All incidents
My phone was stolen
Your phone is gone, and it likely has access to your email, banking apps, WhatsApp, and other accounts. Acting quickly reduces what someone can do with it.
Do this now
- Use a computer or another phone to log into your device's 'Find My' service (Find My iPhone or Find My Device for Android) and mark it as lost, which can lock it remotely.
- Contact your mobile provider to block the SIM card and prevent calls, texts, and data use.
- Change the password on your email account, since email is often the key to resetting everything else.
Then do this
- Change passwords on banking, social media, and messaging apps, starting with anything without a lock screen requirement.
- Log out of WhatsApp Web and any other linked sessions from another device.
- Report the theft to the South African Police Service and get a case number, which insurers and providers may require.
Check these things
- Was the phone locked with a PIN, password, biometric, or nothing at all?
- Which apps were logged in and didn't require re-authentication?
- Is the phone insured, and what does the policy require for a claim?
Don't do this
- Don't wait until the next day to lock accounts and report the SIM.
- Don't assume a screen lock alone makes every app on the phone safe.
When should I get help?
- Contact your mobile provider immediately to block the SIM.
- Contact your bank if banking apps were installed on the phone.
- Report to the South African Police Service for a case number.