Happy Holidays and keep your mobile devices safe

by Staff
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Washington-Now that the holiday season is upon us, it is important to remember to protect our cell phones and smart devices from theft or loss.  Theft of such devices continues to increase and is becoming a serious issue not only in the United States but globally.

Among the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) efforts to address the issue of stolen or lost devices, was a November press conference co-hosted by Chairman Julius Genachowski and Under-Secretary of Communications for Mexico Hector Olavarría Tapia. Also in attendance was Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier, who has been a leading advocate on the issue of cell phone theft.

During this event (which can be viewed athttp://www.fcc.gov/events/announcement-bilateral-initiative-combat-stolen-mobile-devices) they announced an initiative to combat the theft and cross-border trafficking of mobile devices between the United States and Mexico. The agreement is in addition to the recent participation of mobile service providers – both in the United States and Mexico – in an international stolen device database that will use shared information to identify and deactivate a stolen device after it has been reported stolen. This will prevent devices stolen in one country to be re-activated in another country.

The FCC’s guide on stolen or lost devices provides consumers with tips on how to protect themselves from having their cell phone stolen and what to do if it is.  The guide is available in English athttp://www.fcc.gov/guides/stolen-and-lost-wireless-devices and in Spanish athttp://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/spanish/lostwirelessdevices.html.

Several tips include:

  • Reviewing your warranty or service agreement to learn what happens to your mobile device if it is lost or stolen.
  • Locking up your device in the glove compartment or trunk so that it is not visible to the public.
  • Immediately contacting your carrier if the device is lost or stolen.
  • Immediately contacting the police if your device is stolen.

May you, your loved ones and your devices have a safe and Happy Holiday

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