Keeping Your Mobile Technologies Safe

The world of mobile technology is ever expanding. However, the convenience of these technologies can also make it easier for criminals to retrieve your personal information, leading to bigger and more costly crimes. The following are tips to help keep your cell phones and GPS systems from being stolen and your personal information safe.

Cell Phones

Thousands of cell phones are stolen every month, and you may be surprised by the amount of personal information a thief can retrieve from your phone. Here are some practical measures you can take to keep your mobile phone safe.

• Use your phone’s security lock code, if it has one.
• Disable bluetooth, if not in use.
• Only unlock the phone when you need to use it.
• Do not give your mobile phone to strangers on the pretext of an emergency situation. They may slip away with it.
• Report a lost or stolen phone to the police immediately and insist on an acknowledgment.
• Inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost.
• Keep your phone out of sight in your pocket or handbag when not in use.
• Do not leave your cell phone unattended.
• Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Mom or Dad. Criminals may contact these individuals to get more of your personal information.

GPS Systems

GPS systems are quite the hot commodity these days, for both consumers and thieves. In fact, GPS devices are now the number one item being stolen from motor vehicles.

• If your GPS has a key lock/password, use it.
• Do not list your home as “home.” Instead, call your address “ice cream store” or supermarket.” That way, a thief cannot find out where you live.
• When leaving your car, remember to take the GPS with you, and remove the window mount as well.
• Suction cup marks from a GPS also indicate that you may have one in your car. Keep moist
  towelettes with you to wipe off these rings.
• Write down the serial number of your GPS and register it with the manufacturer.

For more information on mobile technology safety...

National Consumer Advocacy Commission: www.cellphonesafety.org

GPS Magazine: www.gpsmagazine.com