What to do in case of mobile phone theft ?  
7 Oct 08, 04:20pm

What is cell phone?

Cell phone is a handy instrument used for wireless telephone communication with the backup of SIM card. The cell phone instrument is called as GSM phone, Global Solution for Mobile Equipment. The GSM phone works under the activation of SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) provided by the concerned service provider by post paid or prepaid. Another service is called as CDMA phone (Code Divisional Multiple Access). In this phone, there will be no SIM Card. It will be activated through concerned service provider. In India, two service providers Reliance Communications and Tata Indicom are providing the service.

Attributes of Cell-phone retrieval

In CDMA phone the cell will be the company's property and it will be activated by the company network only. If you miss a CDMA cell phone immediately inform to the service provider to deactivate the number. For deactivation it doesn't need any police complaint if you show your proof of ownership the company has to deactivate and the company will inform to all branches regarding missing of your cell phone. If the person who has taken the cell phone goes to the concern company Franchise Shop to recharge it or he buys a recharge card and recharges it by the help of the software, the service provider will be able to deactivate the number or identify the current user and the phone be retrieved and handed over to the complainant. So, those who have lost their CMDA phone also can send complaint through e-mail to database management.

If it's a theft, better contact the local police station and prefer a complaint. They will only do the sustained investigation leading the arrest of culprit. Regarding GSM phones, all of them are provided with IMEI Number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) which is unique number. The IMEI/ Serial Number can be seen in the bill or inside the cell phone after removing the battery pack or you have to press *#06#, the 15-digit IMEI number/Serial Number will appear on the screen. Note down this number in your diary.

The moment you miss the cell phone, immediately deactivate the number by informing to the service provider. For deactivating, FIR is not required. The subscriber will be held responsible in case, if the stolen mobile is misused by the culprit. To avoid this, the subscriber has to lodge the complaint immediately…

After deactivating, send an e-mail to the commissioner of police, Chennai cop@vsnl.net with the following details Name, Address, Model, Missing date and IMEI number. After sending the e-mail, download the acknowledgment you receive. The moment your cell phone is retrieved, you will be informed to collect the same.

How does it work?

After receiving the complaint, the police will send the IMEI number to all service providers who in turn will search for the IMEI number with the help of software. The moment the IMEI number is traced, the service provider will inform the police who in turn will retrieve the phone from the current user and hand it over to complainant…

So, the entire process done through technology with no physical investigation by the police….

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