Missing person: what to do in the first 24 hours
The first hours matter most. This guide walks families and friends, anywhere in the world, through what to do right now.
- 1
Contact the police right away
There is no waiting period anywhere that matters — report immediately. Ask for the case or reference number and the name of the officer handling it, and keep both somewhere safe.
- 2
Gather the essential details
A recent, clear photo. Full name, age, height, build, hair and eye colour, distinguishing marks, and the clothes they were last wearing. Note the last confirmed place and time they were seen.
- 3
Check the places people turn up first
Call close friends, family, work or school, and nearby hospitals. Ask the phone provider or the family account about the last known phone location, and check recent activity on social accounts.
- 4
Publish the case on Xfindem
Create the case with a photo and the last-seen location. Our team verifies it before publishing, and people subscribed within that area receive an alert by text or email.
- 5
Share the link safely
Share the case link on messaging apps and social media — it shows the person's name, photo and last-seen area. Never publish your home address or personal documents, and be alert to anyone demanding money for information.
- 6
Review sightings and pass leads on
Anyone who sees the person can send a sighting with a place and time. You receive it by email, and you decide what to forward to the investigating officer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing?
No. The 24-hour rule is a myth. Police in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and across the European Union accept a missing person report straight away, and cases involving children or anyone at risk are treated as urgent.
Which number should I call?
Use your local emergency number: 911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union and the United Kingdom, 999 in the United Kingdom, 000 in Australia, 190 in Brazil. If there is no immediate danger, contact your local police station directly.
Does Xfindem replace the police?
No. Xfindem helps you spread a verified case to people near the place the person was last seen, and collects sightings from the community. Police remain in charge of the investigation, and you decide which tips to pass on to them.
How quickly does a case appear on Xfindem?
Every case is checked by our team before it goes public, so bogus reports never reach the alert system. Once approved, the case appears on the public pages and people subscribed near that location receive an alert.