Imagine receiving a free sofa from someone, only to discover a substantial amount of cash hidden inside when you clean it. Most people would be stunned and unsure about what to do. Is it acceptable to keep the money found in furniture? Does the amount make a difference? A few coins might not cause much concern, but tens of thousands of dollars is a different story.
That's exactly what happened to Vicky Umodu from Colton, California. Recently, she came across a listing on Craigslist for a free sofa while furnishing her new home. The ad was posted by a family clearing out the belongings of a deceased relative, and Umodu decided to take advantage of the offer. She secured a beige floral sofa and two matching chairs.
Upon returning home and inspecting the furniture, Umodu noticed something odd in one of the cushions. Initially thinking it might be a heating pad, she was astonished to find several envelopes filled with cash totaling $36,000.
Excited and in disbelief, Umodu immediately called the family to inform them of her discovery. They were surprised, as they had only found small amounts of cash elsewhere in the house. Although they were unsure why such a large sum was hidden in the sofa, they were grateful to Umodu for her honesty.
In appreciation, the family gave Umodu $2,200 from the found money, which was enough for her to purchase a new refrigerator. Umodu was pleasantly surprised but had not anticipated any reward for her honesty.
She expressed that she felt blessed and content with her life, mentioning, “God has been kind to me and my children, they're all alive and well, I have three beautiful grandchildren, so what can I ever ask from God?”
Ultimately, Umodu’s decision to return the cash reflected her integrity and honesty. She not only gained the furniture and a new fridge but also the satisfaction of knowing she did the right thing.