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Recovering a Lost or Stolen Gadget

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the devices-that-phone-home dept.

gurps_npc writes "The explosion of portable electronic devices, can really weigh you down. Carrying a pager, phone, iPod, camera, and game is quite a lot. Worse, it gives you many more such things to misplace or get stolen. This CNN story discusses some of the retrieval services that help you keep what belongs to you. I particularly like the first one, about a new Singapore-based software that when you download it to your phone, messages everyone in your phone's database whenever a new chip with a new phone number is installed in the phone. This makes it very hard for someone to steal your phone as all your friends get their new phone number."

3 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. StuffBak by eck011219 · · Score: 2, Informative

    I use StuffBak myself (they're mentioned in TFA). Haven't had to use it yet, but their website is a snap to use and their labels are very affordable.

    --
    It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
  2. Re:I'd like a means to deactivate the device by Dan541 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Dial *#06# and your phone should reveal its serial number Aka IMIE number wich the networks in Australia can and do block once the phone is reported stolen. ~Dan

    --
    An SQL query goes to a bar, walks up to a table and asks, "Mind if I join you?"
  3. Re:Software solutions won't do it by AusIV · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ever heard of Lojack for laptops? It works on the same basic principle, and increases the chances of your laptop being returned from about 3% to about 75%. My method doesn't have a team to follow up, but I'd have more evidence for taking action.