Stolen iPhone Question :(

Hey all,
So this is my story. Basically, I was taking a cab home early in the morning on christmas eve and I guess my brand new iPhone 5S fell out of my pocket and I left it in the cab . I realized it was gone the next morning, so I instantly logged on to iCloud and put it into Lost Mode. A couple of hours later, I got a call at my house phone (the number I put to call) FROM my iPhone, with the cab driver saying I should call my phone back in a half hour to arrange a time to meet to pick it up. Unfortunately, when I went to call him back my phone was turned off and there was no answer. Everytime I called my phone back the same problem occured. The cab driver would periodically turn my phone on, and I would be notified of it being turned on and notified as to its location. I would then rush to the phone in an effort to call it, only to have it turned off again. I therefore went back into my iCloud account, and changed the Lost Mode message to a different one, asking the cab driver to leave my phone on or to call me. However, now the account just says "Lost Mode Pending". Does that mean that the cab driver can now use my phone, even though it was in lost mode before and I just tried to change the message? How does this work?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

NomadicMacmanus wrote:
Thats what I am in the process of doing, but I was just wondering if my phone is locked and unusable or what the deal is
Only you know the answer to the above.
Do you use pascode lock?
Is the iPhone using iOS7?
If the answer is yes to either of those, your information is protected. If you answered no to #2, the new owner can erase the iPhone and begin using it. I'll assume you haven't installed a different iOS on your iPhone 5s, so you should stop worrying.
As far as ever getting it back. . .
There are many unsuspecting potential buyers on eBay and CraigsList. It's impossible to predict what the cab driver will do with something he/she can sell for several hundred dollars.

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Stolen iphone questions

my iphone was stolen in December, i reported it to my cell phone carrier as soon as possible, however i did have find my iphone installed but it was not on before whoever stole it. is there any other way to track it?

The police may be able to trace it if it was an important issue for them but otherwise no

Stolen iPhone 4 and follow-up Call from Apple

Hey guys,
My girlfriends iPhone 4 (32GB locked to Rogers) was stolen about a week and a half ago. She had Find My iPhone on it and we used it to lock and clear the phone right away, but since the phone was already turned off we were not able locate it. We get an e-mail the next day from the app saying that the lock and message were sent, which means the person who stole it probably turned it on. We still weren't able to locate the phone using the app so we just assumed they re-formatted the phone, cleared it, and logged out of iCloud. We thought end of story, we lost an iPhone, but there's nothing we could do. We go to an Apple store, tell them the phone was stolen and they proceed to use Find My iPhone to clear and lock the phone again (they say they weren't allowed to brick it and we weren't given the option to report it stolen).
Anyways, fast forward to a week later (night of Monday, Nov 5, 2012). We get a call from apple (call center 512-674-2000). The caller is Betty who works for Apple and she asks us if we have sold an iPhone on kijiji/eBay recently. We tell them that we've actually recently had the phone stolen and ask if someone's returning it. They say not quite, just that someone was tryign to contact apple with the iPhone's serial code. Unfortunately at this point the phone is very low on batter (<10%) so we ask if they can call back at another number. Betty says okay. We don't get a call back.
We call back the apple number that called us, but the call center is closed (it was around 8:15 EST). So we call the Apple Canada Hotline (we're from Toronto). The issue gets escalated to a manager and they're pretty much saying there's no notes on why the call was made. There definately has to be a reason for apple to call us asking if the phone was sold right? They tell us to call the number that called us earlier the following day to see if we can contact Betty who called us earlier. However, they do tell us that they ahve on their record that Betty called us, and prior to that, someone called with an issue about the stolen iPhone's serial code (we had not called in).
So we wait until the next day can call the 512 number. Pretty much we keep getting passed around with people telling us they can't do anything since there's no notes on the file and they can't redirect us to Betty.
My question is: There HAD to be a reason why they called us right? The phone was stolen at a friends house, where we thought we knew everybody. If we can get any information on who the original call was from maybe we can find out who stole the phone? Has anyone had a similar experience or does anyone have any advice on what to do? I'm sure apple knows something, but they are just not telling us. Sorry for the lengthy post, just wanted to get all the details out there! Thanks for any help!

