i found a iphone SE but i can't contact the owner because has a password

i found a iPhone SE like one month ago, no one has call yet, i can't contact the owner because has a password, i can't see the contacts so i can't call any of the owner contacts, i tried to erase the phone but the activation mode doesn't let me continue, is there any way i can skip this step or is better to put this phone in the trash?