Commission Document

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22pt

Background

The theft of wireless devices, particularly smartphones, is sharply on the rise across the country, 
according to many published reports.  The high resale value of these high-tech phones has made 
them a prime target for robbers and the personal information contained on the device that could be 
used by identity thieves.  Below are several steps that you can take to better protect yourself, your 
device, and the data it contains, along with instructions on what to do if your device is lost or stolen.

How To Safeguard Yourself Against Wireless 

How To Protect The Data on Your Phone

Device Theft

·
Establish a password to restrict access.  
·
Consider your surroundings and use your 
Should your device be stolen or lost, this will 
device discreetly at locations in which you 
help protect you from both unwanted usage 
feel unsafe. 
charges and from theft and misuse of your 
personal data.
·
Never leave your device unattended in a 
public place.  Don’t leave it visible in an 
·
Install and maintain anti-theft software. 
unattended car; lock it up in the glove 
Apps are available that will: 
compartment or trunk.
o Locate the device from any computer;
·
o Lock the device to restrict access; 
Write down the device’s make, model 
o Wipe sensitive data from the device, 
number, serial number and unique device 
including contacts, text messages, photos, 
identification number (either the International 
emails, browser histories and user 
Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) or the 
accounts such as Facebook and Twitter; 
Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) number).  
o Make the device emit a loud sound 
The police may need this informat ion if the 
t
(“scream”) to help the police locate it.
device is stolen or lost.
· Review your warranty or service agreement 
·
Make your lock screen display contact 
to find out what will happen if your phone is 
information, such as an e-mail address or 
stolen or lost.  If the policy is not satisfactory, 
alternative phone number, so that the phone 
you may wish to consider buying device 
may be returned to you if found.  Avoid 
insurance.
including sensitive information, such as your 
home address.
·
Be careful about what information you store.  
Social networking and other apps may allow 
unwanted access to your personal information.
 
(More)
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Federal Communications Commission       Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
 
445 12th St., SW 
Washington, DC 20554
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1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) 
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TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)        
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Fax: 1-866-418-0232
 
www. fcc.gov/cgb

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What To Do If Your Wireless Device Is Stolen

What To Do If Your Wireless Device Is Stolen
(cont’d.)

· If you are not certain whether your device has 
been stolen or if you have simply misplaced it, 
·
If you are unable to lock your stolen or lost 
attempt to locate the device by calling it or by 
device, change all of your passwords for e-
using the anti-theft software’s GPS locator. 
mail, banking and social networking 
Even if you may have only lost the device, you 
accounts that you have accessed using your 
should remotely lock it to be safe.
device.
·
If you have installed anti-theft software on your 
device, use it to lock the phone, wipe sensitive 
information, and/or activate the alarm.

For More Information

·
Immediately report the theft or loss to your 
carrier.  You will be responsible for any 
For information about other 
charges incurred prior to when you report the 
telecommunications issues, visit the FCC’s 
stolen or lost device.  If you provide your 
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau 
carrier with the IMEI or MEID number, your 
website at www.fcc.gov/consumer-
carrier may be able to disable your device and 
governmental-affairs-bureau, or contact 
block access to the information it carries.  
the FCC’s Consumer Center by calling 1-
Request written confirmation from your carrier 
888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice 1-
that you reported the device as missing and 
888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; 
that the device was disabled.
faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
·
If the device was stolen, also immediately 
Federal Communications Commission
report the theft to the police, including the 
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
make and model, serial and IMEI or MEID 
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
number.  Some carriers require proof that the 
445 12th Street, SW
device was stolen, and a police report would 
Washington, DC  20554.
provide that documentation.
 
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For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible format (electronic ASCII text, Braille, large print 
or audio), please write or call us at the address or phone number below, or send an e-mail to 

FCC504@fcc.gov 

.
To receive information on this and other FCC consumer topics through the Commission's electronic 
subscriber service, click on www.fcc.gov/cgb/contacts/.
This document is for consumer education purposes only and is not intended to affect any proceeding or 
cases involving this subject matter or related issues.
.
.
.
.
Federal Communications Commission       Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
 
445 12th St., SW 
Washington, DC 20554
.
.
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) 
.
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)        
.
Fax: 1-866-418-0232
 
www. fcc.gov/cgb

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