With mobile phones becoming more high tech, more popular and more expensive, they are increasingly attractive to thieves. Many thieves now are more interested in accessing your wireless service and potentially, stealing your identity.

Find out how to reduce the hassles of getting a new phone, paying for unauthorised charges, making it difficult for thieves to get any information out of it, and how to help your phone find its way back to you. Source: Excerpts from wikiHow - Protect your Stolen Phone
 

Steps Use the security lock code or PIN feature. This will make it less valuable to a thief and deny them access to personal numbers stored on your SIM card. Keep details: Make a record of all your phone information and keep this in safe place. Your phone number The make and model Color and appearance details The pin or security lock code (if enabled) The IMEI number (on GSM phones) Register your loss immediately: If stolen, contact your service provider asap. Advise your IMEI number, so they can block your account, handset, outgoing calls and sms. If done, this will prevent anyone from using the phone across any network, even if the SIM card is changed. Keep records of this call - the date, time, any reference or contact details. This is important in case the thief makes fraudulent charges on your account. File a police report immediately Some phone companies may require proof that the phone was actually stolen, versus it having been lost. A police report serves as evidence, which will make your wireless provider more cooperative, especially if insurance is involved. Consider adding a security mark. Use an ultra violet pen, engraving tool, non-removable label or other. An alternate contact number on the phone would also help the finder of your handset to contact you if they intend to return it. Tips & Warnings IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity - is unique to your phone and can be found by keying in *#06# on most phones. Placing a message on the mobile phone to the effect of "If phone stolen IMEI number will be reported" might be enough for it to be dropped off to the local police station. Take care when using mobile phones in public. Avoid having them on display, or talking on them in busy areas where they can be easily snatched. With some Nokia phones you may be able to enable a remote lock command. This permits you to send a text (sms) message to your phone to lock the phone remotely. Never reveal your PIN code or SIM Lock code under any circumstances, unless an authorised party is asking for it. Don't lose your Security Code. Carriers can give you the PIN code, but the Security Code you set on your mobile can usually only be reset by having the software reset by the manufacturer. This means you'll have to visit a repair center or send the device off for repair.

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