Stolen Phone- Apple & AT&T don't protect customers

[anubis]

www.stuffbak.com

It works and it's relatively cheap.

Also, $0 full coverage insurance is cheap.

It's not Apple nor AT&T's job to ensure your phone doesn't get stolen.

 

[senorFunkyPants]

www.stuffbak.com
It's not Apple nor AT&T's job to ensure your phone doesn't get stolen.

However I would have thought it *was* AT&Ts job not to allow stolen phones to be used on their network. Its not like its difficult to block network access by IMEI number they just can't be bothered.

 

[aristobrat]

T-Mobile US doesn't block IMEI numbers, either, making a grand total of zero US national GSM networks that will. All either will do is prevent your SIM from being used.

 

[chelsalexander]

stolen iphone lawsuit

So, my iPhone was stolen last night. I called both AT&T and Apple, and I was told that although the serial number is transmitted via iTunes when activating a new account, there is no way for either company to use this serial number to actually block the registration of a new account on a stolen phone.

Tech support at Apple claims that they're working on greater security measures to prevent thieves from activating stolen phones in the future. Basically, I don't buy it. I have no doubt that their systems have the functionality now to flag those serial numbers that have been reported lost or stolen. But they lack any real incentive, short of class action lawsuit, to change the status quo.

Here's why: when your iPhone is stolen, Apple makes another $400 sale (you gotta get a new phone, right?) and AT&T gets a new contract from the thief. What a way to double sales AND screw your customers. And since they offer no insurance for theft or loss on the iPhone, you're basically carrying $400 cash in your pocket.

If anyone thinks my understanding of this situation is wrong, please let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

HI, i have recently had my iphone stolen. I thought for sure since the phone has gps i would call apple and they could track it, and i know they have the technology but they will not. They told me they dont have the technology to do such a thing, what a load of crap! I called att and they said the same thing. I recently discovered that whoever stole the phone can take the sim card out and put a new one in and att will activate it just like a regular customer even though it will show up on their computer as stolen! see all iphones have a imie # or something like that and when they activate the stolen phone it will show that # linked to 2 seperate accounts and yet att does nothing about it. I think its their obligation to atleast call you at let you know who activated your phone. I know im not the only person who has had a phone stolen and has this problem. I AM going to start a class action lawsuit and need all the people i can to see this through, please reply asap and lets get this started. I know its a hassle now but it will be worth it in the end. They have no right to not use the technology they have to help us find our phones!

 

[gcmexico]

So, my iPhone was stolen last night. I called both AT&T and Apple, and I was told that although the serial number is transmitted via iTunes when activating a new account, there is no way for either company to use this serial number to actually block the registration of a new account on a stolen phone.

Tech support at Apple claims that they're working on greater security measures to prevent thieves from activating stolen phones in the future. Basically, I don't buy it. I have no doubt that their systems have the functionality now to flag those serial numbers that have been reported lost or stolen. But they lack any real incentive, short of class action lawsuit, to change the status quo.

Here's why: when your iPhone is stolen, Apple makes another $400 sale (you gotta get a new phone, right?) and AT&T gets a new contract from the thief. What a way to double sales AND screw your customers. And since they offer no insurance for theft or loss on the iPhone, you're basically carrying $400 cash in your pocket.

If anyone thinks my understanding of this situation is wrong, please let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

*
Apple will not do anything for you if any of your products are stolen....I read a thread here about registering your iphone at some site that might help

 

[StoneColdSober]

HI, i have recently had my iphone stolen. I thought for sure since the phone has gps i would call apple and they could track it, and i know they have the technology but they will not. They told me they dont have the technology to do such a thing, what a load of crap! I called att and they said the same thing. I recently discovered that whoever stole the phone can take the sim card out and put a new one in and att will activate it just like a regular customer even though it will show up on their computer as stolen! see all iphones have a imie # or something like that and when they activate the stolen phone it will show that # linked to 2 seperate accounts and yet att does nothing about it. I think its their obligation to atleast call you at let you know who activated your phone. I know im not the only person who has had a phone stolen and has this problem. I AM going to start a class action lawsuit and need all the people i can to see this through, please reply asap and lets get this started. I know its a hassle now but it will be worth it in the end. They have no right to not use the technology they have to help us find our phones!

