How can I trace my stolen cell phone?

A sad and growing refrain is “How can I trace my stolen cell phone?” Cell phone theft is high on the list of most cash hungry thieves since it is an easy item to conceal and there are usually ready buyers of stolen cell phones.

While there are ways to trace a stolen cell phone, history indicates the odds aren’t good, so now may be the time to start comparison shopping for a new one.

Before calling out the National Guard, do a thorough search to make sure the cell phone wasn’t just misplaced. It might be a good idea to make sure a “finder”, as opposed to a thief, has a way of contacting you should they find your cell phone.

Read on to learn what to do if your cell phone is stolen as well as how to trace a stolen cell phone (or at least some different options to consider). If you find that you need a new cell phone be sure to read through our tons of different online cell phone reviews.

Here are 8 different tips that you can use if your cell phone is stolen. Some are common sense tips and others are roundabout ways that you can trace a stolen cell phone by using some of the very same precautions that private investigators along with regular cell phone users take advantage of.

Tip #1 Report the Cell Phone Stolen

Cell phone companies will respond much better knowing a police report has been filed on the stolen cell phone. They may require a copy of the report before any attempt to trace the stolen phone. The police report will need to include identification numbers for the cell phone and the SIM.

Record cell phone ID and SIM numbers in a safe place so they are available should this situation arise. Provided there is an active account for the phone, the cell phone company may be able to narrow the search to the cell tower where the last call was made.

Tip #2 Check for New Accounts

Provide the cell phone company with the cell phone’s ID and/or SIM number to see if a new account has been set up for that phone. They will also put the phone on the ‘blacklist’ once it is reported stolen in case someone tries to activate it at a later date.

Tip #3 Use a GPS Application

If the cell phone has a GPS application available and the phone is turned on, it may be possible to track the location of the phone by going to the application website and logging in to their system. Many of these applications will actually be able to provide an address for the cell phone’s location.

Tip #4 Lock the Cell Phone

Although this will not prevent the theft, it will make it a little more difficult to get to personal information. Password protection for the phone will prevent access to personal information and may prevent the less than tech savvy thief from using the phone.

Tip #5 Use a Cell Phone Management App

Many cell phones today have phone management applications that can be downloaded and installed. Among the attributes available with these programs are ones that can track the phone, set off a siren, lock the phone remotely and wipe out any data on the cell phone.

Tip #6 Buy Cell Phone Insurance

This is particularly helpful for those expensive smart phones. Insurance makes replacing a cell phone less painful but once again, a copy of the police report will probably be required in order to collect on the policy. Most policies have limitations on the frequency of lost or stolen cell phones for obvious reasons.

Tip #7 Call/Text the Cell Phone

It sounds silly on the surface but it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to steal a cell phone. If someone actually does answer, be prepared with a story that will help elicit a location from them. At this point, it is probably safe to assume the phone is stolen, so let the authorities handle it.

Tip #8 Use an RFID Proximity Alarm for the Cell Phone

The cell phone RFID proximity alarm is real and and it is available today. Proximity alarms are designed small enough to work with cell phones. The alarms can be set to various distances and a very audible alarm sounds, once that distance is breached. The catch may be that you can’t forget to keep the monitor with you. In common practice, the monitor should not be subject to being left within easy reach of a thief after use, as is often the case with a cell phone.

Losing a cell phone today is almost like having a thief in the house. With all of the personal information, data and pictures, it can feel very similar to the violation of ‘our personal space’ we feel after a break-in.

While having a cell phone stolen can be a difficult experience, the feeling of being out of touch need not last long. There is always the guilt free joy of having to look for a new cell phone. Start by taking a look at reviews on the new cell phones with all of the latest features today.