I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.
Have you ever lost a smartphone? Well, you aren't alone! Over 3.1 million Americans were the unfortunate victim of smartphone theft in 2013, and at least 1.4 million smartphones are lost and never found! That's a combined 4.5 million lost and stolen smartphones in 2013, and as Angeline was one of those numbers when her iPhone was stolen from her book bag in school last year, we know firsthand the feelings of violation and desperation that come along with the theft of a mobile device. It stinks, to say the least. If only we had Absolute LoJack when it happened, we would have been able to recover her stolen smartphone!
Absolute LoJack Uncovered has declared August Device Theft Awareness month to help increase awareness of these kinds of theft! I know firsthand how devastating and stressful it can be to have your smartphone stolen, so I have teamed up with Absolute LoJack to share crime prevention information and stories throughout the month of August in hopes that these numbers (Remember 4. MILLION?!) go down in 2014 and beyond!
A lost or stolen smartphone isn't just about the cost of replacement, and I think that's why the theft elicits such an emotional reaction. When Angeline's smartphone was stolen, she lost photos from her 16th birthday cruise with her two best friends, photos from her first trip to Europe, as well as countless photos of dear friends and family. There was also the issue of her privacy being violated - she had no idea who had access to her information or personal messages with friends and family. What a horrible feeling!
For adults, the theft of a smartphone can have disastrous financial repercussions: how much financial data is on your smartphone? Without Lojack for smartphones I know that I would be in deep, deep trouble because every bank account and credit card is on my phones...along with many parts of my business! When your smartphone is stolen, you aren’t just losing your photos and text messages - the criminals may be able to access your most private information, including bank account and credit card information, passwords and other sensitive information. If you aren't able to recover stolen smartphones, it's downright terrifying!
Now, there are a few things that can help protect you, should your device be stolen.
Back up your smartphone! Use iCloud, OneDrive, etc - so that if your device is lost or stolen, you don't lose your valuable information.
Create a login password! If your smartphone is stolen, you want as many barriers in between your information and the criminals as possible. Likewise, you should not save login usernames, passwords or credit card information in any of your apps.
Install Absolute Lojack for smartphones to remotely delete data on stolen devices and recover stolen smartphones!
Exclusive Offer for my readers: Get 30% off a 1- yr. Absolute LoJack Standard or Premium Subscription! Just use the promo code UNCOVER30 at checkout. This offer is valid through Aug 31st, so you still have plenty of time to take advantage of it - and make sure to tell your friends and family too!
Have you ever had a smartphone, or any other type of device, go missing or be stolen?
Penelope
I love your motto! My husband was just telling me this week that I should create a login password for my phone, never thought to do it before.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets
You most definitely should. It's scary to thing what hackers would have access to if it fell into their hands.
Penelope
I love that there is lojack for iPhones, and yes, I have SO MUCH sensitive info on my phone!!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews
I haven't lost my phone, other than in the house or car, and even then my heart starts racing. Those percentages are rather staggering, especially the amount of phones lost or stolen. It would be good to have more protection.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs
We always use a lock on our phones but I had no idea that the amount of stolen devices practically doubled! Maybe I should look into LoJack.
Brett Martin
I'm thinking the same... that's scary.
Debbie L
It is amazing the amount of phones stolen and lost! I am lucky I have not lost my phone - amazing since I lose everything else.
Jennifer
I use to have a lock on my phone but then I get freaked out like "what is something happens to me then the police wouldn't be able to open my phone and call my loved ones!" It might seem silly but I have a whole list of ICE contacts and no one could access those if my phone was locked.
Not saying it can't happen to me but my phone is pretty much attached to my hands at all times thanks to my work so it's not likely it will happen to me.
Jenn
Most thefts occur in a home or car theft, so even if you don’t take your PC/Phone/tablet far, they are at risk. I prefer to err on the side of caution for sure!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama
Most people that I know having lost their phone don't keep good tabs on it. They leave it on tables, in the car, etc., trying to trust humanity and being absentminded. I always know where mine is! Be aware!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I am the same. My phone is always attached to me in some way.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
My phone has never been lost or stolen (knock on wood), but you just never know. It scares me.
Jaime
My friend's phone was stolen last summer (SO scary!) I don't have a password on mine. I need to do that asap.
Mitch
Good to know! My hand is always clenched around my devices!
Nicole
My smart phone has a facial recognition "password" on it. Not even Hubs can get into it unless I had it to him because it only opens to my face. It's seriously the perfect thing, even though it usually takes me 4 tries each time to get into my phone...
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking
That is CRAZY! I mean crazy awesome! I have never heard of such a thing before!
Jenn
That sounds pretty cool! I am not sure if you are aware, but people with hi-tech knowledge can wipe away security settings like that. ONLY Absolute LoJack can survive a factory reset or HD Swap!
Jennifer
Device theft is becoming almost as bad as identity theft! I'm glad they've started making phones with security features like fingerprint scanners and remote phone shutdown.
Amy Desrosiers
This reminds me of that couple who stole the little child's ipad that was disabled...crazy people!
Elizabeth Mitchell
A lojack for phones is genius! There is so much sensitive info on phones now days that it only makes sense. i would be lost if someone stole my phone!
Daisy
This is handy because I'm always so nervous about taking my laptop to public places. It's scary considering how expensive my mac book pro costs.
Jenn
I don't even have a Mac, I use a Windows PC, but I watch it like a hawk LOL!
