Theft prevention

We bring our phones everywhere we go, which also increases the chance of theft or loss. Obviously, losing your phone is very annoying. Gomibo gives you some tips to prevent theft or loss. We also have some advice to find your phone as quickly as possible if it is stolen or if you have forgotten it somewhere.

Tips to prevent theft and loss:

Prevent

1. Write down the IMEI number

This is the 15-digit serial number of your phone. If your smartphone is stolen, the police can record this number in the stolen phone database. They can then flood your phone with text messages saying "This phone has been stolen, go to the police". This prevents the thief from reselling the phone. You can find out your IMEI number by entering *#06# on your phone. The number is also on the box of your phone, and you can find it behind the battery if you can remove it.

2. Save all your documents and files

For instance, the invoice or bill from when you bought your phone. This is proof that the phone is your property.

3. Set up a security code

This is a PIN or pattern code that you enter to unlock or turn on your phone. This way, you are the only one with access to your phone.

4. Use the fingerprint scanner

This is the most reliable way of protecting your data. After all, everyone has a unique fingerprint. So, where someone can read and remember a code, they cannot do so with a fingerprint. Scanning your fingerprint is also much faster than entering a code. All in all, your phone is unlocked in the blink of an eye, your data is super-secure, and you don't have to remember any codes!

5. Keep your phone close to you

Always keep your phone in a fixed place when you go out the door. That way, you will quickly notice if your device is suddenly gone. For example, it is useful to choose a place close to your body that thieves cannot get to easily.

6. Install apps to track your phone

These apps track where your device is by GPS. Popular apps that do this are Find My iPhone, the Android Device Manager, and Locate my Droid. You will then see on a map on your computer where your phone is currently.

What can be done afterwards?

1. Block your SIM card

Contact your provider and block your SIM card. That way, it cannot be used to make calls or use the Internet and you avoid an extremely expensive bill.

2. File a police report

By reporting it, the police will know that your phone has been stolen or lost. The first tip on this page also comes in handy here.

3. Do your own research

Your device sometimes automatically backs up (backs up all the data on your phone) the information and/or files on your phone. If the thief does not know this, you may be able to find out who the thief is. Consider, for example, automatic synchronisation with Dropbox or Google+. You can also use the apps iCaughtU and iGotYa to take pictures of whoever uses your mobile and automatically have these pictures sent to your email address.