How Does Sighting Messaging Work?

Sighting Messaging Flow

When someone posts a community alert about a lost item or pet, any community member can report a sighting. Here's how the complete flow works:

1. Report a Sighting

• Open the alert and tap "Report Sighting"
• Add a description of what you saw and when
• Optionally add a photo and your approximate location
• Select relevant structured chips to describe the sighting

2. Alert Owner Gets Notified

• The alert owner receives an instant notification (email and/or push)
• They can view all sighting details including any photos
• Location information is shown as an approximate area, not your exact position

3. Anonymous Communication

• The alert owner can respond to your sighting through the platform
• All communication is anonymous — neither party sees the other's personal details
• You both decide independently when and if to share more information

Privacy Protections

• Your real name, email, and phone number are never shared
• Location data is approximated to protect your privacy
• Photos are stripped of EXIF metadata before being shown
• You can delete your sighting at any time