| In American history, there are few electronic | | | | Identification Numbers (PINs), |
| devices that we have grown | | | | passwords, along with other codes used to |
| more dependant on than our cell phones.And, | | | | access our private information.In the best case |
| fewer yet that are misplaced or forgotten more | | | | scenario, thieves could use the phone's contact list |
| often.Because the cell phone is constantly with us, | | | | to sell to |
| these gadgets can be lost | | | | mass marketing firms or the growing market of |
| in a variety of places, including malls, retail stores, | | | | data brokers found on the internet.The worst |
| even churches and | | | | case scenario?If thieves finds enough information |
| other places of worship.Depending on our method | | | | from your cell phone to piece together, they can |
| of travel, we often misplace our phones in cars, | | | | easily steal your |
| buses or on subways.In large cities like Chicago, | | | | identity, apply for credit, or wipe out your bank |
| cell phones are the leading electronic device | | | | account.In the event that your cell phone is lost, |
| found most often in the back seats of taxi cabs. | | | | or presumed stolen, here's what to do:(1.) Call |
| In fact, according to a PC | | | | your carrier immediately to suspend your cell |
| World article, over 80,000 of these gadgets are | | | | phone service. The |
| found in Windy City taxies | | | | sooner, the better! You'll be liable for any calls |
| alone each year.While most cell phones eventually | | | | placed on the phone before the |
| make their way back to their owners, a | | | | service suspended, so it's best to hurry.(2.) File a |
| growing number eventually end up stolen.Why | | | | theft report with the police in the county you |
| would a thief want with a cell phone?In the past, | | | | believe the cell phone |
| when our cell phones were used only as a means | | | | was taken. You'll be issued a case number for |
| of communication, | | | | the report. Keep it handy! Your |
| a thief often stole a phone to rack up hundreds - | | | | carrier will most likely request it, and if your |
| and sometimes thousands - of | | | | phone was insured, that agency will need |
| dollars in fraudulent calls.While this is still popular a | | | | a copy too.(3.) Notify Financial and Credit |
| method for most cell phone thieves, there may | | | | Institutions such as banks, credit bureaus and |
| be | | | | other financial businesses if the cell phone |
| more ominous reasons for a thief to want your | | | | contained sensitive information regarding |
| phone.Depending on the information you've stored | | | | business with that agency. Have them flag your |
| on your phone, a stolen phone can | | | | account. This should deter most |
| actually increase your risk of identity | | | | criminals from gaining access to your finances.For |
| theft.How?When you think about it, our cell phone | | | | now, the best way to protect your cell phone and |
| contains a lot of information about us | | | | personal information is to lock |
| and the people we know. We often | | | | the phone after every use.Sure, it's an |
| store:Contact Information: such as names, | | | | inconvenience. But, it's also the easiest way to |
| addresses and phone numbers | | | | prevent any unauthorized |
| of our family, friends and business | | | | access to both your phone's service and |
| acquaintances.Financial Information: including bank | | | | data.Sandra Landwehr is the webmaster of |
| and credit card numbers, safety | | | | The-Cell-Phone-Advisor.com, a consumer |
| deposit box information and others. A few of us | | | | awareness site which offers National Carrier |
| store more sensitive information, | | | | Reviews (Pros and Cons), Prepaid Cell Phone |
| such as a spouse or child's Social Security | | | | Comparisons and insightful, well researched advice |
| Number.Access Information: such as Personal | | | | on choosing your cell phone and service. |