Finders Keepers?

[Cebu_4_2]

We accidentally left a stash of silver at the old house, didn't have enough time to search all the little hiding spots before eviction. Last night my wife, she knows who lives there now and was looking on their facebook, they posted pictures of my little bucket of stash and saying it's value over 1000+. My old neighbors who were close knew I dabbled in silver and also know the new owners. Not that that means anything but would help confirm for us.

How do I handle this or am I just fubarred? Been looking a bit online but most related to landlord/tenant issues, not my situation.

Any hints clues or opinions appreciated.

[Dogman]

Ask !

They may return it or not!

But be sure to ask nicely for it back with maybe a little history to get on their good side and morality!

Ether you will be good or screwed !

[mick silver]

sounds like your lose is someone else's gain . how do you forget about money I know you had to leave fast but dam that would of went a long ways on helping you and your family . i'm sorry but i dont think you have a leg to stand on here , just dont see them playing nice with you . sorry

[Hitch]

My old neighbors who were close knew I dabbled in silver and also know the new owners. Not that that means anything but would help confirm for us.

Maybe your old neighbors could politely mention to them that the stash belongs to you? Maybe the new people who live there are honest people.

[EE_]

I'd be knocking on their door asap. Nicely tell them it was yours and you would appreciate it if they would return your property. Show them proof that you were living there and a description of the contents. Go now!

[Cebu_4_2]

I'd be knocking on their door asap. Nicely tell them it was yours and you would appreciate it if they would return your property. Show them proof that you were living there and a description of the contents. Go now!

LoL 800 miles away.

Seriously I was looking for this stash before we left, house attic, garage attic, basement etc etc... Really bothered me but couldn't find it. Then we had to go!

[madfranks]

LoL 800 miles away.

Seriously I was looking for this stash before we left, house attic, garage attic, basement etc etc... Really bothered me but couldn't find it. Then we had to go!

800 miles away? Can you call them, explain the situation, that you lost it and would like it back, and in exchange for their help maybe let them keep 10%? If they're assholes, they'll tell you no or hang up, in which case how can you prove it was yours? Unless they're honest and nice people, I think you're screwed.

[Cebu_4_2]

Here is where it gets weird. My wife called the old neighbors yesterday wanting to get the spelling of the new owners wife. She was interested because they are both from the Philippines. So odd that the new owner is also married to a filipina, something told my wife to inquire yesterday, and the stash pictures were just posted a few days ago.

I have been shaky all day, I have the guys number and all, just am in no shape now to be making this kink of cold call.

[expat4ever]

Have your wife call his wife. They can hash it out in Tagalog and come to an understanding.

[Hitch]

Have your wife call his wife. They can hash it out in Tagalog and come to an understanding.

Bingo! Fantastic idea, do this now Cebu.

[Cebu_4_2]

Have your wife call his wife. They can hash it out in Cebuano and come to an understanding.

We will figure something out.

[EE_]

We will figure something out.

The longer you wait, the more time they have to cash it in and spend it.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Neuro]

A 50/50 share in a situation like this would seem reasonable IMO, they will still make a windfall, and educate them about silver in return, how it was worth 3 times as much 4 years ago, and probably soon enough it would be more than $100/ounce. From a legal point of view, you have no standing, but since you have a lot in common (Filipino wives), you may come to an agreement. Call them! You have nothing to lose.

How the hell could you forget where you stashed your silver?

[Cebu_4_2]

How the hell could you forget where you stashed your silver?

Stashed it in 92, evicted in 2012 with 30 days to vacate. I couldn't find it, knew it was there somewhere but didn't want to be tearing stuff up. Afraid I wouldnt be able to fix it before we left. There is also a $100.00 gold certificate in the basement above the bathroom ceiling ;)

[Cebu_4_2]

The longer you wait, the more time they have to cash it in and spend it.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Waiting until he is off work to call. Planning my verbal strategy...

[Carl]

We will figure something out.

Offer finders fee, maybe 10%.

[ximmy]

make a call, see what happens... no luck... suck it up.... move on.

