As mobile phones become more popular, powerful, and expensive, they are increasingly being targeted by thieves. Once stolen, the thief can then rack up huge charges on the phone, and it is you who will be left to foot the bill. Also, it has been known for phones to be stolen for the purposes of identity theft. However, if you take a few simple precautions, you can prevent your phone from being stolen, or at the very least make it very difficult for thieves to use it once it has been stolen. Here’s how:
Keep a record of your details. Write down your phone number, the make, model, and colour of your phone, the pin or security code, and if you have a GSM phone, the IMEI number, and keep it in a safe place. You will need these details when you report your phone as stolen.
Mark the phone and battery with an ultra-violet pen. Write your postcode and house number onto both the mobile handset and the battery using an ultra-violet pen. You might also want to write an alternate contact number or email address. This will enable the person that finds your phone to contact you if they want to return it. Remember to re-apply the pen marking every couple of months, as it can wear off.
Lock your phone. Most phones have a security lock or PIN feature that means nobody can use the phone unless they know the security code. This will prevent thieves from using your phone and accessing the information on it, as well as making it virtually worthless to the thief.
Register your phone. If you register your phone with the network operator, this may make it easier to track down, and if you have a GSM phone, they may be able to block your phone remotely, which will prevent it from being used by a thief even if the SIM card is changed. However, once this is done, you may not be able to use it again if you get it back.
Report your loss immediately to the network. Take a note of the details of this call, including the time, the date, the name of the person you spoke to, their extension number, and what they said to you. This will help in the event of the thief using your phone, as you will not be liable for the charges after the theft is reported.
Disable your phone number. Speak to your network and have your phone number disabled so that the thief cannot use your account. Again, keep a detailed record of this conversation.
Request a formal investigation from your network. This can help to prevent your network from beginning collections proceedings in the event of large unauthorised charges being racked up, which can damage your credit rating.
File a police report. This will serve as evidence that your phone has been stolen, rather than lost. A thief can rack up thousands of pounds worth of bills in just a few hours, so make sure that you do this as soon as you realise your phone has been stolen.
Finally, you will need to get a new phone. Unless your phone was insured against theft, or you get it back, you will simply have to buy a new one. Thankfully, Vodafone are currently offering free mobile phones with many of their monthly contracts, so you might not have to pay a huge amount up front. Visit their website for a huge catalogue of phones, including the latest iPhone.