But if an issue is reported using the serial code of the stolen product, could they not tell me what number it was called from?
I understand that they can't do much, but I just wanted to know the original reason why Apple called us in the first place to ask whether we sold the iphone on kijiji or eBay recently.

How can someone use a stolen iphone? does erasing the phone (which I feel like I should do) make it easier for the thief to use the iphone? If I don't erase it, it doesn't seem like anyone should be able to use the phone because of my password.

how can someone use a stolen iphone? does erasing the phone (which I feel like I should do) make it easier for the thief to use the iphone? If I don't erase it, it doesn't seem like anyone should be able to use the phone because of my password. Also, is it possible to retrieve anything that has been sent to the phone (i.e. text messages) since it was stolen through icloud? The "find my iphone" app says the device is offline but it rings when I call my number -- any idea how that would be the case? Thanks!!

You have a password, so good move on your part. Whether you erase it or the thief does, they still get to use the iPhone as theirs. Which is more important (pick one), protecting your data or punishing the thief?
Ringing occurs at the carrier. Chances are you're going to voicemail after only two or three rings. If you have an iCloud backup also a good move. Re-read my question in the first paragraph.

What can you do with a stolen iPhone?

My iPhone 5s was stolen last Sunday. Since then I have put a block on the SIM and, using 'Find my iPhone', have set the phone to be erased. 'Find my iPhone' shows the phone as offline all the time (I believe I had cellular data disabled on the phone). I was using a passcode lock on the phone and my Apple ID uses two step verification.
Does this ensure that the thief can do nothing with the phone, not get at my data, e.g. contacts? Or are there still ways of using a phone in such a condition, e.g. via a jailbreak? What can a thief hope to get from the phone?
Any information might help me to sleep better :-)

One additional question: I have been looking at the https://www.apple.com/privacy/docs/iOS_Security_Guide_Oct_2014.pdf and right at the start it says:
Entering Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode
Restoring a device after it enters DFU mode returns it to a known good state with the certainty that only unmodified Apple-signed code is present. DFU mode can be entered manually: First connect the device to a computer using a USB cable, then hold down both the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons. After 8 seconds, release the Sleep/Wake button while continuing to hold down the Home button. Note: Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in
DFU mode. If the Apple logo appears, the Sleep/Wake button was held down too long.
Does this mean that my stolen iPhone isn't (for the thief) just a brick but that he/she can restore data from some other backed up iPhone and make the phone usable again? I guess my data would be protected but it still gives the thief a saleable phone.

STOLEN IPHONE - IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND IT?

Is it possible to find my stolen iPhone through the imie code? using iphone makes sense when you have an Apple ID. Is it possible to find my iPhone through IMEI if someone restored the pjone and connected it to a new Apple ID? That would mean that one IMEI is in two Apple Accounts. Is it possible to find out that?
Second question - I didn't have Find My Phone software on the stolen iPhone, but installed it on another (old one i have) and it showed both iphones the old one i am using now and the stolen one. The fact that the stolen device appears in my account means that the phone has not been restored or it could have been restored and now works in another account?
Thanks for information in advance.

Dear AnaMusic,
I read the infomration in the link you sent me, but there is no information about the option 'report a stolen device'. I can't see any option like that one. I can see only that I can look for it through 'Find My iPhone' application, which, I heard, is useless if the telephone has been restored.
Where can I report a stolen iphone?
regards,
Martin

Try to locate my stolen Iphone 5 phone

try to locate my stolen Iphone 5 phone in Shanghai china, phone was bought in Canada, phone # 647 924 5902...
Apple Id is [email protected], this is also my email to reply to my question for help...

Hi Jc,
If you are using iCloud, Just go to iCloud.com --> Find my iPhone and Erase your iPhone right away I guess that is the best solution that you can do.

If I report a stolen iPhone 4 to Apple, will anything be done about it?

