silly boy (stolen phone)

[StraferJack]

Usual scam, I've read about it dozens of times and even thwarted a couple of attempts on me before

Today however, post-work my attention was lax and I had my phone swept off the table before i realised

remote wipe sent, phone blocked blah blah blah

BUT

I didn't have the passcode lock set - so any texts and photos on the phone are readable and I'm trying to think is there anything I need to worry about

Are they likely to look for address/bank details or are they likely to wipe phone and sell on?

[Otta]

How was it nicked?

I'd imagine more likely to just try and flog it.

[StraferJack]

This basically

http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/crime-court/thieves_target_pubs_in_kensal_green_kilburn_and_queen_s_park_1_1699797

I've been approached like this before and been aware but tonight I was just... Switched off

[Otta]

I'd not heard about these scams, will be on the look out, as I must admit I always have my phone on the table!

[uncleglen]

If it's not nailed down.......

[uncleglen]

And- if you are in a pub or restaurant with someone then why is your phone on the table? It should be in your pocket switched off unless it is your work phone and you are on call- then it should be in your pocket on silent so that you can feel it vibrate.

A shop assistant thanked me last week because my phone rang while she was serving me and I ignored it. She said that most people ignore her and answer the phone- it's bad manners.

[Vik]

Who said he was with someone? Perhaps he was waiting for a call? He should be able to put his phone on the table if he s wishes without some git thinking they have the right to help themselves.

[srisky]

Not sure that having a pass code makes much difference, assuming it's an iphone, as I think all that needs to be done is to connect to iTunes and restore factory settings...

I can empathise: I had my phone stolen from my lap whilst sitting at the table in the children's library (in Dulwich library) distracted by my daughter who was trying to hog the crayons - my clothes didn't have pockets and I was expecting a message. A bit unnerving that photos and videos could be accessed but at least nothing dodgy was on there and fortunately they had been recently backed up. I have changed the passwords to my email accounts that are accessible on my phone.

Genereal advice: don't keep valuable info e.g pin numbers on your phone unless somehow encrypted, as if your bag containing your phone and wallet is stolen then it's easy access to your account. Also try to avoid carrying letters with you address in the same bag as your house and car keys!

[srisky]

Doesn't remote wipe clear all photos/texts as well as emails?

Some stolen phones are hired out by the 'thief' to anyone who wants to make long distance calls and a huge phone bill(in the 1000's of pounds)is racked up. In which case, they won't be jnterested in your personal details. Get a letter from your phone company confirming the date/time your phone was blocked and the handset deactivated.

[StraferJack]

One of first things they do is switch off data/wifi so the phone can't be located. So the remote wipe doesn't get to kick in

Coupled with carrier blocking the sim and the only options left to them are a complete re build or try and glean anything from locally stored info

Hopefully the former

[DulwichFox]

So presummably you did not password protect you switch on / power up. ??

Fox.

[StraferJack]

See OP.

I didn't

I know

I'm not looking for sympathy. Just wanted some reassurance the most likely outcome was a quick phone wipe

[nashoi]

.

[Siduhe]

Some good tips here. Won't help if they disconnect from network (not sure there's anything you can do about that) but should make it harder/delay them a bit. It is a bit annoying having to enable/disable every time I want to delete an app, but figure it could be worth it.

http://blogs.channel4.com/benjamin-cohen-on-technology/the-lessons-i-learnt-from-my-iphone-mugging/3658