# Found a phone? Keeping it can be a crime.

> A finder who keeps property while knowing, or able to find, the owner, or before trying to find him and waiting a fair time, commits dishonest misappropriation under section 403 PPC: up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 13-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/found-a-phone-keeping-it-can-be-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-23

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: Finders keepers. If I found it, it is mine.**
- **Fact: Keeping it without trying to find the owner can be dishonest misappropriation (PPC s.403, Explanation 2).**

## The law.

Section 403, PPC.

> "Whoever dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use any movable property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 403)

## The finder rule.

Explanation 2, section 403.

- **Safe** Taking it to protect it for, or return it to, the owner.
- **A crime** Keeping it when you know, or can find out, the owner.
- **Also a crime** Keeping it before trying to find the owner and waiting a fair time.

## Three examples.

Illustrations to section 403.

- **A rupee on the road** Owner unknown. Not an offence.
- **A letter with a note** The letter shows the owner. Keeping it is an offence.
- **A dropped purse** Picked up to return, then kept. An offence.

## Even for a while.

Explanation 1, section 403.

- **The rule** Misusing it for a time only still counts.
- **Example** Pledging a found note for a loan, meaning to return it later.

## Quick quiz. The cheque.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. No, owner unknown**
- **B. Yes, under s.403**
- **C. Only if he complains**

## Answer: B. Illustration (c).

Section 403, PPC.

- **Why** The drawer could lead you to the owner.
- **So** Using it without trying is an offence.

## The punishment.

Section 403 and Schedule II, CrPC.

- **The term** Up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
- **Bail** Bailable. No arrest without a warrant.
- **Settling** Compoundable with the court's permission.

## A dead man's things.

Section 404, PPC.

- **The act** Taking what he held at death, before the lawful heirs take it.
- **The term** Up to 3 years, and fine.
- **His servant** Up to 7 years.

## Found something?

Three steps, in this order.

- **Keep it safe** Do not use or spend it.
- **Find the owner** ID cards, contacts, a notice where you found it.
- **Wait** Give the owner a fair time to claim it.

## Not sure?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **I found a wallet with an ID card in it. What does the law say I must do?**
- **What is dishonest misappropriation under section 403 PPC?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 403: Dishonest misappropriation of property

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