Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about reports, claims, campus privacy, and the current project setup.
What is LostLink?
LostLink is a campus-focused lost-and-found project intended to organize lost and found item reports and make safe returns easier to coordinate.
Is LostLink fully live right now?
The source code is provided, but the service is not live until the site owner configures the Supabase project, applies the database setup, configures authentication and storage, deploys the website, and passes the security and workflow checklist. If live setup is incomplete, sign-in and shared reports may not work.
Who can see item reports?
The intended setup is for authenticated users of one campus project. Actual visibility depends on correctly configured database access policies and storage permissions. Do not post private or sensitive details, even in a campus-only service.
How do I report a lost or found item?
Open the community feed and use “I lost something”, “I found something”, or “Create post”. A signed-in student account and configured backend are required for publishing a real shared report.
How do I claim an item?
Open a relevant listing and use the response/claim action when available. Provide useful ownership context that is not visible in the public description. Never send a password, one-time code, student ID image, or unnecessary personal information.
Does LostLink automatically match lost and found reports?
Users can search and compare listings. An automated matching or scoring engine is a separate enhancement and should not be assumed to be available unless it has been implemented and tested.
How do I protect my privacy?
Do not include phone numbers, student IDs, passwords, home addresses, financial information, or sensitive item-identifying details in public descriptions. Use the private response workflow and verify an item's owner before arranging a return.
How do I know a claimant owns an item?
Ask about details that are not in the listing, such as a distinguishing mark or the item's contents. For valuable items, arrange the handover through campus security or an official campus office. LostLink does not independently verify physical ownership.
How is Admin access granted?
Admin access is intended only for institution-verified staff. Selecting Admin or signing up must not grant privileges by itself; a trusted college administrator must independently verify and approve the request.
How do I report spam or an unsafe listing?
Contact the project team using the Contact page and include the report title or link and a concise explanation. For an immediate safety concern, contact the appropriate campus staff or local emergency service instead of relying on the website.
Can I ask for help with my account or data?
Yes. Use the Contact page and include a reply email. Avoid sending passwords, verification codes, or sensitive documents. Account deletion and retention procedures must follow the deploying institution's approved policies.