A beautiful ring, a wallet full of money, an old coin, or a pair of wireless Air Pods… We often feel compelled to pick up these finds from the ground. However, in no case should you do that. It’s important to stop and remind yourself that the consequences of your actions might have an effect on your health and well-being.
Bright Side made a useful list of everyday things that you should not pick up from the ground.
1. A wallet, a purse, or an envelope of money
Be careful even if your motives are pure and you plan to give your find to the police. In this case, you might end up getting trapped in an old trick. Once you pick up the lost wallet, a “witness” might appear demanding half of the money you’ve just found, and then the owner of the wallet might show up and accuse you of theft. That’s why, if you feel that you’re being watched or followed by a suspicious individual, avoid picking up anything.
2. Expensive looking jewelry (a ring, earrings, a stone locket)
This trick is as old as time. On the street, you might hear a well-dressed person calling for you and showing you a beautiful expensive looking ring laying on the ground. By some extraordinary coincidence your new “friend” won’t want the ring, but he or she would be happy if you gave them some money for helping you find it. As a result, you give them money and sometime after that you find out that the shiny diamond ring was a cheap fake.
3. Headset or earphones
Needless to say, it wouldn’t occur to anyone to use a toothbrush or a towel that was found on the street. Did you know that a pair of earphones is a part of our personal things as well? A lot of bacteria pile up in the foam rubber used in headphones. That’s why your newly found device could backfire with a staph infection or streptococcus left from the previous owner.
4. Knives and other things that can be used as weapons
If you don’t want any problems with the police, it’s better not to pick up knives found by accident on the street. This rule applies to more unusual beautiful things as well. First, if you found a reportedly rare piece of weaponry, you could be tricked in same scheme as discussed in number 2.
Second, a weapon could be a part of a bad crime story. Certainly, a gun or a sniper rifle isn’t likely to just be lying around on the street, but a knife could easily be thrown away. The last thing you need is your fingerprints all over the weapon.
5. A handheld transceiver or other communication equipment
If you find something like a walkie-talkie, there’s a high chance you’ll come into conflict with law enforcement officials on this matter. One internet user shared a story where he found a working walkie-talkie and went on air with a message stating his whereabouts. His innocent action blew back on him and he was convicted of theft.
If you find a walkie-talkie on a mountain-ski route, in a subway, or in a shopping and entertainment center, don’t try to go on air. It’s better to give the device to one of the staff members (a janitor, a receptionist, or a security guard). Another option is to call the police and inform them of the location of the device.
6. Suspicious metal objects found in areas of military activity
These things can turn out to be explosive devices. Most often grenades, casings, and mines are found after the snow melts in forests and fields. It happens that gardeners and farmers discover artillery shells on their land. Those who like to explore forbidden military units risk serious incidents.
Specialists recommend that you to avoid getting close to, picking up, or moving shells and missiles. If you see these objects just walk away (carefully retracing your own steps). It’s very important to inform the police or the military about your find.
7. Old coins and artifacts
Did you know that the law in certain countries bans the search for old coins and artifacts? This is how the authorities take action against “black” diggers. For example, since 2013 enthusiasts equipped with metal detectors are considered to be violators of the law in Russia. You can’t unearth and gather artifacts dated 100 years or older without special permission. Otherwise, you will be held accountable for the destruction of cultural and archaeological heritage.
8. Pins and needles
If you found a used disposable syringe at the doorway or in the hall of your apartment building don’t pick it up under any circumstances. The same goes for pins and needles. You won’t get AIDS but there’s a significant risk of contracting viral hepatitis.
9. SIM cards
In this case, there’s a real danger for you to “take away the sins” of the previous owner. Official creditors or A.P.Y. managers might keep calling you day and night. As it often happens, unscrupulous borrowers throw away SIM-cards. Besides, a SIM-card could be taken out from a stolen device and if you start using it you might have to have an unpleasant conversation with the police.
10. Baby birds, cute caterpillars, and even hedgehogs
During a picnic or a camping trip, you might just want to meet forest animals. However, it’s worth remembering that it’s not necessary to hold them in your hands. For example, you shouldn’t pick up a baby bird that fell out of its nest — its parents are already looking their baby. You can’t nurse a baby bird at home because at this age they mainly eat small caterpillars and maggots.
Bright and beautiful caterpillars can be poisonous, and harmless hedgehogs often carry unpleasant diseases.
Do you think we’re exaggerating the risks? Or do you have any advice on this matter? Share it with us in the comments to warn other internet users!
Preview photo credit depositphotos, depositphotos
