Most American adults can relate to the fear when they realize their cell phone isn’t where it’s supposed to be, and anxiety about what steps to take if their phone is stolen. With so much of our sensitive information stored on our devices, it’s easy to panic when they go missing. The best way to ensure that you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency is to prepare to act ahead of time. Here are the steps you should take if your phone is stolen.
Step 1: Text Yourself
If you’re dealing with theft from an unsavory character, this step may seem futile. However, on the off chance that your phone is found by a good samaritan, a message on the home screen that lets them know that the phone was stolen and who to call if found could be the simplest route to getting it back. Send yourself a message from another device that clearly and concisely explains that your device was stolen and the best way to reach you.
Step 2: Utilize Your Phone’s Tracking and Security Features
Using another device like a laptop or someone else’s phone, log onto the built-in tracking feature associated with your device to utilize security measures. That’s Find My on iPhones and Find My Device on Androids. With these tools, you’ll be able to mark your phone as stolen, lock it, erase all the information, or simply track its location.
Take your security a step further and remotely erase your stolen phone’s data. Here’s how to do so based on your smartphone:
iPhone
1. Visit https://icloud.com/find on another device and log into your iCloud account.
2. Click on All Devices, then choose from the list the iPhone you want to erase.
3. Click on Erase iPhone.
Samsung or Google phone
1. Visit https://android.com/find on another device.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. From the left-hand menu, choose Erase Device.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords & Lock Your Cards
The main issue with a stolen phone, beyond the inconvenience and cost, is the security risk associated with having your information available to people with nefarious intentions. In the case that someone is able to unlock your phone, they may have access to your social media, emails, credit card information, and more. Safeguard your sensitive information by logging onto your accounts on another device, changing your passwords, and logging yourself out of all devices. This will mean that the accounts on your phone will be automatically logged out, and the person with your device won’t be able to get into those accounts without the new password.
Step 4: Alert the Relevant Parties
We cannot emphasize it enough: File a police report! Theft is a crime and your report may help catch the criminals responsible. Additionally, a report may be necessary to claim insurance or replace your phone, so filing it preemptively will save you time down the road. In addition to the authorities, notify your cell phone carrier and your financial institutions that your information may have been compromised. Your carrier can disable service to your SIM card, and your banks can lock your debit or credit cards and reissue new ones.
Step 5: Report to Your Insurance
Not everyone will have relevant coverage to replace their phones if stolen. However, if you have an additional insurance plan for your cell phone, or if your phone was taken in a situation such as a home invasion, you’ll want to contact your insurance agent to start the process of replacing your phone.
At MetzWood, we know that your phone can be more than a device–it holds memories and helps you connect with the people you love. We’re here to make sure that when you’re facing these tough situations such as a stolen phone, you know exactly what steps to take.
Get in touch with a MetzWood representative today to see how we can protect the things that matter most.