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5 Things To Do If Your Phone Has Gone Missing
Fortress was created because we understand how important phones have become. We also understand how big a challenge it can be when they your phone has gone missing. Our app and platform have been designed ground-up to protect you, your data, and your device.
However, we are also realistic. Phones are so crucial to everyday life, but that means they are with us all the time, and therefore there is always a risk that the worst happens.
In the US, 40 percent of thefts in major cities involve cell phones, with 1 in 10 smartphone owners having been a victim of phone theft.
So what do you do if your phone has gone missing? Whether it’s your old faithful 5-year-old Android or the very latest top-of-the-range iPhone, we would recommend keeping calm and following these simple steps.
Your Phone Has Gone Missing – What Next?
Step 1: Text It or Call It
Often the simplest things are the least obvious! Just give your phone a call. You never know; it might be somewhere close by. If it’s been found by someone friendly, they may answer it and be able to return it to you. Send a text message as well with details of who to contact if it’s found.
Step 2: Lock It & Block It
Hopefully, you already have a screen lock set up on your phone. This should be the first layer of protection to stop someone from accessing your phone. Android and iOS can both lock down your phone using android.com/find and icloud.com, respectively. You can set a message with instructions as to who to contact should your phone be found. Alternatively, simply login to your Fortress web portal to add an additional security layer by locking with your Fortress passcode.
Step 3: Locate It
The same websites also allow you to find your device on a map, assuming you have the feature enabled. Your Fortress web portal also has this facility, but with a more detailed history of where your device has traveled. It can even show you where your phone was when the battery died!
Step 4: Secure It
If you don’t want your data compromised, you can try to remotely lock and wipe your device. This is the last resort, for obvious reasons, but sometimes it’s worthwhile for peace-of-mind. Depending on which service you use, you will have various options of what data can be deleted. Don’t forget that other elements of your online life could also be compromised. It’s worth considering changing any common passwords for online banking, email, and your social accounts.
Step 5: Report It
You need to report a missing device to the police so they can open a file. This may be necessary for insurance claims. It is also recommended to report the situation to your mobile phone provider (carrier). They may be able to block your account and will make a note on your file. Depending on your carrier’s policies, you may not be liable for unauthorized calls or data usage if you have reported it. If you have insurance, you will then need to make a claim.
Fortress, Here to Help
If your phone has gone missing, Fortress members have a simple method of dealing with all of this from one place, the Fortress web portal. We simplify the experience of dealing with this annoying and worrying situation. You no longer have to remember which site to go to, where to login, whether you have enabled the “Find My Phone” feature, which of your account passwords to use. With Fortress, you have one place to go, one password to remember, and a simple-to-use portal to help you calmly manage a challenging situation!
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