Cellphone theft shows no sign of slowing down and even with fingerprint security, smartphones still get lost or stolen in huge numbers. If that happens, you not only lost a valuable device, you lose the ability to be contacted as well as all the data on the phone. If you would like to learn how you can track your Android phone using your IMEI number in case it happens to you, read on!
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity Number) of your phone is its unique serial number. It is printed on the back of all mobile devices and can help trace ownership of a phone. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the IMEI in a safe place. If yours is worn off, dial ‘#06#’ to show it. Alternatively, your Google Dashboard should also have a record of it.
There are apps such as SeekDroid, Where’s My Droid or Find My Phone that can track your phone. Alternatively, Google can do it for you.
Track an Android phone using the IMEI number
To track an Android phone it needs to have both mobile data and location services turned on. I tend to have them both enabled by default but it’s a good idea to check yours.
1. Navigate to Settings, Location and toggle it to the on position.
2. Swipe down on the Home screen and tap the cell provider icon to enable mobile data.
3. Click this link to the Google Dashboard.
4. Once logged in, the Dashboard will attempt to contact your phone using the IMEI and should show you a map and an address where the phone is either at, or was last pinged.
Once you have located your phone, the Google Dashboard gives you the option to call, lock or erase it. If your phone has been stolen, lock it down or wipe it remotely. If the phone is not currently contactable by Google it will perform the tasks as soon as it can.
If you have simply lost your phone somewhere in the building, use the Ring option to call the phone. Then you can trace it by ear.
Ask the gun seller to supply you with the serial number so you can enter it on sites like HotGunz, where people who have guns stolen from them can submit the serial numbers. Enter the gun's serial number; if it's not listed, the gun has not been registered on the site as stolen. If that happens, you not only lost a valuable device, you lose the ability to be contacted as well as all the data on the phone. If you would like to learn how you can track your Android phone using your IMEI number in case it happens to you, read on! The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity Number) of your phone is its unique serial.
•••a gun image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
By Jodi Thornton-O'Connell
Keeping track of your gun's serial number is crucial, in case your firearm is ever lost or stolen. In a few easy steps, you can track this important information – which can absolve you from liability should your gun be stolen and used in a crime. From the time the gun enters your possession to the time it leaves, here's the best way to track it.
Check Before You Buy
Go online. Ask the gun seller to supply you with the serial number so you can enter it on sites like HotGunz, where people who have guns stolen from them can submit the serial numbers. Enter the gun's serial number; if it's not listed, the gun has not been registered on the site as stolen. Keep in mind that a gun could still be stolen but not listed on a website, because people who don't keep track of their gun's serial numbers don't have any way to report them.
Go to the police. Check to see if your local police station will perform a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check to see if any police reports have been filed listing the gun as stolen. The police usually require the gun to be in your possession, because they need to accurately input information such as make, model and barrel length. Keep in mind that if the gun shows up as stolen, it will be confiscated.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is the only agency authorized to run a trace on a gun serial number to see if it has been involved in a crime. Law enforcement can only legally use this service when a gun is involved in bona fide criminal investigations.
Sealing the Deal
If you're buying the gun from anyone but a licensed firearms dealer, get a notarized bill of sale from the seller documenting the gun's serial number and description. If your new gun is ever identified as having been involved in a crime, this paper documents when you came into possession of it. Keep the notarized document in your bank safety deposit box or another safe spot where you won't lose track of it in the event it's ever needed.
Take a Picture
Keeping a picture of your gun along with a closeup of its serial number on the Cloud can provide you with an easy way to keep track of your gun's serial number. Should your gun be lost or stolen, you won't have to wait until your bank opens to access your safe deposit box to get its serial number; simply access your photos on your smartphone or a computer.
Track My Ipad With Serial Number
Parting Ways
If you decide to sell your gun in the future, don't let it leave your possession without a notarized bill of sale. List the gun's serial number and description, and have the notary make a copy for you as well as for the buyer. Put your copy in your safe deposit box and hold onto it forever. Should your gun ever turn to a life of crime, the finger won't be pointed at you as long as you can prove it was no longer in your possession. This step is especially important if you purchased your firearm through a licensed dealer and filled out a Form 4473 that shows the ATF that you were the gun's original owner.
Serial Number Lookup
- Not all states allow private individuals to sell their guns without using a licensed firearms dealer. California, for example, requires private party transfers to go through a licensed firearms dealer who will charge a fee of $10 or less.
Track My Serial Number
- a gun image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com