Limiting the Impact of Mobile Phone Theft

Mobile phone theft is on the rise across the UK, with criminals targeting high-value smartphones for resale and criminal activity. Beyond the financial loss, a stolen phone can expose your personal information, bank accounts, and sensitive data. It’s important to take preventative measures before your phone is stolen and act swiftly if the worst happens. We share our tips on how to protect your data and what steps to take if your mobile phone is stolen.

Preventative Measures

1. Enable Device Tracking

To track, lock, or erase your phone remotely, you must first enable Find My iPhone (for Apple devices) or Find My Device (for Android devices). These features help you locate your phone or secure your personal data if it is lost or stolen.

For Apple Devices (iOS 15 and Later)

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn it on.
2. Enable Find My network to track your iPhone even when it’s turned off or the battery is dead. This works by using nearby Apple devices via Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Send Last Location to automatically send your phone’s location to Apple when the battery is critically low.

For Android Devices

1. Go to Settings > Google > Find My Device (or Security & Emergency > Find My Device) and turn it on.
2. Enable Send Last Location so your phone sends its last known location to Google before the battery dies.
3. Keep in mind that, unlike Apple, Android devices cannot currently be tracked when powered off, but Google is developing a Find My Device network that may allow offline tracking in the future.

Make sure all tracking options are enabled to maximise your chances of locating your phone if it is lost or stolen.

2. Secure Your Device with Strong Authentication

• Use a strong passcode (avoid simple combinations like 1234 or 0000).
• Enable biometric security such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition.
• Set up automatic phone locking after a short period of inactivity.

3. Disable Control Center Access on Lock Screen

Disabling Control Center on the lock screen ensures that thieves cannot easily disconnect your phone from tracking services.

For iPhone Users

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
2. Enter your passcode when prompted.
3. Scroll to the Allow Access When Locked section.
4. Toggle off Control Center.

For Android Users

Similar to the iPhone’s Control Center, Android devices allow quick access to settings from the lock screen. To prevent thieves from enabling Airplane Mode:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Security (or Lock screen).
3. Select Screen lock (you may need to enter your PIN or password).
4. Look for an option related to Lock screen preferences or Lock screen shortcuts.
5. Disable Control Center or similar options (like Notifications on Lock Screen) to prevent access while locked.

By disabling these features, you help ensure your device remains connected to tracking services, improving your security.

5. Enable SIM Card Lock

Setting up a SIM PIN prevents thieves from using your SIM card in another device.

• On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > SIM PIN.
• On Android: Settings > Security > Set Up SIM Lock.

6. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Regular backups can help you recover important information if your phone is lost or stolen. Back up your phone to iCloud, Google Drive, or an external device to prevent data loss.

Immediate Actions If Your Phone Is Stolen

The moment you realise your phone is missing, it’s crucial to stay calm and act swiftly. The faster you respond, the better your chances of minimising potential damage.

1. Report the Theft Immediately

• Contact your mobile provider (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, etc.) to block your SIM and prevent unauthorised use.
• Report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number (needed for insurance claims). Provide them with your phone’s IMEI number, which you can find on your phone’s box or purchase receipt.

2. Use Remote Tracking & Data Wiping

If you have enabled Find My iPhone or Find My Device, attempt to:

• Locate your phone.
• Remotely lock it.
• Erase all data if you believe recovery is unlikely.

3. Change Passwords and Secure Accounts

Immediately update your passwords for:

• Email accounts.
• Banking and financial apps.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.).
• Any apps storing personal or payment information.

4. Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Providers

If you have banking apps on your phone or have saved cards in Apple Pay or Google Pay, inform your bank and credit card providers about the theft. They can monitor for any suspicious activity and take preventive measures.

5. Monitor Your Credit Report

Keep an eye on your credit report for any signs of identity theft. In the UK, you can check your credit report through agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

6. Inform Your Contacts

Let friends, family, and colleagues know about the theft, especially if your accounts could be used to send fraudulent messages.

Things to Consider

1. Always be Mindful of Your Surroundings

• Avoid using your phone in public in high-risk areas.
• Keep your phone secured in an inner pocket or zipped bag.
• Be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves.

2. Mobile Phone Insurance

Mobile phone insurance can help cover replacement costs. Make sure you report the theft within 24 hours to be eligible for a claim. When choosing insurance, ensure it includes:

• Theft and accidental damage.
• Unauthorised usage protection.

Be Proactive

While mobile phone theft is more prevalent than ever before, taking these proactive security steps can help safeguard your data and increase the chances of recovery. If you need any support with data backup or data recovery we’d be happy to help. Call us on 020 3369 0669 or email info@ilovepcman.com.

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash