Second recent channel survey Globonews, 42 cell phones are stolen or stolen every hour in the state of São Paulo alone. Those who go through this, in addition to the loss related to the loss of the device itself, should be aware to avoid even greater losses in banking, financial services or shopping applications, for example.
The Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (Idec) reminds you that, with the screen unlocked, it is possible for other people to access accounts and applications with personal information from the owners of the devices. And there are already gangs and hackers specialized in breaking into devices even with the screen locked.
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Therefore, those who had their device stolen or stolen should take some action as soon as possible. First of all, you need to try to track, lock and erase your phone data. For mobile phones with the Android operating system, you can access the “Find My Device” from Google using a computer. On iOS devices (iPhones), access is pelo iCloud. But be careful: it is necessary to activate the search by device location in advance. If you haven’t already, don’t waste time.
Another important initiative to be taken after a theft or robbery is blocking the IMEI. This code is available in the cell phone box; on a label that is usually stuck on the device’s battery or chip tray; or on the operating system website. In addition, it is possible to dial the sequence *#06# through the phone call and the number will appear on the cell phone screen. It is essential to leave the annotated code in a safe place just in case.
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Email and social media passwords must be changed remotely after theft or theft. Most of these services even allow the user to end sessions in progress on other devices through a computer.
Registering a police report is another essential step. Communication with the Civil Police, by the way, may be enough for the device to be blocked. Idec recalls that police stations in almost all states are already enabled with the blocking system. The exceptions are Acre and Amapá.
Regardless of whether or not you have blocked the device, it is necessary to contact the banks and financial services in which you have an account (and applications) to report the theft or robbery. In this case, it is necessary to block cards, accounts and operations that can be performed on the device. Companies, in this case, will provide service protocols that must be noted.
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Preventive measures
Nobody wants to have their cell phone stolen, but as the possibility exists, it is good to take preventive measures to avoid bigger problems if this occurs. Among them is the activation of a password to use the device, as well as customizing the automatic screen lock option for the shortest possible time (generally 30 seconds). It is also important to limit a low amount for Pix transactions, as well as disable the mobile contactless payment function if it is not being used on a daily basis.
What if it happens?
For Idec, the banks and financial institutions that allow this to happen have gaps in the security of their applications. To enforce your rights, you must contact the institution’s ombudsman. If this is not enough, Idec’s suggestion is to look for the Procon of your locality, in addition to registering the complaint at the Central Bank or at Consumidor.gov.br. A final step would be to go to court.
Editing: Rodrigo Durao Coelho
