Most consumers know that if they lose their wallet or purse, they should immediately cancel all their credit cards. But what do you do if your cell phone is lost or misplaced? Not acting quickly can cost thousands of dollars.
KXAS-TV in Dallas reports an airline passenger who left his phone on the plane ended up with a bill for nearly $8,000 after the person who found his phone used it to download ring tones, music and other products.
The consumer didnt report his lost phone because he received a call from someone who said they were with the airline, telling him it had been turned into lost and found. However, it turns out that call was not from the airline but from the person who found the phone and decided to keep it. The call was obviously designed as a stalling tactic.
Under most cell phone service agreements, the customer is liable for all charges on an account, unless the phone has been reported as lost or stolen. Once reported, the service provided blocks the account so it cant be used.
By not reporting his lost cell phone, the Dallas consumer gave the person who had his phone 13 days in which to download. The lesson, say security experts, is to treat your cell phone just like your credit cards. Report it immediately if its lost or stolen.
