1. Reward Basics
Offering a reward for a lost item is a completely voluntary action. Lost & Found does not mandate rewards for recovery, and finders should not demand rewards for returning an item to its rightful owner. We do, however, recognize that rewards can serve as a positive incentive for the return of lost goods.
2. Offering Rewards
If you choose to offer a reward, you are solely responsible for its fulfillment. We advise the following:
- Clarity: Be clear about the reward amount and any conditions (e.g., condition of the item).
- Truthfulness: Do not offer rewards you do not intend to pay.
- Timeliness: Fulfill reward promises promptly upon the safe return of your item.
3. Receiving Rewards
Finders who receive rewards should do so in a professional and safe manner:
- Gratitude: Accept rewards as a token of appreciation for your honesty.
- No Coercion: Never withhold an item or demand a reward before returning it.
- Safe Acceptance: If receiving a reward in cash, ensure the exchange happens in a safe environment.
4. Platform Non-Involvement
Lost & Found **does not handle reward payments**. We do not have an escrow system, nor do we guarantee that a user will pay an offered reward. Any financial transactions occur outside of our platform and are strictly between the individual users.
5. Illegal Reward Schemes
The following are strictly prohibited on our platform:
- Bait-and-switch: Offering a high reward only to lower it or refuse payment.
- Extortion: Demanding a reward or payment in exchange for the return of an item.
- Money Laundering: Using the reward system to move illicit funds.
6. Refund Policy
As Lost & Found is currently a free-to-use platform for individual users, there are no platform fees to refund. However, if any premium features are introduced in the future:
- Subscription Refunds: Handled on a case-by-case basis through our support team.
- Transaction Fees: Non-refundable except in cases of platform error.