How It Works

Lost & Found HBC connects document owners with finders through WhatsApp. Register a claim, get matched, reunite safely, and pay finder rewards automatically.

Process overview

  1. Register via WhatsApp

    Message our Agent to report a lost or found National ID, passport, or driver’s licence. You receive a unique reference (e.g. LF-ABC123).

  2. Automatic matching

    We match reports by surname, document type, and document number. Finders submit a photo; owners see a blurred preview before paying.

  3. Pay & collect

    Owners pay a service fee via EcoCash (Paynow). After payment is verified, collection details are sent for safe in-person handover across Zimbabwe.

  4. Confirm & payout

    Both parties reply COLLECTED and HANDED OVER on WhatsApp. The finder’s EcoCash reward is sent automatically by the platform.

For document owners

How do I report a lost document?

Open WhatsApp and message our Agent. Choose Lost, enter your surname and document details, and follow the prompts. You will receive a reference number to track your claim on this website.

How do you verify I am the real owner?

We match your report against found documents using surname, document type, and document number. Before you pay, you receive a blurred preview of the found document so you can confirm it looks correct. Payment via EcoCash, collection in person, and your COLLECTED confirmation provide additional verification. We do not conduct in-person ID checks — please inspect the document carefully before confirming collection.

How much does the service cost?

Service fees for owners (via Paynow EcoCash) depend on document type:

  • National ID — $10 USD
  • Passport — $30 USD
  • Driver’s licence — $20 USD

Fees are communicated when a match is found. You can pay immediately or choose Pay Later.

What happens after I pay?

Once your EcoCash payment is verified, we send you collection details for the finder’s location. Meet safely, collect your document, then reply COLLECTED on WhatsApp to confirm.

For finders

How do I register a found document?

Message our WhatsApp Agent and choose Found. Provide document details, custody information, a clear photo of the document, and your EcoCash number for the finder reward.

How do I get paid?

When a match is found, stand by while the owner pays and arranges collection. After the owner collects the document, reply HANDED OVER on WhatsApp. Once the owner replies COLLECTED, your reward is sent automatically to the EcoCash number you registered.

Important: Do not accept payment from the owner in person. Rewards are paid only through the platform after both confirmations.

How much is the finder reward?

Finder rewards (USD via EcoCash) depend on document type:

  • National ID — $5 USD
  • Passport — $10 USD
  • Driver’s licence — $8 USD
When is the reward sent?

Payout is triggered automatically after dual confirmation — both COLLECTED (owner) and HANDED OVER (finder). In most cases this happens within minutes. If automatic disbursement fails, our team processes the reward manually within 24 hours.

Safety, disputes & privacy

What if the document is damaged or not the right one?

Inspect the document carefully before confirming collection. If something is wrong — including damage, a mismatch, or a dispute about handover — reply DISPUTE on WhatsApp immediately. Payout may be paused while our team reviews the case. We aim to respond within 24 hours.

What if the match is wrong?

Either party can reply DISPUTE at any point after matching. Our admin team reviews the claim, may confirm the match, release it back to the active pool, or process a refund where appropriate.

Is my document number shown publicly?

No. Public search on this website shows only privacy-safe, masked information for pending unmatched reports. Full document numbers and contact details are never exposed in public search results.

How do I track my claim?

Use the Status Tracker on the home page with your reference number (e.g. LF-ABC123). You can also ask the WhatsApp Agent for updates at any time.

Is it safe to meet in person?

Choose a public, well-lit location and consider bringing someone with you. Lost & Found HBC coordinates matching and payment but does not supervise in-person meetings. Always prioritise your personal safety.

Ready to start?

Register your lost or found document in minutes via WhatsApp.

Open WhatsApp