Losing your mobile phone can be a traumatic experience, what with all your important contacts and SMS messages gone and--horrors--possibly in some stranger's hands.
But if it's a kind-hearted person who finds your handphone or if you've merely misplaced your handset, then here are some tips to ensure your phone's swift return.
1. Use a loud and piercing ringtone
For some people, the most likely place to lose a phone is at home. When that happens, it helps to give yourself a call and then listen very carefully. This tip works best when your phone is not on silent or vibrate mode.
2. Call your mobile
That's the first thing most people do. Who knows, a good samaritan may answer the phone. Alternatively, if no one's answering, send your mobile an SMS. Whoever picks up the phone would be greeted with your SMS message.
3. Call your operator
If your phone carries the logo of your phone operator, there's a chance the phone will be returned to them. In any case, it's always wise to deactivate your SIM card if you lose it. Simply notify your operator about your lost handphone, and the connection should be terminated immediately.
4. Retrace your steps
When and where did you last use your phone? Ask security as someone may have retrieved your handset and left it at a lost-and-found counter.
5. Phone labels
Write your contact details on a small piece of paper and stick it onto your phone with tape or laminating paper. At least the finder will know how to return the handset even if the battery's low.
6. Leave in-phone messages
Offer a reward in your welcome message. Or compose a story and store it into your mobile as phonebook entries. For instance, with Nokia phones you can add the following lines:
"ä HELP"
"ä Found this phone?"
"ä Call (number)"
"ä to return."
"ä $50 reward."
The "ä" and space characters ensure these messages stay at the top of the contact list and in the correct order.
7. Use a customized background picture
If you are using one of those new-fangled phones with customizable backgrounds, here's your chance to tug at those heartstrings. With the Sony Ericsson T68i, for instance, you can put up your own picture along with a plea for the phone to be returned.
8. Get a brightly colored phone
Taxi drivers will usually return phones they spot in their vehicles. Having a brightly colored housing could help.
9. Lock your SIM card
You can set a PIN for your SIM card and help protect it from misuse. However, this may mean you won't be able to call your own mobile, so it's better used with a phone label (see Tip #5).
10. Lock your phone
By setting a number lock for your phone, you can prevent it from unauthorized use. This will discourage would-be cases of "finders keepers", ensuring a higher chance of recovery. Like Tip #9, it's better to use this with a phone label.
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They sell recovery labels. I put one on my iPhone, and got it shipped back and returned to me for free (that's part of their deal) 2 days after I left it in a cab.
It's worth every penny, and the labels are only a couple bucks if you buy a 5 pack. I put one on my laptop and iPod too.
www.RewardingReturn.com
It's seriously worth a look !!!!!!!
- Chuck