Guest Post from Sprint: Protect your smartphone in case it is lost or stolen

It is disconcerting to think about losing your smartphone.

From email to apps and other services so many of us use on our phones these days, our devices can be packed with sensitive information from our work and personal lives.

We hope you never lose track of your phone. But, as we all know, accidents or bad things can happen.  In case it ever happens to you, we would urge all wireless consumers to take precautions.

First, we all should remain aware of our surroundings while using a smartphone in public. This can help significantly reduce your chances of becoming a theft victim.

Before a phone is lost or stolen

Protect the information on your phone by using passcodes and security applications.

Passcodes – Sprint customers should always use passcodes to lock their phones and make it more difficult for someone else to access information on your phone if it is lost or stolen.

To find out how to set a passcode, review your device User Guide at www.sprint.com/support.  This will provide instructions for devices capable of using a passcode.

Protection Applications - You can download apps that provide additional protection and services that might be helpful I f you ever lose track of your phone, such as:

Total Equipment Protection (TEP) allows customers to download a protection application to locate a lost/stolen device, as well as remotely lock the device, erase contacts, etc.  For more information visit www.sprint.com/protection. Additional monthly charges apply for TEP.

Lookout Mobile Security offers a free trial or option for customers that blocks viruses, malware and spyware. In addition to backing up and restoring contacts, the application can locate a lost or stolen phone on a map and emit a loud alert to locate the device’s exact location. For more information, visit:  https://www.mylookout.com/

McAfee Mobile Security offers protection against mobile device data loss and threats that target smartphones, tablets and other devices.

Additional products are available in the Android, Blackberry and Apple marketplaces.

Voice mail security – use a passcode.  – A passcode offers the best protection when it comes to protecting your voice mail account from unauthorized access.  At Sprint, when you set up your voice mail account, you are required to establish a passcode. If you choose to skip the passcode, your voice mail account will be vulnerable to unauthorized access.

If your phone is lost or stolen

If your device is lost or stolen, contact us immediately at 1-888-211-4727 to suspend your service.

When you suspend your service, you won't be able to make or receive calls, send or receive messages or use domestic data.

• You will keep your phone number while your service is suspended.
• You are responsible for any monthly rate charges associated with the service on your device.
• If you have Total Equipment Protection or if you are part of the Equipment Replacement Program, visit www.sprint.com/protection to file a claim, or locate your device if you have the protection application.

Frequently asked Questions

Can I locate my device with Family Locator?

Yes, if you have Sprint Family Locator activated on your account. To find a lost or stolen phone, the phone must be turned on and in Sprint network coverage. The location will be approximate and will not be accurate enough to find a lost phone in a specific room in a house.

Can I buy a phone off eBay, Craigslist or elsewhere and activate it on my account?

You should obtain the serial number of the device and then check with Sprint to make sure no bill is owed on that device and that it hasn't been reported as lost or stolen.  Devices that have been reported lost or stolen to Sprint cannot be re-activated on our network.

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