest finder and a criminal is amazingly thin. 1 unthought-out move, specified as hiding your telephone in a drawer “for later” or taking the cash out of your wallet, can exposure you to very serious legal consequences, including the charge of misappropriation, which is treated equally to theft. In 2025, the rules are unambiguous and leave no area for explanation of "good intentions". This article is simply a complete and applicable guide that will step by step explain what to do with the found thing, not only to aid its owner, but above all to defend himself from criminal charges. You will find out where to study the find you have rights (including the right to a “fine”) and what errors may cost you a luck or even freedom.

Honest finder and thief. Where's the line by law?

The key to knowing the situation is to separate between 2 concepts: uncovering and misappropriation. Just raising a lost thing is not a forbidden act. The problem arises erstwhile you take action to show that you want to include this thing in your property. In accordance with Article 284 of the Criminal Code, Those who take possession of another’s moveable or property rights are subject to imprisonment until the age of 3.

What does this mean in practice? If you find a telephone and alternatively of looking for the owner or turning it over to the police, you take out your SIM card and start utilizing it – this is an appropriation. If you find a wallet, take cash, and throw distant the remainder – it is besides an appropriation. The law assumes that you have an work to take active steps to return the goods to the owner or to hand them over to the applicable authorities.

The value of the found thing is crucial. Since 2023, the threshold which separates an offence from a crime is 800 zł.

• If the value of the misused thing does not exceed PLN 800, you commit an offence (Article 119 of the Code of Offence) for which you are facing imprisonment, restrictions on freedom or fine.
• If the value of a thing exceeds PLN 800, the act is classified as a crime and the consequences are far more serious – including imprisonment. Remember that almost all modern smartphone has a value above this threshold.

Did you find the phone? applicable Guide Step by Step

Finding a modern smartphone is the most risky scenario. These devices are easy to track, and their value almost always qualifies any misuse as a crime. Here's what you gotta do to do right and safe:

1. Keep your telephone on and keep your SIM card on. It's absolutely crucial. The device on can be tracked by the owner and the mobile network operator can aid identify it. The removal of the SIM card is treated by law enforcement as an effort to cover your tracks and hinder your return, which affects your disadvantage.
2. Try answering the call. If the telephone rings, answer it. Most likely, a desperate owner or individual close to him calls. This is the quickest way to solve the case.
3. Check the lock screen. ICE contacts (In Case of Emergency) or contact information to the owner are frequently set on the lock screen.
4. Take the telephone to the police. This is the safest and most universal option. The police will draw up a protocol to accept things, which is your proof of integrity. Officers have tools to identify the owner after IMEI's telephone number or SIM card.
5. Alternative: Office of Things Found. Each region town has an Office of Things Found, usually operating in the region old age. Giving the telephone there is just as good and lawful a solution. You will receive an authoritative message of the subject.

What absolutely not to do? Do not effort to unlock your telephone yourself, do not browse private data and don't take it to the dealer or pawn shop. It's a consecutive way to serious trouble.

Paper wallet and cash. What then?

The script with the wallet found is similar. The presence of documents, specified as identity card or driving license, makes it much easier to identify the owner. The best and safest solution is the immediate release of the full wallet with the contents to the nearest police station. Do not effort to contact the owner on the basis of evidence – although the intention is good, handing it over to the police is an authoritative procedure and takes all work off you.

If there's cash in your wallet, don't take it under any circumstances. The full must be handed over to officers who will accurately number and evidence the contents. Taking even a tiny amount “as a reward” is an appropriation.

The award for honesty, or what is “fine”?

Polish law provides for a prize for an honest finder. It's what's called. Finder’sThat regulates the Lost and Found Act. The finder who has fulfilled his duties (i.e. he has returned the item to the police or to the lost and found office) may request a finder in the amount one tenth (10%) of the value of things.

To apply for a finder's fee, you must submit your claim at the latest at the time of issue of the item to the individual entitled to receive it. If you hand over the item to the police or the office, inform the clerk that you want to exercise your right to find it. Your data will be saved and erstwhile the owner submits for receipt, he will be informed of your request. It's your statutory law and reward for your civic attitude.

In conclusion, uncovering individual else's property is simply a test for honesty, but besides for knowing the law. In 2025, in an age of ubiquitous technology and precise regulations, it is not worth the risk. Act quickly, officially and according to procedure. Giving your death to the police or to the Finder's Office is the only way to make certain that a good deed does not turn into an accusation that could ruin your life.