Have you ever lost a mobile phone before? If you haven’t, then this guideline will be usefully to you as an extra precautionary measure. If you have, just like I did, then you know exactly how it feels to lose something that you completely rely on to use everyday. It makes you absolutely mad why such things happen! This guideline will equally provide you with useful tips as an extra precautionary measure.
Activate your phone lock
Review the features of your phone. Grab the instruction manual that comes in the box packaging when you purchase a new phone and read thru the security section. Usually there are pin codes that you need to key in to enable to use of this feature. Then you can have this pin code changed for your personal use. Now every time you turn your mobile phone off, the phone will ask for this pin to open it.
Have a back up address book
One of the inconveniences of losing a mobile phone is back tracking the lists of contacts, numbers, emails, birthdays and address locations stored in your phone’s memory. Keep an extra record of your phone’s directory list. Sometimes your mobile phone’s SIM card gets corrupted or a virus creeps in when you use the Bluetooth feature of your phone that eats away at the memory. Make a duplicate copy of important information stored in your phone. Grab a pen and pad or use an excel spread sheet. You could also purchase or use an old SIM card and store your phone’s current information and use it as a back up.
Mark your phone
Inspect your phone. Look at the lead battery as well as the back area where you place it along with the SIM inserter. There usually is a series of numbers printed on both the phone and battery. Write these numbers down for future identification. It will be easier to identify your phone if you have these numbers. Another idea you could do is place an email address or a phone number in some space in your phone so just in case someone else finds it, hopefully he’s a good Samaritan, they can easily contact you to return it. Have this information on sticker or maybe use invisible ink.
Browse the net for insurance information
Search the web for your current service provider and determine if the offer insurance programs. Next, check if your phone unit qualifies for those insurance conditions. Sometimes you need to upgrade your phone services or there are other hidden fees to pay for to process the request. Then find an insurance coverage that you can afford. Of course, follow up your request.
Contact your cell service provider
As soon as you lose your phone, immediately call your mobile phone service provider. Request for them to block and deactivate the phone. This way, your phone would be of no use to thieves.
File a police report
Fill up a missing report and file it with the police department. Be specific to what type of phone was stolen, what time it happened, where it happened, and possible suspects. Filling a report will not only help you but help others as well who might fall victim for the same situation.
Related Directory Categories:
Very useful tips. Backing up information on your mobile is very important to avoid losing everything. I’d do this at least once a month with multimedia phones and at least once every couple of months for simple phones.
Comment by Greg — July 20, 2008 @ 2:53 am