Because we can no longer just use smartphones to make calls and send messages, but also to shop online or pay in supermarkets, a lost or stolen cell phone can pose a financial risk. What preventive measures you should take to be prepared for the event of loss and what you can do if the worst comes to the worst.
In order not to be at the mercy of the finder or thief of a mobile phone, users should have set up a lock screen secured by their fingerprint, a PIN code or a face ID. Applications like its NFC chip, which you use to make contactless payments, should only allow transactions when the screen is unlocked. You should also consider whether you want to allow your operating system to locate the device remotely. Apple, Google and Microsoft offer this option in the settings.
In addition, storing a contact in the protective cover of the device, for example in the form of a sticker on the device or its protective cover, can be useful. Finally, you should know your smartphone’s IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number, which is the code that uniquely identifies each cell phone. It is usually on the device packaging or can be found in the telephone function by entering the character string *
Finally, if the smartphone is lost or stolen, step number one is to call it. If it is even paired with a smartwatch, there is often the option of asking the phone to ring. In such cases, the device is likely to have been misplaced. If it’s really gone, there’s still hope that the finder will respond. If it rings but no one answers, further steps should be taken to protect against misuse.
Regardless of whether the smartphone has a contract or prepaid SIM, you should contact your network operator and have the SIM card blocked. This usually requires the number of the SIM card and a customer password. In some cases it is advisable to do this in a branch of the provider because you will be given a new SIM card directly. You can then delete important data remotely, provided you have allowed this option in your operating system.
Because many apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, eBay and so on have passwords stored on their smartphones, they should be changed immediately. In particular, the passwords for his e-mail addresses, Google accounts or Apple’s iCloud are of fundamental importance. The consumer advice center also recommends reporting theft immediately. This usually requires the IMEI number so that the police can uniquely identify the device.
