Messaging
FinderHelper chats stay tied to the item
You can message from the main map, an item card, or the Potential Matches flow. Conversations appear in the Messages tab and are designed to stay linked to the correct item so you can keep context while you work out a return.
How to start a conversation
- Open an item from the map, from Your Items, or from Potential Matches.
- Tap Message.
- Type your note and send it.
- FinderHelper creates or resolves the correct conversation and opens the chat thread.
Chat previewItem-linked
I lost a navy lunch bag with a dinosaur tag. Does that sound like what you found?
Yes, it might. I can send you where I found it and a few details to confirm.
Where to find your conversations
- Open the Messages tab to see all conversations.
- Unread threads move to the top of the list.
- Unread indicators use a red dot in the thread list, and the bottom navigation can show a red count badge.
- Opening a conversation should mark it read and reduce the unread badge count.
What the unread indicators mean
Thread list
Red unread dot
The conversation has a message you have not opened yet.
Bottom navigation
Red count badge
You have one or more unread conversations in the Messages tab.
After opening
Should clear
When you open the thread, FinderHelper marks messages read and the indicators should update.
Messaging best practices
- Use the chat to confirm item details before meeting.
- Avoid posting your phone number or home address in the first message.
- Keep communication inside FinderHelper when possible so the item history stays clear.
- If you agree on a return, choose a safe public meetup location.
Safety reminder: Even if a message sounds convincing, do not share sensitive personal information until you are comfortable that the person is legitimate.
When messaging is especially useful
- Clarifying whether a potential match is the right item.
- Coordinating pickup for a found item.
- Confirming details before an exact claim.
- Following up after a group post or school-wide lost and found item.