[N8DBB]

A recent post on here stated that a person believes their device was stolen, which as everyone can imagine, is not only a feeling of disappointment because you have lost your device, but also a feeling of an invasion of privacy, because if you don't have the phone password protected, then all your personal information (emails, address book, etc) is at risk.

While there is no for sure way to guarantee that your device will not be stolen (short of strapping it to your wrist with handcuffs), there are ways that you can make it easier on yourself if your device ever is stolen.

First, make sure that you have your IMEI number and PIN number written down somewhere in a secure place. These numbers can be found by going to ALT+CAP+H (on full qwerty devices) or Options-Status (SureType Devices). These numbers are also located on the side of the box that your device came in. There is a white sticker placed on the box from RIM that has the IMEI number and PIN number. It will probably be located on the right hand side of the box, another good reason to keep your packaging!

Each device has its own, individual PIN and IMEI numbers, therefore its like your devices DNA. It can't be replicated. And this may be the only shot that you will have to actually prove it your device.

There are also companies that you can purchase a "return" from. StuffBak.com is one of those companies. For a reasonable, yearly fee they will send you a set of stickers to place on your device with an identification number, along with a web address and telephone number. Therefore, if your device is ever lost or stolen, the person who finds it simply calls or notifies the company via web, and the company will pay to have it shipped to them and back to you, and also offer a reward for the return of the device. (What I would recommend, is they send you two stickers. I have one on the side of the device, but that can easily be ripped off. Therefore I have the 2nd sticker mounted on the inside of the device underneath the battery, just in case someone doesn't open the battery door, at some point someone will).

Also, if you are on BES, this thread may interest you. This describes how your IT Director can remotely kill your Blackberry.

I will edit this post with more information, but I just wanted to get it up and posted. More to come.

[ffmike]

Thanks n8, this stuff is a good reminder. and remember to set your Password and set your phone to lock after a certain time.

[cp6169]

I do the 30 minute auto lock, in case I do lose my BB, it will ock by itself and then all my info will be erased if they put the password 10 times. Good idea about the sticker N8, gonn a look into that.

[ljbyar]

Thanks N8! Great reminder. Thanks to my comp's BES, mine locks after 10 mins.

[bcuzi8paintchips]

Great post! Sticky candidate!

[fzsteph]

Thanks a lot !

Good job !

[Rcbjr]

Thanks N8
Rcbjr

[clmccullough]

Excellent post! Definitely a STICKY candidate!

[EricaJ1073]

I have seriously considered the Stuff-Bak stickers. I am always putting my BB down (thankfully at my own house so far) and later going "Where's my BB?" and then finding it on the floor or on my bed. Thanks for this post.

[EricaJ1073]

Originally Posted by N8DBB

There are also companies that you can purchase a "return" from. StuffBak.com is one of those companies. For a reasonable, yearly fee they will send you a set of stickers to place on your device with an identification number, along with a web address and telephone number. Therefore, if your device is ever lost or stolen, the person who finds it simply calls or notifies the company via web, and the company will pay to have it shipped to them and back to you, and also offer a reward for the return of the device. (What I would recommend, is they send you two stickers. I have one on the side of the device, but that can easily be ripped off. Therefore I have the 2nd sticker mounted on the inside of the device underneath the battery, just in case someone doesn't open the battery door, at some point someone will).

I am looking at the StuffBak label packs but I am trying to figure out which pack would work best for me as I carry a lot of crap when I travel LOL There's also a new feature where, for about $6 more, you can have the labels pre-activated before they are shipped to you.

[Dirty Cash]

Excellent post. I for one owuld hate to loose my BB, but knowing my PIN/IMEI/ESN DEC numbers, plus having the auto shut-off function will help with the security of my device!

[shafferds]

good to know - very important

[blitz1704]

Nice Information! Thanks N8

[jarot48]

Excellent post, I will look into this.

Thanks N8.

[hayden]

Great write Nate! thanks