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