I'm sorry your iPhone was stolen. I really am. But neither Apple nor AT&T have any such obligation. Would it be NICE if they would do what you are asking? Sure. But just because it would be convenient, nice or good business practice for them to do such a thing does not in any way, shape or form mean they are obligated to do so.

Neither AT&T nor Apple make any representations that they can or will do what you are asking in any of their contracts, marketing materials, brochures, instruction manuals or any other material.

Frivolous suits such as what you have described are what is wrong with the US justice system.

Instead of spending your money, time and energy and that of an attorney/law firm and the court, move on with your life and spend that energy on more fruitful and rewarding endeavors.

 

[26139]

Thats the wrong part about your statement. Unless you were heldup at gunpoint, there is no good reason your phone should have been stolen other then you not being completely careful.

Don't blame Apple or AT&T, sounds like its YOUR fault.

Very lame to blame the victim here. While this may have been preventable, it certainly isn't his fault.

 

[26139]

As it happens, this story has a happy ending. The thief, after ignoring dozens of phone calls and texts, finally called me and offered me the phone back without strings. Maybe he had a pang of conscience. Or maybe he got worried that he wouldn't be able to use the thing. If so, he didn't know what I know-- that it's easy to unlock an iPhone and set up service with another provider. Ain't nobody gonna stop him. The bottom line is that he decided he'd rather not screw over a stranger just because that person was not being "completely careful."

I bought the underachieving thief a round of drinks to show my gratitude and decided to insure my phone for theft through State Farm...

You bought him a round of drinks? Screw that. It's amazing that people think that simply not doing evil somehow translates into doing the right thing. The absence of bad does not mean it's good.

 

[9822679]

Bull**** man

You probably lost your phone, and got lucky that the person was able to contact you

Look at the price of unsubsidized nokia n95's and the newer sony ericssons

I have no pity for uninformed people like you

FYI if you lose your phone you simply pay the same price as the first phone I.e
200-300 dollars

 

[rjohnstone]

Very lame to blame the victim here. While this may have been preventable, it certainly isn't his fault.

Sorry, but totally the victims fault.
Welcome to REAL LIFE. Keep a good eye on your ***** or it will grow legs.

Neither AT&T or Apple have any obligation to do anything to help you.
The terms of the contract are crystal clear.

The ONLY thing AT&T is obligated to do is deactivate your SIM and issue you a new one.

Sorry your phone got stolen... it's a hard lesson to learn.

 

[TheBearman]

Sorry, but I agree with the original poster on this. They have a trackable resource and should provide some assistance if for no other reason than to deter theft. I will say that I don't think they are doing this to boost their bottom line with additional sales.

If your car is stolen, through no fault of yours do you not expect auto service centers to track the vin if it taken in for service? I know GM does. Hell, for a fee they will use the on board GPS to track your car(granted smart thieves know how to disable this).

As for the wallet being stolen and trying to compare that with a stolen iphone.... sure your cash is lost but don't for one second tell me you don't expect your credit card companies to assist law enforcement in tracking the use and disabling/refunding charges.

My guess on AT&T not offering insurance on this phone must be to keep from losing money.

 

[StoneColdSober]

My guess on AT&T not offering insurance on this phone must be to keep from losing money.

It's not that AT&T won't offer insurance for the iPhone, the insurance provider, Assurion, won't insure the iPhone. It is only within the last 6-8 months Assurion was even willing to offer insurance on some of the less expensive smartphones.

 

[w0lfman]

I guess no one bothered to ask the at&t wireless rep about the $4.99 a month insurance that will cover lost or stolen phones.

 

[StoneColdSober]

I guess no one bothered to ask the at&t wireless rep about the $4.99 a month insurance that will cover lost or stolen phones.

If you read my previous post you will see that the insurance offered by AT&T (the provider is actually Assurion) will not cover the iPhone or the iPhone 3G. Trust me, I got 12 letters from Assurion for the 12 iPhone 3G's on my account advising me that Assurion was canceling my insurance coverage because they don't cover the iPhone.

From the AT&T website: "Eligibility and Enrollment Options
You can enroll in Wireless Phone Insurance when you activate or upgrade your AT&T device. You must enroll within 30 days of activation or upgrade. Wireless Phone Insurance is not available for and does not apply to: Prepaid GoPhone® and Apple iPhone™."

