Question 1

How does RegisteredStolen work?

Accepted Answer

RegisteredStolen is a free global registry for lost and stolen items. Owners register their items with photos, descriptions, and unique identifiers. Buyers can then check items before purchasing to ensure they're not stolen. If someone spots your item, they can report a sighting or contact you directly through our secure messaging system.

Question 2

Is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, RegisteredStolen is completely free to use. You can register items, check items before buying, report sightings, and message other users at no cost. We offer optional paid services like Boost (to feature your listing) and Recovery Scout (AI marketplace scanning), but the core registry is free forever.

Question 3

What countries are supported?

Accepted Answer

RegisteredStolen supports 15 countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland. We're actively working to expand to more countries.

Question 4

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Click 'Log In' and enter your email address. We'll send you a 6-digit verification code. Enter the code to access your account. No password required — we use passwordless authentication for better security.

Question 5

How do I report a lost or stolen item?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your account, click 'List an Item', and fill in the details: category, title, description, photos, and any unique identifiers (serial numbers, IMEI, etc.). The more detail you provide, the easier it is for your item to be identified.

Question 6

What information should I include?

Accepted Answer

Include as much detail as possible: clear photos from multiple angles, the item's make and model, any unique identifiers (serial numbers, IMEI numbers, licence plates), distinguishing marks or damage, and the circumstances of the loss or theft.

Question 7

Why are identifiers important?

Accepted Answer

Unique identifiers like serial numbers, IMEI numbers, and MAC addresses are the most reliable way to match your item if it's found. Buyers can check these identifiers against our registry before purchasing, making it much harder for stolen items to be resold.

Question 8

How long does moderation take?

Accepted Answer

Most listings are reviewed within a few hours. Our AI-powered moderation system checks listings automatically, and human moderators review flagged items. You'll receive an email notification when your listing is approved.

Question 9

Can I edit my listing after posting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can edit your listing at any time from your dashboard. Go to your items list, select the item, and click 'Edit'. Changes may need to go through moderation again if significant.

Question 10

What happens if my listing is rejected?

Accepted Answer

If your listing is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient detail, inappropriate content, or items that violate our acceptable use policy. You can edit and resubmit your listing after addressing the issues.

Question 11

How do I check if an item is stolen?

Accepted Answer

Go to the 'Check an Item' page and enter the item's serial number, IMEI, or other identifier. You can also search by text description. Our system will instantly check against all registered items and show any matches.

Question 12

What does a 'match' mean?

Accepted Answer

A match means the identifier you checked matches an item registered as lost or stolen in our database. If you see a match, do not purchase the item and consider reporting it to the police. You can also contact the owner through our messaging system.

Question 13

Is the check free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, checking items is completely free. There are no limits on the number of checks you can perform, though we have rate limiting in place to prevent abuse.

Question 14

How accurate is the identifier check?

Accepted Answer

Identifier checks are highly accurate — if a serial number or IMEI matches, it's an exact match. Text-based searches may return partial matches. Always verify the details carefully and contact the item owner if you're unsure.

Question 15

What if I find a false match?

Accepted Answer

If you believe a match is incorrect, please contact us through the Contact page. False listings violate our terms of service, and we take them very seriously. You can also report the listing directly from the item page.

Question 16

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

Your data is stored on secure EU servers (London, UK) with encryption in transit and at rest. We enforce row-level security on all database tables, meaning users can only access their own data. We never sell your personal information to third parties.

Question 17

Can people see my personal details?

Accepted Answer

No. Your email address and personal details are never shown publicly. Other users can only see your display name and verification badge. All communication happens through our secure messaging system.

Question 18

How does messaging work?

Accepted Answer

Our built-in messaging system allows secure communication between item owners and finders without sharing personal contact details. Messages are encrypted and monitored for safety. Never share your email, phone number, or address directly in messages.

Question 19

What if someone makes a false listing?

Accepted Answer

False listings are a violation of our Terms of Service and may have legal consequences. All listings go through moderation, and our AI system flags suspicious entries. If you discover a false listing, report it immediately through the item page or contact us.

Question 20

How do I report abuse or a false listing?

Accepted Answer

You can report a listing by clicking the 'Report' button on any item page. You can also contact us directly through the Contact page or email us at hello@registeredstolen.com. We investigate all reports within 24 hours.

Question 21

What does boosting do?

Accepted Answer

Boosting places your item listing in a featured position on the homepage and at the top of its category page. This dramatically increases visibility, making it more likely that someone who has seen your item will find your listing.

Question 22

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Boosting plans start at £9.99 for 3 months, £17.99 for 6 months, or £24.99 for 12 months. These are one-time payments, not subscriptions.

Question 23

How do I boost my listing?

Accepted Answer

Go to your dashboard, select the item you want to boost, and click 'Boost This Item'. Choose your preferred duration and complete the payment through our secure Stripe checkout.

Question 24

How long does a boost last?

Accepted Answer

Boosts last for the duration you choose: 3, 6, or 12 months. Your listing will be featured throughout this period. After the boost expires, your listing remains active but returns to its normal position.

Help & FAQ

Getting Started

Listing Items

Checking Items

Safety & Privacy

Boosting & Promotion

Still need help?