Months have passed since mobile phone blocking came into effect but what impact has it had on theft?
Mobile phones are hot commodities that can be easily sold on the black market. However, the black market for these sorts of devices probably isn't going to be bumping into a bloke in a black trenchcoat full of phones asking, "Wanna buy a mobile? It's more likely to be through online auction site, such as eBay (which I should point has a policy forbidding the sale of stolen goods). One still has to wonder to what extent this is enforced.
Every mobile handset has an electronic serial number programmed into it when it is manufactured. This identifier is know as an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and you can find the 15-digit number of GSM phones by entering *#06# into the keypad of your handset.
In September 2003, mobile phone providers in Australia banded together in an attempt to curb mobile theft by blocking handsets (through the IMEI number) reported as lost or stolen from accessing their networks.
According to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (ATMA), nearly 165,000 mobiles have been blocked in the nine months since the program started. Previously, when ATMA reported that 50,000 handsets had been blocked figures suggested theft accounted for 71 per cent of these while 29 per cent had been lost.
Personally, I've found myself in both these categories. I've lost my mobile phone countless times, but thankfully it always manages to show up under a pair of jeans in the laundry basket or in the jacket I left at the local drinking establishment I patronised the previous night - bless those honest people in the lost and found department. However, in the past I have had a mobile phone stolen and immediately reported it to the phone company to put a bar on calls. ATMA also suggests you contact the police.
Even if your phone is stolen and you go through the necessary reporting steps to block the handset from networks in Australia it is possible for theives to electronically alter an IMEI number using software from the Web and a data cable connecting PCs to phones.
However, to help strengthen the blocking scheme, legislation before Parliament proposes to make modifying IMEI numbers a crime punishable by up two years imprisonment. The Bill also deals with offences related to the copying of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card data and threats and hoaxes made using a telecommunications service.
Warney, er, warning: using a carriage service (eg. SMS) to menace, harass or cause offence could bring about penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment.
If you are considering buying a second hand mobile phone, ensure you ask for the IMEI number and check the status of the mobile phone here.
The last thing you want after forking out big bucks is a handset on which you can only play Snake.
What impact do you think mobile phone blocking has on theft? Have your say below.
Whatever you question, comment or concern, send it along to cnet@cnet.com.au. If you'd just like to know more about a feature or need some advice, we'll offer our insight into the mobile world every week.
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Chantel
22/08/2004 04:21 PM
Blocking has no effect what-so-ever, as I have had a phone stolen a couple of weeks ago. Of course I called it and the idiot picked it up and said if I want it to pay her $50 for it. I said 'no' and to give it back or I'll call the cops. She hung up but kept on calling me on my stolen phone. So I put a block on it and called the cops and the cops haven't done a single thing.
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girl23
16/01/2006 09:49 PM
police have a tracking device that can trace imei's usage down to the suburb a phone is being used in, and by what mobile number it is running off. 99% of the time mobile numbers are generated or contracted by details off a drivers licence number and therefore ,an address, but due to law, it is seen as an infringement on the rights of the theives that have stolen your phone to pass this infor on to you or to track them down.
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hercules
20/04/2006 11:20 AM
sure blocking has had a major impact on mobiel theft...telecomunication company can stun your phone and render it usless... but ever think the cops will help you find a stolen one, your truely delutional.. i have been trying to get them to help me in finding my stolen pet of 16 years which was stolen along with my camper van and a mobile phone to track the imei number with little or no help at all.....they have had no interest and cerainly no motivation at all......... E.mcmaine
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hercules
28/04/2006 05:36 PM
anonamous dude if the phone means a great deal to you give her the $50.00 ...i tolally agree with you about the cops they weill do nothing at all..... not a dam thing .ive had this experience lately.... ive lost my camper home , my pet of 16 years the phone and they havent dont a bloody thing....they protecting his \ her identity ..can u belive it????
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bec
13/11/2006 09:11 PM
The cops can do something but it may take longer. I had my phone stolen 2 days ago and i know who has it i just need proof that they have it. Is there anywhere online where you can actually trace the IM number thingy and if you can actually find out what it is without your phone?