You can find the above quote on this page.

 

[TheBearman]

I'm guessing there reason for not covering it is the flat fee way they are offering coverage. I would expect that if they moved to a model somewhat like that offered with your car insurance they could. The question then becomes, how much would it cost? After all, this is a business and at 4.99 a month they must feel claims would outstrip income.

As someone else already pointed out here you can get something from standard carriers like State Farm. I know that I have them covering my photographic equipment for a small fee. I will give them a call concerning the phone.

 

[w0lfman]

If you read my previous post you will see that the insurance offered by AT&T (the provider is actually Assurion) will not cover the iPhone or the iPhone 3G. Trust me, I got 12 letters from Assurion for the 12 iPhone 3G's on my account advising me that Assurion was canceling my insurance coverage because they don't cover the iPhone.

From the AT&T website: "Eligibility and Enrollment Options
You can enroll in Wireless Phone Insurance when you activate or upgrade your AT&T device. You must enroll within 30 days of activation or upgrade. Wireless Phone Insurance is not available for and does not apply to: Prepaid GoPhone® and Apple iPhone™."

You can find the above quote on this page.

Now thats just gay of at&t

 

[Moi un Mouton]

I agree with the OP on this. Here in the UK the networks will all block the IMEI of a stolen phone. US networks choose not to, which is a stance that makes it more attractive to steal phones. (My only disagreement is that I'd let Apple off the hook on this - it's 100% AT&T causing the problem, by choice)

The wallet analogy is stupid - if that happened and the credit card companies would not block the cards it contained, you would surely complain! The principle is the same.

 

[method84]

Im just reading this post and it just makes me more angry that some of you have the attitude of "well, take better care of your belongings, blah, blah, blah". For one AT&T doesnt offer insurance, if they did, I would of purchased it. Unfortunately, I am another person who was f*cked over by some skinny crackhead trying to get their next high. I was working overtime this weekend, for my company, in the city, locked all my doors (very OCD about this), Go inside, do the job, come back out and well, not only is my brand new iPhone 3G gone but so is my Tom Tom. Some genious decided to break the drivers side window at 10:30 in the morning in broad daylight. Who are you going to point a finger at in this case? Some things are just out of your control and theres nothing you can do about it. But, it would be nice if AT&T or Apple showed a little more care to their loyal customers who pay in 100+ dollars a month for the service and high $$ for the phone. Now the crackhead either has A.) more crack than usual or B.) a very expensive iPod Touch.

 

[26139]

hmm...

Im just reading this post and it just makes me more angry that some of you have the attitude of "well, take better care of your belongings, blah, blah, blah". For one AT&T doesnt offer insurance, if they did, I would of purchased it. Unfortunately, I am another person who was f*cked over by some skinny crackhead trying to get their next high. I was working overtime this weekend, for my company, in the city, locked all my doors (very OCD about this), Go inside, do the job, come back out and well, not only is my brand new iPhone 3G gone but so is my Tom Tom. Some genious decided to break the drivers side window at 10:30 in the morning in broad daylight. Who are you going to point a finger at in this case? Some things are just out of your control and theres nothing you can do about it. But, it would be nice if AT&T or Apple showed a little more care to their loyal customers who pay in 100+ dollars a month for the service and high $$ for the phone. Now the crackhead either has A.) more crack than usual or B.) a very expensive iPod Touch.

While I certainly feel sorry for you, what in the hell were you doing leaving expensive items like that in a car? Whether in plain view or not, that's a really, really bad idea (obviously).

Doesn't renter's or homeowner's insurance cover the iPhone?

 

[method84]

While I certainly feel sorry for you, what in the hell were you doing leaving expensive items like that in a car? Whether in plain view or not, that's a really, really bad idea (obviously).

Doesn't renter's or homeowner's insurance cover the iPhone?

I understand it might not have been the brightest idea, but I left my GPS unit mounted to the windshield and my iPhone in the center console of the work van (open, not lockable). The iPhone was out of plain site, the GPS unit wasnt. Im sure whoever did this was more or less scoping out the GPS. At any rate, I for one wouldnt figure anyone to be foolish or brave enough to break into any vehicle during daylight hours and across the street from a satellite police station . I was also parked on a main road and in front of the building I was working at. I learned a valuable lesson from this experience and I will never leave any valuables in plain site no matter how safe I feel about the situation.

