Chat & Messaging

Real-Time Communication

itemID includes a built-in real-time messaging system that lets finders and owners communicate instantly. When someone scans your item's QR code and sends a message, a conversation is created that you can access from your dashboard, the chat page, or via email notification.

The chat system uses Laravel Reverb WebSocket server for instant message delivery — you'll see new messages appear in real-time without needing to refresh the page.

How the Chat Works

For Registered Users

If you have an ID account, communication is instant:

Log in and navigate to the chat page via the main menu, or to Messages in your dashboard
Reply in real-time using Laravel Reverb WebSocket server
Receive instant push notifications for new messages

For Guest Finders (No Account Required)

Finders don't need an account to contact you — guest messages are delivered instantly:

Step 1: Initial Contact

Finder scans your QR code and writes a message (no email required)
Message is delivered to you immediately — you're notified via email and push notification
Optionally, the finder can share their email to enable replies
If the email matches an existing account, the finder is prompted to log in

Step 2: Ongoing Conversation

When you reply to a guest conversation:

Guest receives email notification with secure reply link
Clicking the link opens a private conversation page
Guest can read your message and reply directly
No registration required — the link stays valid for 30 days
Each reply triggers a new notification email

Spam Protection

Guest messages are protected by captcha verification, rate limiting, and automated abuse detection. Your email and personal information are never revealed to finders — all communication happens through the itemID platform.

Privacy Protection

itemID uses advanced privacy measures:

Guest emails are encrypted and never displayed in the UI
Conversations use email hashing for matching without exposing addresses
Reply links use secure tokens that expire after 30 days
Your personal information (name, email, phone) is never revealed to finders
Communication happens entirely through the ID platform

Benefits of Creating an Account (For Finders)

After messaging as a guest, finders can create an account to:

Access real-time chat instead of email delays
Link all past guest messages to their account
Get 3 free IDs to protect their own belongings
Receive instant push notifications (if supported by their tier)

When a guest registers, item owners are notified by email (and push notification if their tier supports it and they have it enabled). This notification only triggers for conversations with activity in the last 14 days to avoid noise from long-resolved interactions. Owners can control this in their notification preferences under “Guest account registration.”

Managing Conversations

From the chat page or your dashboard, you can view all active conversations, filter by item, and archive resolved threads. Each conversation shows the item name, the last message, and the timestamp. You can also mark conversations as read or important to keep track of active recovery efforts.

If you receive unwanted or abusive messages, you can report and block the sender directly from the conversation view.