I had my iPhone 4 stolen out of my gym locker yesterday night and naturally I am mad. I am wondering if I called Apple to report a stolen iPhone 4 (and provide the IMEI code) if anything would be done or if they would restrict helping the next owner of the phone if they came in for Apple assistance, or Apple take possession of the phone as it is stolen.

Unfortunately the United States is somewhat unique in not maintaining a blacklist of stolen phones.
Generally a thief can take an iPhone into a store and have the service reactivated. With the service provider asking no questions.
You can file a report with the police, the odds of them finding it for you are well, astronomical.

My insurance company replaced my stolen iphone 4s with a brand new one,will the apple store allow me to exchange it for a iphone 5 and pay the difference in price ?

My insurance company replaced my stolen iphone 4S with a new one, will the apple store allow me to exchange it for an iphone 5 and pay the price difference?

The Apple Support Communities are an international user to user technical support forum. As a man from Mexico, Spanish is my native tongue. I do not speak English very well, however, I do write in English with the aid of the Mac OS X spelling and grammar checks. I also live in a culture perhaps very very different from your own. When offering advice in the ASC, my comments are not meant to be anything more than helpful and certainly not to be taken as insults.
You would need to ask that directly to Apple. Apple is not here nor does Apple answer questions here.
To return an iOS product requires a valid receipt. You have 30 days to return an iPhone. The iPhone must have all original packaging & accessories and be in new condition. Apple may charge a restocking fee on a returned iPhone.
If the iPhone was bought from a 3rd party, their regulations for returns would apply.

Recover stolen iPhone

A friend of mine had her iPhone stolen, it *****!
She had the 'Find my iPhone' app installed.
She tracked it down using iCloud's find my iPhone option and locked it remotely. I mean the phone's location showed up somewhere on a highway so we know it is not the thief's house.
Ever since she locked it the location hasn't moved, we're assuming it has been switched off. The thief called a bunch of international numbers (to NY n Algeria) and we're located in Toronto.
She's not very tech savvy so this question is really from me, can the thief set the iPhone into DFU mode and basically set it up as a new iPhone? That would kind of defeat the purpose of being able to remotely lock it.
It's been reported both to the ISP and Apple so if the thief takes it for any kind of servicing it should pop up that it's a stolen iPhone.
Any other ideas on how to possibly recover it?
Thanks

If it's still saying that it's located there, that means that it's still there. If the thief restored it, then it wouldn't show up. What you should do is go to the location. To answer your question about the DFU, yes the thief can easily restore it.

Stolen Iphones

So why is the stolen Iphone epidemic not being reviewed. I purchased an iphone 4 from a guy named Gabriel in Northridge. He upgraded to an Iphone 5, per the conversation. He sold it to me knowing it was a gift for my daughters 13th bday. I got it home and took it to Verizon. They reviewed it and realized it was named "jeffs Phone" but cleared it to its original point with no questions. Then a few days later when I went to add it to my monthly Verizon bill they said sorry it was reported lost or stolen. However, they cannot help assist you find the original owner off of an id number that it correlates too nor will they assist you locate the person whom sold it to you. The person I bought it from says it is my word against his and no money back. The police will not look into the address or anything of the kind which correlates to the person whom sold it.............why is this? Now I am out 200 and a gift for my daughter. Someone have advise!

I'm not sure what you could possibly think Verizon should do. If Verizon gave you the name/number of the original owner, that would be a breach of his/her privacy agreement with Verizon. Even if they DID somehow get you in touch with the original owner, what would you expect to happen then. I am sure the original owner would expect their phone back and you would STILL be out $200. So I guess I fail to see the point.
It seems that the person you purchased the phone from(Gabriel) quite possibly stole the phone from the original owner(Jeff) and then sold it to you. I am not sure how the police would be able to help you. What kind of proof do you have that you actually purchased the phone from "Gabriel". I would assume "Gabriel" did not accept a personal check, but preferred cash.
In the future, you should always check to see if the "used" phone you are purchasing has been reported stolen to Verizon. Even if it hasn't, you should always be wary when purchasing from an unknown source as it could STILL be reported stolen after you purchase it. You can check on Verizon's website for the status of a phone HERE.
You can also check on sites such as Swappa.com.