Out of this situation there is a bit of hope. My employer's insurance company is going to cover the cost of the iPhone and GPS unit. The better part is I have friends in the police department that work in the area this occured. They are working on a way of tracking the iPhone and arresting the chicken sh*t coward that did this.

 

[appleaddy]

My phone gone, too

My phone is also gone. On the phone ATT told me I was protected, that no one could activate my stolen phone, but in the store the person who sold me the new iphone said there are many ways of getting around the tech stuff. He told me I wouldn't get my phone back because someone will be able to activate it. And I'm also upset that the monthly costs went up so much.

 

[aristobrat]

The better part is I have friends in the police department that work in the area this occured. They are working on a way of tracking the iPhone and arresting the chicken sh*t coward that did this.

If you can, keep the thread updated with their progress. I'm curious how well AT&T will cooperate with them, and if they'll be able to track anyone down before the iPhone is anonymously resold.

 

[aristobrat]

My phone is also gone. On the phone ATT told me I was protected, that no one could activate my stolen phone, but in the store the person who sold me the new iphone said there are many ways of getting around the tech stuff. He told me I wouldn't get my phone back because someone will be able to activate it. And I'm also upset that the monthly costs went up so much.

Unless they've recently changed their policies, neither AT&T nor T-Mobile block the reactivate of stolen phones.

They will, however, protect your account with them from being used fraudulently (after you report the phone stolen). Maybe that's what they meant when they told you that you 'were protected'?

 

[protekt0r]

So, my iPhone was stolen last night. I called both AT&T and Apple, and I was told that although the serial number is transmitted via iTunes when activating a new account, there is no way for either company to use this serial number to actually block the registration of a new account on a stolen phone.

Tech support at Apple claims that they're working on greater security measures to prevent thieves from activating stolen phones in the future. Basically, I don't buy it. I have no doubt that their systems have the functionality now to flag those serial numbers that have been reported lost or stolen. But they lack any real incentive, short of class action lawsuit, to change the status quo.

Here's why: when your iPhone is stolen, Apple makes another $400 sale (you gotta get a new phone, right?) and AT&T gets a new contract from the thief. What a way to double sales AND screw your customers. And since they offer no insurance for theft or loss on the iPhone, you're basically carrying $400 cash in your pocket.

If anyone thinks my understanding of this situation is wrong, please let me know.

Thanks,
Matt

Although I share your concerns about the ease at which stolen iPhones can be activated, I don't think it's part of a larger conspiracy for Apple and AT&T to make more money.

IMEI's can be blocked on a cellular network. However, AT&T has to have a police report in order to block the IMEI. I would suggest calling 611 back and asking them what the procedures are for getting that IMEI blocked from the network. It CAN be done with a police report.

That said I do agree it's B.S. that anyone has to go through that. You'd think they'd block IMEI's with a single phone call from the customer simply to cut down on insurance fraud.

 

[barkomatic]

No guns involved. Ever heard of pickpockets? Anyways, blaming the victim of any crime is a pretty lame response. Nevesis, if you're "completely careful" all the time, I toast to you. Invite me to your underground bunker someday and we'll eat some of your rations while we discuss gold bullion futures. (That is, if you can talk through the surgical mask.)

As it happens, this story has a happy ending. The thief, after ignoring dozens of phone calls and texts, finally called me and offered me the phone back without strings. Maybe he had a pang of conscience. Or maybe he got worried that he wouldn't be able to use the thing. If so, he didn't know what I know-- that it's easy to unlock an iPhone and set up service with another provider. Ain't nobody gonna stop him. The bottom line is that he decided he'd rather not screw over a stranger just because that person was not being "completely careful."

I bought the underachieving thief a round of drinks to show my gratitude and decided to insure my phone for theft through State Farm...

http://www.illinoistimes.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:6657

In short, sometimes people do the right thing. But Apple and At&T could be doing a lot more to protect their customers. What is the point of having IMEI numbers and Serial numbers otherwise?

That's amazing. Did he actually admit to stealing it or did he claim he found it somewhere? Even more amazing is you bought him drinks--what did he say?