Dear Blake,
I am currently a cab driver and I’ve been one for years. Last week I noticed a briefcase was left in my car. When I opened it up, I discovered that it contained nearly $600,000.00 in cash. I’m not sure what to do at this point. A friend of mine recommended that I ask you. Ok, what’s your advice?
Signed, R
From New York City
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Dear Rick,
That is obviously an incredible find that you came across. Under the assumption that the passenger who left the money is probably from another state or possibly another country, I suggest you run a few ads in newspapers… outside of New York state or in other countries. Keep it simple like, “Someone left something near me. If you want it, you have 48 hours to identify it and pick it up. If not, then it’s mine.” And if someone actually contacts you and tells you the exact amount, tell them that you also want the serial numbers of each bill, the manufacturer of the briefcase, plus the precise weight (within one gram). If they can’t provide you with that information, then you should assume that they are either a drug dealer, or involved in the Mafia, and planning on using the money to pay off someone to execute a individual from a rival crime family. Either way, you keeping the money for yourself is probably the best way to suppress crime and violence. But also speaking to a potential owner on the phone will likely cause him/her to get angry, and accuse you of being unreasonable with your standards to confirm ownership, thus it might be a good idea not to attempt to contact anyone so you can avoid unnecessary friction. (It’s always important to me that people should try to get along). I hope this helps.
Blake