[madfranks]

Stashed it in 92, evicted in 2012 with 30 days to vacate. I couldn't find it, knew it was there somewhere but didn't want to be tearing stuff up. Afraid I wouldnt be able to fix it before we left. There is also a $100.00 gold certificate in the basement above the bathroom ceiling ;)

So this was three years ago? Hmm, if I were the discoverer of the coins, I'd be very wary of someone claiming it's actually theirs. Think about it: "Hi, um yes I see that you posted a picture of a stash of coins you found in your home, well they're actually mine, will you send them to me?" Have they ever met you? Do they know that you're the previous tenant? We moved into our home in 2012 and I wouldn't even begin to recognize who used to live there.

And if you tell them about the gold certificate in the ceiling, they'll probably just take it and then say there was nothing there. It really just comes down to if they're honest people or not.

[Cebu_4_2]

So this was three years ago? Hmm, if I were the discoverer of the coins, I'd be very wary of someone claiming it's actually theirs. Think about it: "Hi, um yes I see that you posted a picture of a stash of coins you found in your home, well they're actually mine, will you send them to me?" Have they ever met you? Do they know that you're the previous tenant? We moved into our home in 2012 and I wouldn't even begin to recognize who used to live there.

And if you tell them about the gold certificate in the ceiling, they'll probably just take it and then say there was nothing there. It really just comes down to if they're honest people or not.

With the neighbors there it's pretty obvious who I am, they gave me his number too. Pretty sure they know my name as a previous owner, especially since my name comes up on his caller id. Waiting for a return call if it happens. I know all the names of previous owners of all the houses I lived in. This guy isn't hurting financially, just comes down to the honesty thing.

I'm sure his mind is thinking... hmm, we find stash in the house and now the previous owner is calling...

My wife noticed he is not friends with his wife on FB, he is not an active poster at all so probably has no clue his wife posted pictures of the stash there. I certainly would be pissed. My wife knows much better.

Edit: If they decide to give it to me I will tell him about that gold certificate, if not than mums the word.

This is the most excitement I have had in a while.

[Neuro]

Is the gold certificate still honored?

[Cebu_4_2]

Is the gold certificate still honored?

No but they get good $$$ on ebay.

[Cebu_4_2]

Guy calls back, said he would split it. Says there are only 8 morgans... I said what? There were more than that.

So I will get 4 morgans.

If he gives half of the rest he will know about the certificate.

http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7571&stc=1

[EE_]

Stashed it in 92, evicted in 2012 with 30 days to vacate. I couldn't find it, knew it was there somewhere but didn't want to be tearing stuff up. Afraid I wouldnt be able to fix it before we left. There is also a $100.00 gold certificate in the basement above the bathroom ceiling ;)

If that $100 gold certificate is still there, tell them about it. It's proof you stashed these things.

If these are decent honest people, they will return your property.

Make the call! appeal to their sense of decency and the need to get your property back. Offer them $100 for finding your money.

[EE_]

Guy calls back, said he would split it. Says there are only 8 morgans... I said what? There were more than that.

So I will get 4 morgans.

http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7571&stc=1

Is that the picture they posed on facebook?

[Cebu_4_2]

Is that the picture they posed on facebook?

Yes it is along with a couple others.

The wife is talking to his wife now, hopefully this works out a bit better than the deal he mentioned.

[EE_]

Yes it is along with a couple others.

The wife is talking to his wife now, hopefully this works out a bit better than the deal he mentioned.

I hope she mentioned that photo.
I have my fingers crossed for ya!

[EE_]

Sometimes people need their conscience to work on them for a little while. First they had the excitement of finding the treasure, then they have to come to grips it really isn't theirs...then they realize they have to do the right thing.
Give them a little time. Maybe contact them again tomorrow.

[Cebu_4_2]

Sometimes people need their conscience to work on them for a little while. First they had the excitement of finding the treasure, then they have to come to grips it really isn't theirs...then they realize they have to do the right thing.
Give them a little time. Maybe contact them again tomorrow.

Wives are still talking... I will let it be and schedule someone to pick up whatever half next week. I think they will add each other to FB which wont hurt the cause.

[EE_]

Wives are still talking... I will let it be and schedule someone to pick up whatever half next week. I think they will add each other to FB which wont hurt the cause.

Maybe send a FedEx truck to their house, if the amount is worth it.
Once they commit, get it picked up pronto!

[Hitch]

If he gives half of the rest he will know about the certificate.


That's a very honorable thing to do, Cebu. You are a good man. I think a 50/50 split is fair given the amount of time that has gone by since you (and he) have lived there, and shows the guy has a moral compass as well. Hope things work out in this case.

This is a very interesting thread, thanks for posting it!

