The steep increase in the usage of unlocked cell phones, created by the expansion of the wireless Internet arena has resulted in a boom for this category in the US cellular market. However, another business flourishing in its shadow is resale of stolen mobile phones. Cell phone theft is a growing problem all over the world and cell phone thieves are prolific coming from every demographic. There are lurking cell phone thieves in pubs, trains, on the roads – in fact in all public places. Just because you own a cheap unlocked cell phone does not mean that mobile GSM thieves aren’t out to get it away from you. This makes a strong case for insuring your cell phone to protect it from thieves – aside from common breakage and issues normally covered by manufacturers’ and extended warranty. For only $4 a month you can get quite comprehensive coverage against almost all these eventualities, and keeping in mind unlocked cell phones can cost you in excess of $500 per unit, the decision to get cheap insurance for your personal or small business phones is a wise one.

UK unlocked cell phone thefts have seen a major increase since last decade. Statistics show a cell phone theft happening in UK every 3 seconds. 710,000 cell phones were stolen in 2002 according to reports. Not all the thefts are reported so this is just the tip of the iceberg. People have been unsuspectingly “nicked” (as the British term it) of their unlocked cell phones, both prepaid and postpaid, in Internet cafes, purposely robbed on roads and removed from their mobile handsets in pubs and restaurants. The cell phone thieves have become so fearless that they don’t even mind sometimes beating or even killing a person to steal your Nokia N96 or Blackberry Storm from your pocket. In 2002, a woman was shot in the head, when showing resistance in parting with her brand name 3G GSM prepaid phone. New laws are being churned out and existing laws are being modified to give custodial sentences to thieves who steal cell phones. In countries like South Africa and Nigeria cell phone theft is nearly always accompanied by extreme and unnecessary violence. Thankfully, it is not nearly as bad from this particular angle in the UK and USA

US phone thefts are also not far behind the UK. The rate at which cell phone thefts have increased in US cities, everyone seems to be in danger. Providence, Rhode Island’s biggest city is becoming notorious for these robberies. A victim who had his cell phone stolen recalls being beaten mercilessly by three people before stealing his unlocked cell phone. On New Year’s Eve of 2009, 68 cell phones, GSM and 3G technology equipped, were stolen from a kiosk in Staten Island Mall in New York.

The thieves resort to different techniques that range between two extremes:

  • Stealth: For example, your coat hanging on the chair, your GSM unlocked cell phone in the pocket. The thief walks past lifting it without you even knowing it.
  • Brazen snatch: You may be waiting for the bus and talking on your mobile phone when suddenly someone grabs it and runs.

Swiping, pick-pocketing and conning cell phones off tabletops, in crowded places and unsuspecting cell phone owners respectively, are also quite common methods of unlocked cell phone Wifi theft. 

Tips to avoid cell phone thefts

 

  • Besides obtaining good insurance cover always be alert. Be aware of what is happening in your surroundings at all times.
  • Use your unlocked mobile phone restrictively at public places. If you have to attend a call, stand at a secure place and still be alert.
  • Preferably use it in silent mode at public places to avoid unnecessary attention of thieves.
  • Never hand over your cell phone to a stranger. In emergency situations, offer to call for them.
  • Every unlocked and locked cell phone has an IMEI number. This is used for cell phone identification on GSM network. Make sure you have noted it down somewhere so as if the need arises, you can get your stolen cell phone blacklisted. For more information on IMEI, you can checkout No IMEI number means no insurance for unlocked cell phones.
  • Report immediately if your locked or unlocked cell phone is lost or stolen. Register a complaint with police and inform your cell phone provider.

US cellular Insurance for unlocked phones

Anti-theft software like mGuard helps to locate the stolen phone. US cellular service providers help the theft victims by blocking the cell phones and tracing them. People often forget or don’t bother to take insurance for their cell phones. Whether a cell phone is GSM, locked or unlocked, postpaid or prepaid, cheap or costly, insurance comes handy in worse situations because it covers lost and stolen phones – as well as breakage. In short, the impact of theft is buffered by a good but cheap cellular insurance. Various cheap insurance plans are available in the US cellular market and you can either get it from your service provider or on the wireless Internet when you buy your unlocked cell phone. Ensquared , a customer friendly company will be be offering a program on Insurance for unlocked cell phones during 2009.