Is keeping a lost wallet a crime?

Asked by: Dr. Georgianna Jerde  |  Last update: February 13, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

Yes, keeping a lost wallet, especially one with identifying information, can be a crime like theft or misappropriation of lost property, because it's considered stealing if you don't make reasonable efforts to find the owner, even if you initially intend to. Laws vary, but generally, you must try to return it to the owner or hand it to the police, as keeping it when the owner could be identified can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges, depending on the value.

Do police investigate lost wallets?

Yes, police will take a report for a stolen wallet, but they are unlikely to actively search for it unless it's linked to a larger crime; the main purpose of the report is to provide official documentation for canceling cards, disputing fraudulent charges, and protecting against identity theft, requiring details like the wallet's description, contents, and location/time of theft. 

Do you call the police if you lose your wallet?

Yes, you should always file a police report for a lost wallet, even if you think it was just misplaced, because the report provides crucial documentation for combating identity theft, disputing fraudulent charges, and replacing essential IDs like your driver's license. It creates an official record that helps protect you if your information is misused and can be required for certain replacement processes. 

Can you keep a wallet you found?

No. You cannot keep a wallet, or anything for that matter, found by you as it does not belong to you. Forget about the legality or otherwise of such an act, morality demands that one should not take/keep what is not his. In a civilised society the property of a citizen is given protection under right to property.

Can you get in trouble for taking money out of a lost wallet?

Simply pocketing sums of cash or other property you find could be against the law and you could end up in court charged with a criminal offence. When you find an item of value, the law expects you to make some attempts to find the owner of the property (or hand it in to police) before deciding to keep it for yourself.

Found Someone’s Lost Wallet? The U.S Law You Should Know

45 related questions found

Is it illegal to not return a lost wallet?

Yes, it is generally illegal to keep a lost wallet, especially if you can identify the owner or make no reasonable effort to return it, as it can lead to theft charges (petty or grand theft, depending on the value) for misappropriation of lost property, but the law requires you to take reasonable steps to find the owner, like turning it into the police or store management, and if you can't find the owner and turn it in, you generally aren't in trouble. 

Do I need to make a police report for a lost wallet?

Yes, you should always file a police report for a lost wallet, even if you think it was just misplaced, because the report provides crucial documentation for combating identity theft, disputing fraudulent charges, and replacing essential IDs like your driver's license. It creates an official record that helps protect you if your information is misused and can be required for certain replacement processes. 

What does losing your wallet symbolize?

Losing your sense of self

Dreaming about losing your bag or wallet can represent the loss of self-identity and control. Losing your job, having trouble in marriage or divorce, moving to a different country are milestones in our lives that can take away a part of our self-identity.

Is it illegal to find something and keep it?

In California, the question of whether keeping found items constitutes theft is addressed under Penal Code 485 PC. California law recognizes that finding lost property does not automatically grant you ownership. In fact, under certain circumstances, keeping found items can lead to criminal charges of theft.

What do I do if I found a lost wallet?

The best thing you can do is drop it off at the local police station. Not only is the owner more likely to go looking there, but the police may even have the person's contact information on file and take care of the drop-off for you. Another great idea is to return the wallet to the owner's bank.

Should I panic if I lost my wallet?

Try and be calm

We realize this is easier said than done, but there is a very good reason for this advice. Take a few deep breaths and try to avoid full panic. Now, make a list of what was in your wallet, so you know what you have lost, what you need to replace, and what could potentially be used for fraud.

Can police help with lost items?

Lost Item Recovery

If your lost item is recovered by police, they can identify you as the owner and return it.

Is there a wallet tracking device?

Tile by Life360 Slim - Wallet Finder, Bluetooth Tracker and Item Locator for Luggage Tags, Passports and More. Both iOS and Android Compatible.

Should I file a police report for a lost wallet?

Yes, you should always file a police report for a lost wallet, even if you think it was just misplaced, because the report provides crucial documentation for combating identity theft, disputing fraudulent charges, and replacing essential IDs like your driver's license. It creates an official record that helps protect you if your information is misused and can be required for certain replacement processes. 

Can I keep money I found on the ground?

“Even though cash is not marked with the owner's identity — like a check or savings bond — it's a piece of property that originally belonged to someone other than the finder,” New Mexico attorney Lauren Baldwin wrote in a 20222 article on CriminalDefenseLawyer.com. “Cash you find is not legally yours,” Baldwin wrote.

What is the first thing you should do if you lose your wallet?

If your wallet remains missing, contact your bank as soon as possible to cancel or lock any credit or debit cards. Report the loss to the police and set up fraud alerts to minimize losses. Request replacements for any cards that were lost in your wallet.

Can you go to jail for finding a wallet?

You did not just 'find a wallet and fail to return it'. You knowingly and intentionally committed a theft. A felony if over $1200 or a misdemeanor if under that amount. Obviously, you can not say how much it was without admitting to the crime, so it is up to what the owner of the wallet claims was there.

Can you go to jail for searching things up?

While search terms themselves are not illegal, if a search does lead you to a dark corner of the internet you can absolutely get in trouble for it. People are often arrested for their illegal online activities. But it's important to distinguish between suspicious searches and illegal activities.

What to do if someone won't give you back your belongings?

If someone won't return your belongings, start by calmly asking, then send a formal demand letter, and if that fails, escalate to legal action like Small Claims Court or a replevin suit, while documenting everything and seeking police help for a civil standby if needed, as they generally see it as a civil matter, not theft unless criminal intent (theft/burglary) is clear. 

What would someone do with a lost wallet?

You'd want someone to do it for you, so here are your options for how to return a lost wallet.

  1. Wait for the Owner to Come Back.
  2. Look for Contact Information Inside the Wallet.
  3. Do an Online Search.
  4. Call Their Bank or Credit Card Company.
  5. Drop it Inside a Mailbox.
  6. Turn It Over to the Police.
  7. Take Anything.

What is the Chinese superstition about wallets?

Wallets — Loss of Fortune

In traditional Chinese culture, gifting a wallet symbolizes giving away all your money and you might lose all your finances and luck. However, it is no problem to gift a wallet to your spouse or other family member who already shares your financial accounts and money.

Is losing a wallet a big deal?

Yes, losing your wallet is a big deal because it's highly stressful and creates immediate risks for financial fraud, identity theft, and major inconvenience, requiring quick action to cancel cards, replace IDs, and secure accounts, although it's manageable if handled methodically. The psychological impact of losing personal documents and the hassle of replacing everything make it a significant event, even with digital payments. 

Will police investigate a lost wallet?

You might not think that your local police department will want to bother with your stolen wallet. You might also think that filing a report is a waste of time because the police will likely never find that missing wallet. But filing a police report is actually a key step in protecting your identity.

Do police return lost wallets?

However, you can contact them and see if they have it. If they do, you can go to the police station and pick it up. It is not their responsibility to drive to your house to return stuff YOU lost.

What to do if you have lost a wallet?

What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet: Australian Action Plan

  1. Step 1: Take a Breath and Search Properly. ...
  2. Step 2: Lock or Cancel Your Cards (Do This First) ...
  3. Step 3: Check Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity. ...
  4. Step 4: Report to Police. ...
  5. Step 5: Replace Your Driver Licence. ...
  6. Step 6: Replace Other Essential Cards.