If your cell phone gets lost or stolen, you need to act real fast. The chances of getting your phone back may almost be nil, but at least you need to ensure that you do not invite unnecessary problems due to the misplaced mobile. Whether your mobile is lost accidentally or has been stolen by someone intentionally, you should not panic. The very first step you need to take is to be calm and try to recollect the events preceding the loss. You may just realize how you lost your phone.
If this does not work, informing your mobile service provider, and the law enforcers, is imperative. In fact both of them together can retrieve your cell if they are informed early enough. Here are some steps you should take immediately after you have lost your mobile, explained in detail:
1. Inform your network service provider as soon as you realize that your cell is missing. It is a good idea to have the service provider number and the nearest service center information with you always. Report the theft or loss, whichever it is, and mention all the details to the service provider. You will have to furnish all details pertaining to your identity, your cell details, company name, number etc. Once the service provider is assured that you indeed have the number registered in your name, they will make sure that your number gets disabled with immediate effect. Ensure that you confirm with the service provider the status of your number (whether it is still enabled or whether it has been disabled).
2. File a FIR with the police. It is recommended that whenever you lose something, you file a FIR in the nearest police station. In the case of your mobile getting lost, the need to do so is even more pronounced. This is because your cell carries a lot of your personal details which make you susceptible to police suspicion in the event of your cell being misused somewhere. In some cases you may need an FIR number to ensure prompt action from mobile service providers.
3. If you had your cell phone insured, get in touch with the insurance company immediately. Your claims on the insurance money will not be entertained if you delay in informing the insurance authorities. They may need to be convinced that you have really lost your cell phone. That is why it is important that you complete steps 1 and 2 as fast as possible before claiming the insurance money. Thus informing them at the outset should be your priority.
So, make sure that you follow all the above steps. If you complete all the necessary steps quickly after you have lost possession of your cell phone, there is a good chance that you may get it back, with the proper authorities taking prompt action. But even if the investigative processes fail to recover your cell phone, you are at least saved from legal calamities in the event of a crime of which your cell phone has been made a part.