Question 1

Is helptofind.org free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a non-profit platform. Posting a lost/found listing is always free. We accept voluntary donations via the official portal. No one will ever call you asking for money.

Question 2

How does the AI matching work?

Accepted Answer

Every photo you upload is analysed by an on-device vision model that produces a fingerprint, a small numerical signature. When someone posts an opposite-type listing (you posted Lost, they post Found) in your category and nearby area, our system compares fingerprints and distances. If the similarity crosses a threshold, both parties are notified with a match percentage.

Question 3

Why do I need to share my location?

Accepted Answer

Only the precise coordinates let us filter matches by radius (so you don't get notified about a phone lost 1,500 km away). Publicly, we only show a general area like 'Navrangpura, Ahmedabad'. We never show your exact coordinates.

Question 4

How do I receive my item back?

Accepted Answer

We only support face-to-face meetups in safe, public places. helptofind.org does NOT arrange couriers or handle handovers. This is a deliberate trust-and-safety choice. When both parties confirm the meetup here, the listing is marked 'Resolved'.

Question 5

What is the 'Hero certificate'?

Accepted Answer

When a Found item is returned and both parties confirm the reunion, the Finder receives an auto-generated Hero certificate (PNG + PDF) they can share on social media. We may also send physical merchandise to say thank you.

Question 6

Can I post on behalf of someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only with their informed consent. Posting a missing person's photo without their guardian's or lawful authority's permission is a violation of our Terms.

Question 7

Is helptofind.org a substitute for filing a police FIR?

Accepted Answer

No. helptofind.org complements official law enforcement. It does NOT replace it. For any missing person case, always file an FIR or Daily Diary Entry at your local police station. See our Legal Awareness page for details on BNSS 2023 procedures.

Question 8

Do we have a Zero FIR option?

Accepted Answer

helptofind.org doesn't file FIRs itself, but we strongly encourage users to file a Zero FIR under Section 173(1) of BNSS 2023. It means police at any station must accept your complaint regardless of where the incident happened, and transfer it to the correct jurisdiction.

Question 9

Can NGOs partner with us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered NGOs working on missing persons, child safety, or women safety can partner with us for verified cross-posting. Write to helptofind.org@gmail.com with your registration proof.

Question 10

Do we share data with police?

Accepted Answer

Only with verified governmental bodies, police authorities, or judicial officers, and only in accordance with the IT Act 2000. This helps tracing and rescue operations. We never share data with commercial parties.

Question 11

What about missing children?

Accepted Answer

Missing children cases are the most time-sensitive. In parallel with posting here, please (1) call 1098 (National Child Helpline) immediately, (2) file a police report. If the child is taken by force or a minor is removed from a guardian, the police MUST convert the MPR to an FIR under BNS Section 137.

Question 12

What happens to my photos?

Accepted Answer

Photos are stored securely and are linked only to your listing. EXIF metadata (GPS data embedded in the image) is stripped on upload. Photos are deleted when you delete the listing or your account.

Question 13

Do you support multiple languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, Odia, Assamese. Use the globe icon in the header to switch.

Question 14

Why am I asked for a mobile number?

Accepted Answer

A mobile number lets us verify real users with SMS OTP and reach you quickly when a likely match is found. We use it for login, safety, notifications, and owner/finder coordination after both sides consent.

Question 15

Do you expose my phone number to matches?

Accepted Answer

Never automatically. When the platform finds a match, both parties see each other's listings (not numbers). Numbers are only exchanged after BOTH users explicitly consent on their side.

Question 16

How do I export or delete my data?

Accepted Answer

Log in, and we'll add 'Export my data' and 'Delete my account' to your dashboard soon (or email helptofind.org@gmail.com to request it in writing).

Question 17

Does helptofind.org work on my old phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are built for 2G/3G conditions. The site is a lightweight Progressive Web App; it works on Jio, Airtel, BSNL 2G and up. You can even install it like an app from your browser's 'Add to Home screen' option.