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How to protect yourself(Guardian (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) According to mobile telecoms analyst Francisco Jeronimo, it's easy: "Mobile owners simply have to pin-protect both their handset, and also their sim card. You'd be amazed at how few mobile users have even basic security on their phones," he says. And he knows the problems - he has had a mobile stolen in Barcelona. The research director at mobile analytics firm IDC says he was saved from the kind of bill foisted on the two Vodafone victims because he pin-protected his sim card. He strongly advises everyone with a contract handset to do so. While an increasing number of smartphone users now input a pin every time they make a call or go online, there are still many who are not even aware that they can do so. Victims of phone thefts often find the card is removed and put in another handset, and then used to call premium rate numbers. However, if customers pin-protect the sim this would not be possible - unless the thief also knew the pin. Jeronimo advises users to set up a different sim pin to that of the handset: "I often see people unlocking their phones making no attempt to disguise it. "A thief armed with your handset and pin can make life incredibly difficult - they can change all your passwords on iTunes and Amazon accounts. The hassle factor of trying to sort the mess that can result from a phone theft is incredible," he says. Phone companies, he adds, have done relatively little to make customers aware it can be done. Users will need to know their existing sim pin number - 1234 is a common default. If that code does not work, contact your mobile operator or go into your nearest store and ask them how to do it. Don't keep trying, or you might find you are locked out. After three attempts the thief - or you - is locked out. Another option is to switch to Tesco Mobile. It offers all contract customers the chance to cap their monthly spend. Set your cap to pounds 100 a month, and once the thief hits that the phone is cut off. This is the model campaigners want adopted across the industry. Chief executive of Citizens Advice, Gillian Guy, says: "We have helped holidaymakers who had their phones stolen while abroad and who come home to bills as high as some annual salaries. The financial aftershock can push people into debt. "The government and phone providers must finally make clear the timescale for introducing its pounds 50 cap on bills from stolen mobiles. Consumers will continue to lose out for as long as the promised cap is delayed. Phone companies can start offering better protection for consumers now, through more effective billing and fraud monitoring." Miles Brignall Captions: Use a pin to protect your sim card (c) 2014 Guardian Newspapers Limited. |