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steve
29/11/2006 02:48 PM
I think I lost my phone at an interstate airport. It rings but won't answer, and will shortly run out of battery. My understanding is that it is possible, even without the phone being used, for the network to be able to determine which cell it is currently linked to, and hence the phone's approximate location. My phone company says no. It's really frustrating to know the phone is out there somewhere, and any possible chance of tracing it electronically will shortly be gone. That sucks.
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Vince
28/12/2006 03:17 PM
I recently bought a stolen phone (P910i) from an eBay dealer. Who mind you took the phone off eBay to sell it. I paid via PayPal. Two weeks later I took it in for an update of firmware and it was discovered to be hacked. I contacted the dealer and she could care less, I contacted Paypal and they said it was delivered they have nothing more to do with it. eBay does not seem to care the dealer took it offline. I give up, I lost $390. Telstra said take it to the police, I have and its a case file wonder if anything will ever happen
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Umar
24/03/2007 07:47 PM
Man !!!!!!! I lost My N70 In Pakistan which cost me RS 20.000 .. . Nokia should give tracking devices with each phone .
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dayan
17/04/2007 08:58 AM
i lost my i885 some jerk took it and i want it back the phone is on but he doesnt answer. i want to get my phone back cuz it has alot of information in there please help me finding my phone
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jolly
20/05/2007 08:51 PM
I have already used the above web site program, had phone stolen and retrieved it 45 mins later when I rang the person and told them I have there details, I would go to police. They returned it no questions.
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ravisingh_196
25/05/2007 04:14 PM
i licve in india and my motolora mobile was stolen from the hostel.the person kept t he sim card back but took the mobile.i have the iemi no and all. i contacted the service providers the hutuch company .they said that in india that no is of no use that service is not avaliable her.can you tell me any way too fined tace my mobile or was that person lying .please emil me at ravisingh_196@yahoo.co.in. i will be grateful to yoy
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bella
30/05/2007 01:45 PM
well im sorry to break sum peeps hopes on ere that r readin dis but sum people will probably break the fone to completely ruin every chance the owner had of tracking them down.. lol that prety darn sad i think if a fones gone its gone.. i mean spesh if its valuable who would giv it back?? those nasty people would rather break it then give it back just to avoid gettin caught.. sad reality ayy
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Asad.farooqui
03/06/2007 10:15 AM
I lost my nokia n91 just a month old some guy came and picked it off my desk we have the gy in cctv cameras but no one is able to identify him is there anyway we can trace calls made from my cell phone
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mahendra
12/06/2007 12:47 AM
Now you can track your lost/stolen mobile by using Micro LMTS (http://microlmts.net/) developed by an Indian small size company listed on BSE and NSE Micro Technologies. NASSCOM has awarded micro technologies as best innovative company in India for the year 2005, for their product Micro VBB (Vehicle Security System) And also got 'Maharashtra IT Award 2006' for (R&D) When user change SIM it send’s new SIM no. on email address and other no. provided by you. It also sends the current location by using this you can easily trace your mobile. For more details and compatible handset list go to site http://microlmts.net/ . This s/w is available only at Rs 299. Lot of people is not aware about this useful product. Micro technologies has tied up with Bharti Airtel for Micro LMTS marketing & distribution.
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confuxsed
19/07/2007 11:20 AM
bought a stolen phone, is ow barred. how can i get a code to un bar the phone???
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pinoy
19/07/2007 08:03 PM
that's what you get for patronizing stolen good!
