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Help - My Laptop was Stolen

C

cksd1

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 20, 2010
1
0
Not sure if anyone can help me on this.
I am currently in South America and my backpack was taken from me with you guessed it, my Macbook. This is the first time I have travelled with it and made a huge rookie mistake....it was not set on password protect.

I can't call Apple because the number does not work from South America and there was NO email contact info. I resorted to emailing feedback and asking them what to do.

Can they de-register the computer so that if someone trys to sell it and the buyer checks the serial number it will be reported as stolen? I'm sure its just going to be sold on the street but thought I would check if anyone knows contact information at apple to deregister.

Thanks

Cheryl
 
Unfortunately I think you might have to chalk it up as a loss. If you had any credit/banking info. on it you should cancel those immediately. Good luck!
 
Register it with the police, and if you can register the Serial with the apple store that's nearest. SHould be able to get the Serial from apple through the purchase.

It's such a shame that the theft recovery apps don't do a free version , and pay later.
 
bigaudiofanatic said:
This is one reason why I am thinking of buying lojack for my macbook. Just in case.

Good luck man
Click to expand...

Lojack doesn't even install and support is very bad.

Prey and Orbicule's Undercover are both options that do install cleanly and appear to work. I actually have both on my LT.
 
Even with a password, they could just mount the hard drive on another machine and view all your files if they really wanted to.

As others have said, report it to the police, though I'd probably start saving for a new one. Chances of ever getting it again, especially since you are travelling, are pretty slim.
 
Stolen

ae3265 said:
Lojack doesn't even install and support is very bad.

Prey and Orbicule's Undercover are both options that do install cleanly and appear to work. I actually have both on my LT.
Click to expand...

I installed Lojack for Laptops without a problem.
 
Since it was stolen in South America, I would say that the chance of recovery is slim-to-none. I think the only thing you can do is to evaluate the circumstances under which your laptop was stolen so that you avoid a repeat occurrence. Your best bet is to file a police report and contact your homeowner's insurance when you return home.
 
When you get your replacement, you should consider setting up a h/w password on it, and also getting some type of recovery service. I have Undercover on both of my MBPs.
 
Apple has no "stolen database" so don't bother contacting them.

I guess I would report it to police in hopes its recovered, but good luck. How old was it? If it was newer and purchased with a credit card, it may be covered under their benefits. That or homeowners insurance.
 
cksd1 said:
Not sure if anyone can help me on this.
I am currently in South America and my backpack was taken from me with you guessed it, my Macbook. This is the first time I have travelled with it and made a huge rookie mistake....it was not set on password protect.

I can't call Apple because the number does not work from South America and there was NO email contact info. I resorted to emailing feedback and asking them what to do.

Can they de-register the computer so that if someone trys to sell it and the buyer checks the serial number it will be reported as stolen? I'm sure its just going to be sold on the street but thought I would check if anyone knows contact information at apple to deregister.

Thanks

Cheryl
Click to expand...

I do not know what South American country your in, but you can call anywhere to the USA from South America. You only need the access code for the USA first.....00 then Apples phone number.

I doubt that the buyer would attempt to reregister your MacBook. It is stolen after all, and yes the thief would sell it ASAP for the money.
 
rwd hero said:
The Undercover service seems like an amazing service. I am defiantly getting it when i get an extra $50.
Click to expand...

It is great considering the price. I believe I learned about it after reading a review in either a MacUser or MacLife. I really like the fact they can simulate a h/w failure and also take photos with iSight, thus identifying the thief. And of course, all this on top of the location tracking.
 
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