[madfranks]

Here's an interesting legal perspective:

http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/abandoned-personal-property.html

Is Personal Property Leftover After an Eviction Considered Abandoned?

After an eviction, landlords often find an ex-tenant’s personal property still on the premises. A tenant’s personal property on the premises after an eviction is still considered the tenant’s property. The landlord does not have a legal right to the personal property despite the fact the landlord has possession and title over the building the property was found in.

Before the landlord can keep or throw away the tenant’s property, the landlord should identify and value the property found. The landlord should store the property in a reasonably safe place for the former tenants. The landlord can charge for storage, although the property still belongs to the ex-tenant by right.

After identification and storage, the landlord should give the former tenant(s) notice that the landlord has found and is keeping the personal property. The landlord should release the property to the tenants; storage costs can be collected later, if at all. If the tenant does not collect the properties after a reasonable notice period, the property is considered abandoned. Some states allow landlords to keep the property as their own while other states might require that the landlord auction the property found.

[expat4ever]

Anything you get back after 3 years is a bonus and definitely more than you had before you made the call. Having your wife work on his wife will get his wife to work on him. If the 2 of them become friends on FB and they still dont return it then they risk embarrasment with all of their friends on FB too.
Hoping for the best for you guys!!.

[Cebu_4_2]

Here's an interesting legal perspective:


Since I was evicted due to foreclosure my only recourse is through the first foreclosure claimant which would be MERS. BoA (2nd claimant) took possession at the sheriff sale. They would be the ones taking and storing the property and give me 30 days written notice. None of this happened as I left over 30K of equipment there (most likely due to being 2nd claimant). Anyways I still can not find anything in regards to this finders keepers crap. The landlord tenant thing really is not the same as landlord tenant situation.

When talking to the guy he mentioned something about me to a co-worker who replied that another co-worker knew me personally. This may help with the contents of the stash. Strange thing is he will not give the 'half' to the neighbors who are totally honest but will let someone I have come to the house to pick it up. This was at the beginning of the conversation, before chatting a bit and letting the wives talk.

Still going to give it a few days before I choose who I want to go to the house. I can send this mutual co-worker or have a choice of some other interesting people I can send over.

Pictures were taken down right after the call ended, bet his wife don't do that again. I have all the pics plus screen shots to give to the fine folks I send to reclaim. Here is what his wife posted along with the pictures:
Look!!! We find old silver dollar coin from 18th to 19th century at the basement..we search the value of this sa internet and the price is ooppsss a thousands of SECRET...

8 morgans.

[Silver Rocket Bitches!]

Try to get it back and be prepared to walk away indifferently if they say no. Valuable (potentially expensive) lesson to be learned here.

[Silver Rocket Bitches!]

Also, why would they post it on FB? That tells me they're not the brightest.

[Cebu_4_2]

Also, why would they post it on FB? That tells me they're not the brightest.

Again I will post: ,my wife felt the need to be friends with the new owners of the house, wife also filipina. Called the neighbor and got the name and say she found the stash. I don't know what else needs to be clarified here. My shit he agrees on and willing to give half.

Once I mentioned the hidden stuff she went to bed. They be thinking now.

[Shami-Amourae]

Filipinos are Catholic typically.

You could be an honorary Catholic and guilt them.

Just saying.

[Norweger]

Friend of mine found a ladies handbag with content worth around $7k the other day. He contacted the owner after assessing what it was worth.. and the scumbag owner even started to try and make my friend feel bad for her saying how she lost her job, didn't find work, blablabla. Checked her info on the net and turns out she makes a fortune yearly by Norwegian standards, runs a company and had just been on a vacation in Monte Carlo.

Finders fee is 10% by law in Norway.

[Neuro]

Since I was evicted due to foreclosure my only recourse is through the first foreclosure claimant which would be MERS. BoA (2nd claimant) took possession at the sheriff sale. They would be the ones taking and storing the property and give me 30 days written notice. None of this happened as I left over 30K of equipment there (most likely due to being 2nd claimant). Anyways I still can not find anything in regards to this finders keepers crap. The landlord tenant thing really is not the same as landlord tenant situation.

When talking to the guy he mentioned something about me to a co-worker who replied that another co-worker knew me personally. This may help with the contents of the stash. Strange thing is he will not give the 'half' to the neighbors who are totally honest but will let someone I have come to the house to pick it up. This was at the beginning of the conversation, before chatting a bit and letting the wives talk.