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edmund
26/07/2007 01:30 PM
Dear Sir, My mobile was robbed on 23/7/2007 at the CBS Stand at Nasik while entering a crowded bus at around 21.15 hrs. This mobile was very precious for me as it has lots of photos, videos, voice recodings and sms's which were very personal and close to my heart. I hope some way you help me to get the mobile back. I will be very greatful to you. I have also filed a FIR at Sarkarwada Police Station, Nasik (Complaint No.1123/2007 dtd 24/7/2007). The details of my stolen mobile are as under.... My name:Edmund D'Silva Address:H.No. 158, P.T Marg, Behind Hotel Nayan, Igatpuri, Dist-Nasik. PIN 422402. Phone model:Nokia 6300 Make:Nokia Last used No.:9850689510 (I am still using this no.) E-mail for communication: edmund.dsilva@gmail.com Missed date:23/07/2007. IMEI No.:356261016475111 Waiting with lots of hope. Yours faithfully, Edmund D'Silva
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ravi
07/08/2007 08:07 PM
Dear Sir / Madam, I had lost my mobile in a crowded bus in Mumbai, Near Andheri (E) Stn. and without it, I'm in a very precarious situation right now. I came to know about your service recently and so mailed my concern to your id. The phone contains a lot of important personal and business contacts in it, which I cannot afford to lose. It was also embedded with a 512GB extended memory card of Sandisk make. I would very grateful if you can put in your best effort to retrieve my mobile. I have listed out the details below as required by you to aid the trace. Your name : Ravi Sharma Address : House No. P-96/4, army area, Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai -400005. Phone model : W800i Make : Sony Ericsson Last used No.: 09313686709 E-mail for communication: ravi2603@gmail.com / ravi_sharma_n@yahoo.co.in Missed date : 07/08/07 IMEI No. : 35785100-286283-2 While the local cops have turned a deaf ear, you are my only hope that I cling to. Please be kind enough to reply me whatever is the result of your search, though I hope to best extent, that it would be positive one. -- Ravi Sharma
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arun
13/08/2007 11:56 PM
guru my name is arun some thief fellow theft my mobile in class room today the cell model is nokia ngage and the imei no is: 353360009264921
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raghuramguptha
25/08/2007 07:57 PM
sir i m raghuram my phone was theft its model is nok 6600 my imei no is 3593650053457 so plz say me phone number of the theft person to 9290980997 or email me
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kuldeep
28/09/2007 06:32 AM
very good service
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SANJEEV KHARE
29/09/2007 04:54 AM
I have Purchased a New Mobile Set W200i Rhuthm Black, Make Sony Ericsson, S/N:T2600AKH1H, IMEI:35426901-791180-4 on Dated 22.09.2007 from Delhi (INDIA). Unfortunately, On the date of 26.09.2007, I have lost my above Mobile Set During Traveling in PATNA, State Bihar, INDIA, First of all, you are requested to TRACE it. You are requested to TRACE it by Mobile Tracking Facility at your end and inform us accordingly. Thanking you, Kind Regards SANJEEV KHARE B-7/88, Pharma Apartments 88, I.P.Extn Delhi-110092 +919810317680 +919891101813 mod_sys@rediffmail.com
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Satish
06/10/2007 03:51 AM
Blocking the lost mobile is useless because if blocked also remember one thing THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET BACK OUR MOBILE. SO BEFORE LOOSING UR MOBILE PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Satish_bds@rediffmail.com
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gopi
07/10/2007 05:10 PM
I hav lost mi Motorola V3i its IMEI no. 359414-00-979351-4 silver quartz mi phone no.is 09719057076 mi email is gopipajji@yahoo.com plese let me know where mi mobil is. pls inform mi name gurpreet singh (Rinku)
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rachit
19/10/2007 02:02 AM
i just lost my n72 today what all ways by which i can track it down ????i do not have the bill with me as it is lost.........i have the imei number is there any site or any firm that can help with this ????? plz it i do not belong to a wealthy family and had to save for 1year to get this phone plz sir/maam...plz help me
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1234
28/10/2007 04:27 PM
i have already lost my n73 handset now i purchased nokia 6300 and need anti theft software plz help me. Thank u
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tonga
31/10/2007 11:55 PM
good
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Sarah Neerjah Swing
07/11/2007 07:53 PM
On the 27th of October this year, I purchased Nokia N95. It got stolen from my office.Would the GPS in that mobile help in anyway to trace its location? The concerned company is investigating this matter to trace it.When Nokia manufactures such expensive mobiles, there should be a preloaded anti - theft software.
