Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is LostVault all about?

LostVault is an organization dedicated to creating and maintaining a free place for inmates to find penpals, and for you to find them. Unlike many of the other PenPal sites for prisoners, we do not charge the inmate OR you for this service, as long as the ads are posted on the internet by a free world person . Our site is provided to help the Inmate to meet new pen pals and friends. Often they go without mail for years. Inmates are often locked in a cell most of the day, they are very isolated even from other inmates. Friends and family often lose touch with the inmate. LostVault.com is designed to get prison inmates pen pals and friends. The inmates are not allowed access to computers or even typewriters in some cases. All the inmates hope you will write to them. You must be 18 or older to write inmates.

2. What does it cost to list a prisoner?

There is no cost to post a pen pal ad at lostvault.com via the internet. If an inmate wishes to send us their ad direct, we charge a nominal $5 fee.

3. How do I list a prisoner?

Go to http://www.lostvault.com – Click on Pen Pals, click “Register” (use only your real information – fake info will result in the ad being declined, especially since we often need to contact people via email regarding their ads), once registered logon to the Prison Pen Pal system and then click “Place an Ad”.

4. Why is this site free/inexpensive when so many of the others charge the prisoners or the customers?

We are all human beings. Should a person have to pay someone $20-75 a year in order to find friends? Should someone who wants to show their compassion and write to a prisoner pay for the address? We believe the answer to both of those questions is no.

Some people want to take advantage of prisoners and make as much money as they can on another human’s misfortune. Those people charge the inmates to list their names, we don’t.

Some people want to take advantage of a person’s compassion and have them pay to write to prisoners. It is simply wrong.

5. Who pays for LostVault?

LostVault.com is funded completely by donations. The skills and time used to make a site like this work is given generously by volunteers.

6. How can I find out more about the prisoner I am corresponding with?

You can write the same address as the prisoner’s. Just put “Prison Administration” in place of the prisoner’s name. Include a letter that explains what you are inquiring about. You can also check by visiting the State Prison DOC and Federal Prison Site if you wish to write via e-mail.

7. Do you have any suggestions for writing my first letter to a prisoner?Please check out “Writing Tips” page for information and tips.

8. Why is some data missing from the ads?

Some people submit via the web, friends or family just passing on what they can; some are mailed in via application. Our applications have fields that include all of the info listed in our database.

9. Can I e-mail a prisoner?

No. Prisoners cannot receive e-mail. Most have no access to computers. Prisoners are NOT allowed to use the internet. You can write them via postal service.

10. What if I’m not 18- Can I still write a prisoner or use your service?

No. You must be at least 18 years of age. It is not wise for someone under 18 to write a prisoner nor is it wise for a prisoner to write someone under 18.

11. How often are ads updated?

We receive new ads every day – check back often!

12. What is the D.O.C. number next to the prisoner’s name?

This is the Department of Corrections number. You must include this next to the prisoner’s name when writing them or the letter will not be delivered.

13. Can prisoners receive gifts, stamps, etc.?

Usually not but the rules vary from prison to prison. On your first letter do not send anything other than your letter and possibly a photo of yourself. Ask the inmate you are corresponding with for rules of her/his specific institution. Polaroid photos are not allowed in many institutions. You can also ask in our Forums as our members often are able to help.

14. Is it possible at all, to be informed of the crime in which the person we contacted has committed?

There are several states that give out this information free on their websites. You can use the LV Inmate Locator to start your search.

15. Do I have to be worried about scams when writing inmates?

Caution must always be used when writing an inmate. Please read our “Writing Tips” page for more information on some of the “don’ts” of writing to a prisoner.

16. I feel nervous about writing a prisoner, what should I do?

We suggest using a PO Box address, and of course only tell what you want them to know. Prisoners are just like people on the streets. There are some good and some bad. ALWAYS use common sense! You also need to read and understand our disclaimer before visiting our site and writing a prisoner!