You reach for your phone to discover that it is not there. You realize you left it on the seat in your car. Annoyed you run back to the car to grab your life line only to discover that you left your window open, and you are over-come with a sinking feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize that your phone has been stolen! You think I must have just misplaced it! Or did I? This is a situation that people are finding themselves in more and more, as cellular theft continues to grow in popularity. What should you do in this situation?
- Call the police.
Even if you think that your phone might just be lost, you should call the police and file a report. This will put the incident on record from a reliable source that says the incident happened. (if you find it don't forget to update the officer) Also if your phone is insured you will need to file a police report for both lost and stolen phones to get a replacement.
2. Call your carrier
You should call your carrier, or stop into a COMPANY OWNED STORE. You need to have your phone temporarily suspended before the thief runs up your phone bill. In the event you find it you can always let your carrier know that you found you phone, and would like to have your line unsuspended. (you will still be responsible for your normal monthly bill)
3. Pray you took insurance when your sales rep offered
This is one of the reasons that sales reps offer insurance. No one ever complains because it got them out of a jam. Yet oddly enough, no one ever thanks them for talking them into getting it when they have to use it, anyways.... Unless you qualify for the Upgrade guidelines from your wireless carrier you will be looking at very expensive replacement options without insurance. Most phones start between $150 and $200. If you need more reasons to purchase insurance look here.
4. Check all of your options
Will your carrier allow you to reactivate an old phone? What phones work with their network? Most carriers will allow you to switch service to an older phone, as long it it meets FCC guidelines. Most notably E911 compliance. This is a safety feature that turns a location chip on in your phone when you call 911. Does a friend or family member have an old phone with the same carrier, or are they up for upgrade. You might be able to get their current phone if they upgrade theirs. (even if it doesn't work so good, Free phones are better than no phones)
Follow the options listed here, and you will minimize the aggravation of having your phone stolen. The faster you execute this list, the faster you can get on with your life as if nothing ever happened.
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