Still going to give it a few days before I choose who I want to go to the house. I can send this mutual co-worker or have a choice of some other interesting people I can send over.

Pictures were taken down right after the call ended, bet his wife don't do that again. I have all the pics plus screen shots to give to the fine folks I send to reclaim. Here is what his wife posted along with the pictures:

8 morgans.
So these people have bought your old house with your forgotten coins in it? Probably from a legal point of view the coins would then be assumed to belong to the property I would think. You should be happy to get any then...

[Twisted Titan]

I never ceases to amaze me how people actually tell on themselves time and time again.


Glad your getting at least some of it back Cebu

[madfranks]

Pictures were taken down right after the call ended, bet his wife don't do that again.

No kidding, I'm sure the very next thing he told his wife was that whatever else they find to keep it to themselves! They're going to pick your old house clean now looking for all the goodies you left behind!

[expat4ever]

Again I will post: ,my wife felt the need to be friends with the new owners of the house, wife also filipina. Called the neighbor and got the name and say she found the stash. I don't know what else needs to be clarified here. My shit he agrees on and willing to give half.

Once I mentioned the hidden stuff she went to bed. They be thinking now.

And if they end up not giving you back 1/2 you can then drop the bombshell and let them know that you will not be telling them which wall the 50 gold coins are hidden in.
It shouldnt take them long to start tearing the walls apart..
My guess is in about 2 months they will realize that the 50 gold coins was a bogus tip but they spent a whole lot to resheetrock and tape the whole house. :).
If they then contact you again you can say it wasnt in a wall but under a wall in the floorboards. :).

[Dogman]

And if they end up not giving you back 1/2 you can then drop the bombshell and let them know that you will not be telling them which wall the 50 gold coins are hidden in.
It shouldnt take them long to start tearing the walls apart..
My guess is in about 2 months they will realize that the 50 gold coins was a bogus tip but they spent a whole lot to resheetrock and tape the whole house. :).
If they then contact you again you can say it wasnt in a wall but under a wall in the floorboards. :).

Pure evil !

Gotta love it !

Somehow include the floors and ceiling !

;)

[Cebu_4_2]

Got the 'box' yesterday, about 5 lbs worth. He gave me 6 morgans, kept 2 and 5 Eisenhowers. The rest is junk silver, not much really of any value... It was my stash for sure but not what I was looking for. Sent him an email thanking him and mentioned 2 stashes still somewhere in the house unless my 1st ex stole it which I doubt she would find anything since I never told her. Awaiting a call from him for details in regards to the treasure hunt.

All in all he seems like a decent guy, the wife connection definitely was the deciding factor even though the value wasn't what I thought they found.

I will update as the saga continues.

[EE_]

Got the 'box' yesterday, about 5 lbs worth. He gave me 6 morgans, kept 2 and 5 Eisenhowers. The rest is junk silver, not much really of any value... It was my stash for sure but not what I was looking for. Sent him an email thanking him and mentioned 2 stashes still somewhere in the house unless my 1st ex stole it which I doubt she would find anything since I never told her. Awaiting a call from him for details in regards to the treasure hunt.

All in all he seems like a decent guy, the wife connection definitely was the deciding factor even though the value wasn't what I thought they found.

I will update as the saga continues.

Congrats on the recovery!
Oh, you said
"The rest is junk silver, not much really of any value"...we consider junk silver to be valuable around here!

[Shami-Amourae]

Got the 'box' yesterday, about 5 lbs worth. He gave me 6 morgans, kept 2 and 5 Eisenhowers. The rest is junk silver, not much really of any value... It was my stash for sure but not what I was looking for. Sent him an email thanking him and mentioned 2 stashes still somewhere in the house unless my 1st ex stole it which I doubt she would find anything since I never told her. Awaiting a call from him for details in regards to the treasure hunt.

All in all he seems like a decent guy, the wife connection definitely was the deciding factor even though the value wasn't what I thought they found.

I will update as the saga continues.

Next time remember where your stashes are or have an encoded treasure map or something.

[Dogman]

Out of sight, out of mind, sometimes, really, really, sucks !

Forum Runner

[Cebu_4_2]

Next time remember where your stashes are or have an encoded treasure map or something.

Such a thing I never planned on being hung by the bank, 30 days is not that much when you have to get the fuck out!