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WillieB
23/11/2007 01:18 AM
My buddy recently felt ill with cancer, lost his job & couldn't pay his account with the network. They blocked the Nokia N70 handset & he gave it to me. Subsequently he passed on & the life insurance covered the contract but the network refuses to unblock. Maybe I could swop it for someone's outside RSA who's in similar situation...not a stolen handset. Or get it unblocked in some way. Stopping the change of IMEI nrs is only good to the point where it's not relevant
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M FAROOQ
28/11/2007 05:57 AM
i have imei and i wanna track my mobile is it possible
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Ajmer Singh
29/11/2007 01:54 AM
Hi i lost my nokia 6300 will u help me to find my moblem
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BHARATH
05/12/2007 05:20 PM
i lost my nokia n70 IMEI 356294018770635
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Suman
31/12/2007 10:50 PM
I lost my Sony Ericsson Z550i Phone On 26-12-2007 And Report Police and Airtel My No. is 9816643598 still using And IMEI No. Is 35212401-448318-6. thank IF suggest som ray of hope thks
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samuls
05/01/2008 08:50 AM
i think i can find my friends
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sanjiv4488
14/01/2008 07:32 PM
i theft my mobile 4m my office my mobile showroom imei:-355906010670049 modle:-Fly 2040L
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leochb
17/01/2008 03:03 AM
is there any way then to track stolen cell & catch the thief in Indai?
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Sarfraz
18/01/2008 05:59 AM
hiiiiii my Nokia 6600 is theft imei(357952008006562) last used no.9871142387 and i am still using this no. plz help to get my phone back. i will be very thankfull u
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lily
31/01/2008 03:03 PM
i got this brand new n95 8gb i got it off this lady on the street and i did ask her if its legit and of coz she said yes and that she got it her self from the store, she just didnt want it no more so i got it off her 2nd hand for $900, it looked prety new too me! after 4days of use i tryed to make a call one day it says its been blocked by optus net work T_T, any1 help me please i dont know what to do!!
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GIRISH CHANDRA UPADHYAY
01/02/2008 12:41 AM
MY MOBILE PHONE HAS BEEN STOLEN WHILE I AM TRAVELLING IN PUBLIC BUS, IMEI NO-352364008833604
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mgistracker
01/03/2008 11:54 PM
it is possible to trace a lost mobile with the help of MGISTracker-The Mobile Tracker Card. For more deatils, you may logon to www.mgistracker.com
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sunilraj
25/03/2008 03:25 PM
i lost my mobile spice S-900 but i dnt know the imei number how can i find the IMEI number plz help me!9704874331 lost number presently am using 9704874332 plz helpme!
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Leo
02/05/2008 01:05 PM
I bought a phone from eBay 7 months ago and use it with no problem for 7 months, all of a sudden the phone has been blocked and I've checked this phone is reported lost/stolen! I could not contact the seller anymore, do you guys think contacting the police for this fraud is the only option I have?
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Wizard4it
31/05/2008 02:54 AM
Hi, Recently I lost my mobile at a 30th birthday party, there was only about 15 people there but noone is saying anything about my phone. I know I went missing at the party, the mobile is 2 weeks old ( Nokia N95 8GB ), it unisured and on a $79 month / 24 month contract. Vodafone is reluctant to do anything other than bar the phone and sim. There must be another way, recently the person who has it, logged on for 20 mins and downloaded a data packet ( 986K ) so I know the person knows its mine and could ( if honest ) simply called a number on the contact list and said this phone is lost who does it belong to, but instead they download a screensaver or ringtone or something. Vodafone still wont do anything. Someone, please help me, Just a general idea of the location its being used would be helpful.
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shirley
18/08/2008 05:15 PM
my mobile is lost nokia 6233 2 months old i have the IMEI, can i block the handset plz help it was gifted from spl 1 and is no more plz help MY CONTACT.2438042
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Vivek
30/08/2008 04:50 PM
Hi I have lost my Nokia 6500 few days back.IMEI no is 3576 5901 6223 812. Plz tell me how to find the handset For any details plz call me on 9916303841. Thanxs in advance for ur help.
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Red
07/09/2008 02:12 PM
Someone stole my Nokia 6500 a few days ago. I called the phone company so they could suspend the service but I haven't yet contacted the police. I really need my phone back because it has important numbers/photos on it. Can you help me?
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