A complete guide to filing your first lost item report

Losing something important can be upsetting and time matters. Creating a clear, detailed lost item ad on lostandfound.io connects you with people ready to help you recover your item or pet. Follow this guide to prepare, submit and track your first report.

Why Use lostandfound.io?

• Centralized platform for lost and found ads
• Email alerts when matching items are posted
• Simple photo uploads to show unique features
• Optional phone contact for urgent cases

Preparing your report

Gather these details before you start:

• Description: brand, model, color, size, distinguishing marks
• Last known time and place: date, location and approximate hour
• Proof: clear photos, receipts or microchip ID for pets
• Contact: email (required) and phone (optional)
• Reward: state any offer to motivate finders

Example of a well crafted ad

I lost my black Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones on June 5, 2025, around 4 PM near the Santa Monica Pier entrance. They have a small scratch on the left ear cup and a custom silver engraving “A.J.” on the headband.

Submitting your report

1. Visit lostandfound.io
2. Click Post FREE ad
3. Enter your detailed description
4. Upload any clear photos
5. Provide your email and optional phone number

Following up

• Watch your email for match alerts
• Log in weekly to check replies
• Refresh or edit your ad every few days to stay visible
• Respond promptly to finder questions

Tips for faster recovery

• Share your ad link on social media or local forums
• Label valuables with engravings, tags or QR codes
• Attach Bluetooth trackers for real-time tracking
• Keep serial numbers and receipts handy for verification

Success story

Sarah lost her beagle in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. She posted a detailed lost pet ad on lostandfound.io with clear photos and a $50 reward. Within 48 hours, a local jogger found her dog and posted a found notice. Automatic alerts matched them and Sarah reunited with her pet the next day.