Re:Theft-No visible serial# to identify stolen iPhones

Question: Does APPLE have any plan to make SERIAL NUMBERS visible on its phones?
I had my iPhone stolen at the Mall last month.
Ofcourse, the first thing the thief did was turn it off, so 'Find iPhone' didn't work.
The serial # is not visible on the actual phone itself (other phones and electronics have this feature), should the Police find my stolen iPhone on people picked up for other crimes. (The Police told me this does happen.)
Ideas:
1. I hope that APPLE will eventually put serial #s on the phones themselves.
2. Also, It would help to have an database to identify stolen phones when thiefs get NEW cellular accounts using *stolen* iPhones.
Are you listening APPLE? <G>

Apple doesn't read these forums. Send your feedback here.
http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html
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Is there anyway I can track down my stolen iphone without having iCloud set up?

Is there anyway I can track down my stolen iphone without having iCloud. The phone is already stolen.

I'm sorry for your unfortunate situation. This question is asked time and time again - sadly no, you cannot set up "Find my Mac" after it's lost or stolen. The whole point is that you have to set it up before you lose contact with it.
When you get a new Mac, this is one of the first screens you see - "Do you want to set up iCloud to Find My Mac?". I don't understand why anyone would answer "No".
There are third-party location utilities, but again, you have to set them up when the computer is still in your possession. I use Undercover by Orbicule - allows you to locate the computer and take webcam snapshots and keylogs of the person using it. I also have iCloud set up, so I have two options for location should it get lost or stolen.
Matt

How to find my stolen iphone? And I have'nt switched ON the "Find my Iphone" feature.

Please help me to find my stolen iphone.

Possibly, but the IMEI won't help you find the phone. See these articles:
What to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen
Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product
Question: Why did you decide NOT to activate Find My iPhone when you were prompted to do so when you first activated this phone?

Stolen Iphone - Thief taking photos - How to catch them!

I had my iPhone 5 stolen, and the thief promptly turned the phone off. I thought the phone got destroyed, so I purchased an iPhone 6. I noticed that someone else's photos were appearing in my photo stream, and then quickly realized my phone was stolen. I have tried to use Find My iPhone on multiple occasions, but the SIM card has been taken out of the phone (evidenced by screenshots taken by the thief). The person seems to be using the phone via WiFi. My questions are:
Is there any way to alert me via email or otherwise when the phone is connected to Wifi so that I can use Find My iPhone?
Is there any way to access geodata to view the location that their photos were taken? I have a PC, if that helps.
Thanks!

What To Do If Your iDevice Is Lost Or Stolen
iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad
If you activated Find My Phone before it was lost or stolen, you can track it only if it is connected to the Internet by Wi-Fi or cellular. What you cannot do is track your device using a serial number or other identifying number. You cannot expect Apple or anyone else to find your device for you. You cannot recover your loss unless you insure your device for such loss. It is not covered by your warranty.
If your iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, or iPad is lost or stolen what do you do? There are things you should have done in advance - before you lost it or it was stolen - and some things to do after the fact. Here are some suggestions:
This link, Re: Help! I misplaced / lost my iPhone 5 today morning in delta Chelsea hotel downtown an I am not able to track it. Please help!, has some good advice regarding your options when your iDevice is lost or stolen.
1. Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product
2. Find my lost iPod Touch
3. AT&T. Sprint, and Verizon can block stolen phones/tablets
4. What-To-Do-When-Iphone-Is-Stolen
5. iCloud- Use Lost Mode
6. What to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen
7. 6 Ways to Track and Recover Your Lost/Stolen iPhone
8. Find My iPhone
9. Report Stolen iPad | Stolen Lost Found Online
It pays to be proactive by following the advice on using Find My Phone before you lose your device:
1. Find My iPhone
2. Setup your iDevice on iCloud
3. OS X Lion/Mountain Lion- About Find My Mac
4. How To Set Up Free Find Your iPhone (Even on Unsupported Devices)

Stolen iPhone Question :(

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