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Mirroreddog

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 24, 2012
3
0
Hello,

I found a iphone 4s in a trash can near my work. the phone was ringing loudly with a message on it saying " this iphone has been lost. please call me. 363-6" also has a call button on it. but when I press call I get a recording telling me the number is invalid. There is also a passcode lock on the phone so I can't even check the contacts to call anyone who might be able to get a hold of the owner by other means.
I was wondering if there was any other way of tracking down the owner, maybe through AT&T or apple? Its a long shot but I know these phones are not cheep and would like to see it returned to its owner.
 

r.j.s

Moderator emeritus
Mar 7, 2007
15,026
52
Texas
I'd try to leave it on and wait for a call - if the owner sent a message to it, they will likely try to call it.
 

GoCubsGo

macrumors Nehalem
Feb 19, 2005
35,741
153
Also see if you can ask Siri who you are. It may work if they didn't disable Siri when the phone is locked.
 

Mirroreddog

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 24, 2012
3
0
Phone has been on for 24 hours no other calls.

Not sure how to ask Siri or even if its on. I can only see the lost message screen, passcode input screen and emergence call screen.

The trash can I found it in was out side the MGM casino in Las Vegas. most likely dumped there from a theft.
 

Tyler23

macrumors 603
Dec 2, 2010
5,664
159
Atlanta, GA
Phone has been on for 24 hours no other calls.

Not sure how to ask Siri or even if its on. I can only see the lost message screen, passcode input screen and emergence call screen.

The trash can I found it in was out side the MGM casino in Las Vegas. most likely dumped there from a theft.

Try holding down the home button from the lock screen to bring up Siri. You can ask it who you are, or ask it to call home or mom or dad, you get the idea. A lot of people allow Siri functionality from the lock screen without having to enter a pass code. Definitely worth a shot. If that doesn't work I'd definitely just keep it on and charged in case someone tries to contact it.

Very commendable what you're doing, hope you're efforts to return it won't be in vain!
 

bogatyr

macrumors 65816
Mar 13, 2012
1,127
1
Phone has been on for 24 hours no other calls.

Not sure how to ask Siri or even if its on. I can only see the lost message screen, passcode input screen and emergence call screen.

The trash can I found it in was out side the MGM casino in Las Vegas. most likely dumped there from a theft.

Hold the home button down to activate Siri. Then you can try asking who you are or try call dad, call mom, etc.
 

Mirroreddog

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 24, 2012
3
0
no go with holding the home button on the lock screen.

I finally got a hold of a AT&T rep. But just like I thought they have no way of knowing who the owner is. I did find out though the lost message I see should be showing a phone number. I guess the owner put their info in wrong. So let this be a reminder to iphone owners to double check your phone info on lost phone apps. because believe it or not there are still good people out there. :cool:
 

bogatyr

macrumors 65816
Mar 13, 2012
1,127
1
I finally got a hold of a AT&T rep. But just like I thought they have no way of knowing who the owner is.

Weird, if it was Verizon you could take it to a Verizon store and they'll contact the owner and return it to them.
 

Satnam1989

macrumors 65816
Nov 16, 2011
1,200
0
Illinois
Why dont you take out the sim card, put it into your phone...this way at least you can get the phone number so when you contact AT&T you can tell them "hey I found a phone with this phone number and would like to return it to the owner, could you please get in touch with them and have them call me back at xxx-xxx-xxxx number, thanks"

To obtain the phone number you can put it into your iPhone 4/4S if you have one or any other phone with a adapter or a cut-out of a full size sim, go to SETTINGS->Phone on iPhone and its a little different on Android and Windows Mobile.
 

Leonard1818

macrumors 68020
Nov 15, 2011
2,460
403
In for resoluton. Nice to see people trying to do the right thing! Thumbs up to you fine sir/madam
 

sulpfiction

macrumors 68040
Aug 16, 2011
3,075
603
Philadelphia Area
no go with holding the home button on the lock screen. :cool:

What do U mean, "no go". What happens? I don't know one person who has Siri disabled from the lock screen. Are u sure ur doing it correctly?

I'd keep it charged and one for a week or 2. If they tried to locate it once, chances are they will try again.
 

PNutts

macrumors 601
Jul 24, 2008
4,874
357
Pacific Northwest, US
They have better things to do and less incentive to track down its owner than you do.

I have better things to do and less incentive to do their job. :D But seriously, the OP is wondering what to do and the clock ticks and the owner doesn't have their phone. The police will know what to do, especially if it was a robbery and the owner filed a report.
 

JayLenochiniMac

macrumors G5
Nov 7, 2007
12,819
2,389
New Sanfrakota
The police will know what to do, especially if it was a robbery and the owner filed a report.

You're giving them too much credit. The police in our area refused to file a report on my wife's behalf when someone stole her laptop (because the loss was under a certain amount). They'll care less about a cell phone.
 

LapsangSouchong

macrumors 65816
Jul 15, 2010
1,349
0
the burrows
Thank you for doing the right thing!

Keep trying. Take it to an apple store if you can. There's one in caesars isn't there? They can find the owner.


And it makes my glad my lock screen image is my email address. It says: if found please email....and then my address. I hope, if I ever lose my phone that you're the one who finds it.
 

725032

Guest
Aug 5, 2012
724
0
Thank you for doing the right thing!

Keep trying. Take it to an apple store if you can. They can find the owner.


And it makes my glad my lock screen image is my email address. It says: if found please email....and then my address. I hope, if I ever lose my phone that you're the one who finds it.

Hopefully not the same e mail as ur apple id
 
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