Smart Phone Ripoffs

There’s a new push to stop stolen smart phones across the country. U.S. Senator Mark Udall wants the Federal Communications Commission to step in and help make it happen. The Colorado Democrat wants the F.C.C. to require all cell phone providers to stop reactivating reported stolen phones. That move could help stop the incentive for thieves to take the smart phones.

I’ve learned from cell phone repair experts that network technology plays a role in the current way you can track your cell phones. Verizon and Sprint use C.D.M.A. for their networks. These phones have an electronic serial number or E.S.N. Bob Steed with C.P.R. or Cell Phone Repair in Colorado Springs tells me, that the phone’s E.S.N. number is used to called Verizon and Sprint to make sure it’s not a stolen phone that is being activated. Steed says, “They know exactly who owned the phone and how long it’s been out there. They can even tell you the cover of the phone sometimes.”

A T&T, T-MOBILE and others use G.S.M. network technology. In a G.S.M. phone you have what’s called an international mobile equipment identifier or I.M.E.I. This I.M.E.I. will identify your account, but not your phone. There is a movable Sim card in your G.S.M. phone that can do that; however, it can be moved from phone to phone with your information. Ultimately, according to C.P.R.’s Bob Steed, “I know of no way that me or no one else can determine if a G.S.M. phone was stolen.” Steed thinks G.P.S. on your phone helps. His idea is that it could be modified with your permission to always stay on so no one could change it. Steed believes it would mean your phone’s always being tracked, even if it’s stolen.