HELP! What to do when your phone is stolen.written: 8/3/2000
adapted from an article by: Lisa Pennell
It’s got to be one of the most frustrating and inconvenient incidents just under having your wallet stolen. You lose your means of mobile communication, you might be on a contract, you don’t even know where to begin looking for a replacement and worse, you’ve lost all your phone numbers!
These are the measures of prevention;
1. Set the SIM LOCK function in your phone. Check your phone manual for instructions. Basically this lock will mean that if someone puts a different SIM (the computer chip you get from the network) into your handset then the phone will ask for a lock code and will not operate.
2. Never leave your phone unattended, especially in the car. I can’t count the number of times customers’ cars are broken into (often with a smashed window) and their phone stolen even when it’s well hidden. It’s almost like thieves have a sixth sense!
3. Include the phone on your home and contents insurance. Often the cost of mobile insurance is prohibitive, but if you are looking at it, be sure to check the conditions and ensure it covers theft and accidental damage/loss.
Bear in mind that even if you have the SIM LOCK set up, many thieves have arrangements in place already to have these phones unlocked, but at least you improve your chances slightly.
If you are unlucky enough to lose your phone, do report it straight away so your network can stop any phone calls being made. Report it to the police as well as you may get lucky. You will need to get a replacement SIM from your provider and this will usually cost you RM50.
Following are some options in replacing your handset;
1. Get a second hand phone. Make sure it’s not SIM locked before you pay for it! Also that it works. Get an idea of prices by looking around first. This may be the cheapest option if you are still on a contract.
2. If you are not on a contract, it may be the best time to look at a “handset upgrade” where you get a new handset subsidised by the network by signing a new contract and you get to keep the same number. You may even avoid that RM50 fee for your new SIM as well!
3. Buy a new phone “outright”. You will be paying full price (starting around two hundred) but at least you get a warranty! Shop around for the best price!
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