Also if you know (as finding it in a busy place) the owner of the note is most likely not going to come looking for it and someone else might pick it up?
Answer
If one is almost certain that the owner of the money will not come and
search for the money, then one may pick up the money and give it as charity
to a poor and needy person on behalf of the owner.
And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best.
Was salaam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.