Stefany
This is so great! I am always so worried about losing my smartphone or it being stolen.
Shell
We haven't had one stolen(knock on wood). But my husband had to take a phone in and have it reprogrammed for work for one of his employees. It was so weird- they just wiped it and reprogrammed it, no questions asked! He was allowed to be doing what he was, but we were a little shocked that they asked no questions.
Kristin
I am obsessed with not losing my iPhone! I almost always keep it in my hand because I worry about it getting stolen or lost. I had no idea they had a program like this. And, I agree...losing my phone would be devastating because of privacy issues and ALL those photos!
Chrystal @ YUM eating
I should put a passcode on my phone. I do have a find me feature if I lose it. So far, I haven't.
Chelley Martinka
I never thought about my phone being stolen. What a horor that would be. I'll be looking into this for sure!
Liz Mays
I haven't had it happen yet, but I would completely freak out if it did. This would help provide some peace of mind.
Meagan Ivie
Sounds like I really need to put a lock on my phone! I can't believe how many phones are lost or stolen!
Debbie Denny
I have heard of this. Sounds like a great way to be safe,
Pam
I have never had my phone stolen, but that sounds pretty awful. I can't imagine! I definitely do everything I can to protect my devices and my identity.
Shauna
I am always so worried about my devices getting stolen... Even leaving it in the locker in the gym while I shower freaks me out. This is a great info... thanks so much, I will have to look into it
Janel (A Mom's Take)
This is so helpful. I didn't know you could get Lojack on your phone. I've never had a phone stolen but my mom has.
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
Just the thought of losing my smart phone makes me tear up a little bit! What a good idea, I didn't even know this type of service existed!
Pam
I didn't either. It definitely seems like something I would like to utilize.
Amber Edwards
The number of times I lose my phone around the house...you'd think I'd be more prepared for losing it around town. Thankfully I haven't lost it outside the house. But I really should get a password on it.
Janel
Oh, my kids lose my phone around the house often. I'm always calling myself!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition
That's some pretty cool technology! I've got a password on my phone but that's it.
Angela S
My son and niece have both had phones stolen. I just added Absolute LoJack to my laptop and think I need to also do my smartphone.
Krystal
I love that we can deter theft with these apps and programs to help. Yet people still steal?!? Crazy!
Virginia @thatbaldchick
With as much information as we store on our phones these days, the thought of having one lifted from me is terrifying. Will have to check into better protection.
Janell Poulette
Wow I didn't know that many things were stolen. I would be so sad if my iPhone was stolen.
Kimberly Grabinski
I didn't know this service existed, I don't know what I would do if I love my phone. 30% off is a great deal, thanks!
Danielle @ We Have It All
OMGosh I'm horrible. I am not safe AT ALL. I really need to think about this all and make some changes.
Brett Martin
That's soo neat! I love the security features.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets
Thanks for sharing! I had no idea, and don't even keep a password on my phone. Yikes!
MommaDJane
My teenager lost her first iPhone and I remember how devastated she was. My husband lost his iPad a couple of months and we tried our 'Find My iPad' app but someone turned it off and therefore it didn't work. We were extremely disappointed. This is a great service to have.
Carly Anderson
I would be devastated if my cell phone got lost or stolen. I'm just glad I back up my photos in the cloud, at least.
Tammileetips
Great tips for keeping smartphones!! I would be super scared and nervous if I was to loose or have mine stolen!
Ann Bacciaglia
This sounds like a service that my family needs. The kids and I have misplaced our phones before and it is a scary thing.
Mama to 5 BLessings
I have my iPhone password protected. Sounds like a great service I need it because I am always losing my phone!
Amy D
This scares me so much! Especially with the recent Russian hackers! We need to be much more secure!
Christie
Thanks for rhe reminder! I need to back up my phone, it's been awhile!!!
Tracey
This is so great! I am always worried about losing my smart phone. It has all my pictures and information on it and I don't want to lose that!
Stefani Tolson
I love that they have software like this. I am going to put this on my laptop. I also like it is available for phones too!
April
I had no idea this happened. I guess it makes sense. I need to be more aware.
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks)
I could definitely use this phone LoJack. Especially because we haven't had a landline in 8 years and completely rely on our cells.
Lori
I would freak out if I lost my phone! It is often glued to my hand!
Rosey
I'm glad measures are being shared to help prevent such things when we can. The theft of some devices, such as a laptop, could just be devastating.
Angela
I've never had anything stolen from me. That luck could run out. Maybe I'll look into this more.
Veronica
I have never lost my phone and can't even imagine how my world would come to a screeching halt if I ever did. Fortunately I have a password
Lara
My husband had his phone stolen right out of our car! This would have come in quite handy! Thanks for sharing!
Camesha
I love your motto!
I never knew there was a LoJack for phones. Makes sense though. The certainly cost enough and they hold our whole life!
Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings
A LoJack for phones- awesome! I've never lost a phone-- knock on wood!
Melinda
I don't think anyone in our house has a passcode on their phone. I guess we need to get on that
Lauren
Missing, yes. Thank goodness never stolen. I would be lost.
Carly from The Puzzled Palate
I am horrible at backing up my devices! I really need to do that- in case of a theft issue!
Marcie W.
This sounds like a great service. We have never had a device stolen but you never can be too careful.
Chrishelle Ebner
Talk about too little too late. I just lost my smartphone Friday. Boy wish I knew about this service a little sooner. Thanks for the tip.