My Cell Phone's Been Stolen – Tips on How to Lessen the Hassle

My Cell Phone's Been Stolen Tips on How to Lessen the Hassle

We've all misplaced our cell phone at one time. After scouring the house and car, we then call the phone in hopes it will ring nearby and all will be saved. But this past weekend, I actually lost my phone; probably at the shopping mall while escorting three rowdy teens. Cell phone thefts reported to the police have doubled over the last year and it's reported that one in four cell phones will be stolen. Mobile phones are easy to steal because they are small and can often be sold on the grey market. It is important to quickly respond to this situation. What was my next course of action?

Before your phone is even lost or stolen, it's a good idea to list your home number in the contact list. If some honest soul finds your phone, they may call the number and offer to return the device. That would save a lot of heartache.

But if your phone remains truly lost, a stolen or missing phone should be immediately reported to your local police. Give them the name of your wireless company, made and model of the phone and the Electronic Serial Number (be sure to keep this information on hand).

With the assigned case number, call your mobile phone provider immediately and suspend your account. They will be able to track any calls made on the phone and other actions performed such as text messaging. Also, they can make the phone unusable if you provide the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Of course, prior to phone loss you should get this number by dialing *#06# on your cell phone and keep it in a safe place. Once the loss is reported to your wireless company you cannot be held liable for any calls made thereafter.

Some wireless providers sell protective insurance that can help cover the cost of unauthorized calls made from your cell phone or simply replacing a stolen phone. Some providers may offer you a courtesy suspension period for up to 30 days while you find or replace your mobile phone. You may need to provide them with your police report details.

You may be able to locate and disable your cell phone if you have taken some measures prior to the loss. Software is made to help protect cell phone information and to locate and possibly disable the phone. AccuTracking touts itself as a low-cost GPS tracking service. Phone Guardian claims it prevents personal data from being retrieved. SunSat Satellite and World Tracker are other safety options that may be considered. iPhone users have access to the MobileMe service. For approximately $100 a year callers can go to their website and see their phone's location on a map, lock the device or erase sensitive information. Many other wireless phone companies offer similar packages.

To avoid potential problems and with all these safety measures in place, the easiest way I've found to keep track of myphone is by using a fashionable, plush cell phone cover that comes with a key-clip attachment. The phone can now be securely fastened to my purse, gym bag or jeans. Many thieves may overlook the fact that my cell phone is inside this cute, cuddlyphone cover and hopefully look elsewhere for a phone to steal.

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