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Losing Your Cell Phone Could Cost More Than You Think

Consumers should treat phones like credit cards

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

December 7, 2007 

KXAS-TV in Dallas reports an airline passenger who left his phone on the plane ended up with a bill for nearly $8,000 after the person who found his phone used it to download ring tones, music and other products.

The consumer didn’t report his lost phone because he received a call from someone who said they were with the airline, telling him it had been turned into lost and found. However, it turns out that call was not from the airline but from the person who found the phone and decided to keep it. The call was obviously designed as a stalling tactic.

Under most cell phone service agreements, the customer is liable for all charges on an account, unless the phone has been reported as lost or stolen. Once reported, the service provided blocks the account so it can’t be used.

By not reporting his lost cell phone, the Dallas consumer gave the person who had his phone 13 days in which to download. The lesson, say security experts, is to treat your cell phone just like your credit cards. Report it immediately if it’s lost or stolen.

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