Blacklisting stolen cellphones

Vodacom has set up an information line (124 from a Vodacom cellphone and 082 124 from a Telkom phone), which details six steps one needs to follow to successfully blacklist a cellphone. At the end of the automated voice response message, the caller may be transferred to a live operator for further assistance.

(Vodago users have to contact customer care - 111 from a cellphone or 082 111 from a Telkom phone - and will be assisted to blacklist their phones.)

The six steps are as follows:

1. Ask your service provider to block your SIM card.
2. Ask your service provider for your cellphone`s IMEI number (serial number).
3. Report the theft to the police.
4. Ask the police to supply you with a case number.
5. Contact your service provider again and supply them with the case number and IMEI number and request that they blacklist your cellphone.
6. Notify your insurance company.

In more detail, these are the steps to take if your cellphone has been stolen:

1.Phone your service provider to have your SIM card blocked so that no-one can make calls on your account.

Blocking a SIM card is the fastest damage-control measure you can take after your cellphone has been stolen. Vodacom Customer Care is available 24-hours a day to block your SIM card should you not be able to contact your service provider.

2.Report the theft to the nearest police station.

Some people incorrectly believe that their cellphones will never be found, so they don`t bother reporting the theft to the police. It is imperative that you report the theft as a cellphone cannot be blacklisted without quoting an SAPS case number. A case number is also a requirement for all insurance companies.

3.Blacklist your cellphone.

The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is the cellular industry`s blacklist. It represents a list of the serial numbers of cellphones reported stolen and subsequently placed on the EIR. Every cellphone has a unique serial number - the IMEI - which is independent of the SIM card`s number. When the cellphone is connected to the network, the handset`s serial number is read by the network. If the handset is listed as stolen on the blacklist, it can be disabled electronically and the handset will then be unusable on several GSM networks around the world.

To blacklist your phone, you need to know the serial number (IMEI) of your cellphone. It is imperative that you know what your IMEI number is, BEFORE your cellphone is stolen. All phones will display their IMEI numbers when you enter the following code: * # 06 #. Alternatively, remove the phone`s battery and look inside the phone. The IMEI number will be pasted inside the phone. It is usually some 14 or 15 digits. If your phone has been stolen and you don`t know what the IMEI number is, call your service provider, quote your cellphone number and they should be able to provide your IMEI number.

Once you have your IMEI number and an SAPS case number, send a fax to your service provider with these details requesting them to blacklist your phone. Also include your identity number, your home address and your signature. Phone them back the next day to check that it has indeed been done.

4.Notify your insurance company.

If you have insured your cellphone, phone your insurance company and inform them of the theft. They will send a claims form requesting various details from you, the most important being your SAPS case number.

You will also have to send them quotes for the cost of replacing your cellphone with the same or a similarly-priced model. Depending on the value of your cellphone, an average excess should be around R250.

How will Vodacom try to recover your cellphone?

When a thief inserts the new SIM card and makes a call, the cellphone sends a signal to Vodacom. Vodacom is able to determine the new cellphone number using your stolen cellphone - and that`s all the information the network operator needs to begin tracing the stolen phone.

How not to become a victim of cellphone theft:

1. 1.Don`t openly flaunt your phone as a status symbol.
2. 2.Don`t leave your cellphone on the dashboard or passenger seat while driving and don`t leave it in a handsfree car-kit when your vehicle is unattended.
3. 3.Don`t leave your cellphone unattended on a restaurant table, or in any other public place.
4. 4.Try carrying it in your pockets and not in a handbag, which may be easily snatched.
5. 5.Be careful of attracting the attention of muggers when wearing a belt-clip.

Remember the following hints:

1. 1.Insure your phone against theft.
2. 2.Keep your phone`s serial number in a safe place.
3. 3.Ensure your phone`s PIN control is activated.
4. 4.If a cellphone if sold without its electric charger, chances are it`s stolen.
5. 5.Buy your cellphone from an established dealer so you can be refunded if the phone turns out to be stolen.

For more information, please call Vodacom on 124 from a Vodacom cellphone or

082 124 from a Telkom phone.