Retrieving a Stolen Phone?

[MickMcGeough]

Had my iPhone stolen in Vegas last weekend. I have mobileMe "Find My iPhone" enabled and IP address tracking on an auto-checking mail account.

It was either off or disconnected from any network until 10:30pm last night. At that point, the phone was locked by mobileMe and they have received my messages offering rewards and contact info, but they haven't responded.

It also checked my email, so I have their IP address. I've got the ISP (cable company in Vegas), and that's it.

Problem is, I don't know where to go with it from here. I'm skeptical that the Vegas police would do anything for me. I know the chances are high that I'm hooped but does anyone have any suggestions?

[Hockeyguy15]

I think if I ever get an iPhone I will install a self destruct mode, then if I ever lose it I will just blow it up and hope to cause damage to the thiefs personal property....

Did you try calling your phone before it was locked? If you did and they didn't pick up and they are ignoring the rewards for returning it I would think they have no intention of returning it. Cops might be the only option if they even want to persue it....

Can that phone ever be re-activated on another account if mobleme locked it?

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

I think if I ever get an iPhone I will install a self destruct mode, then if I ever lose it I will just blow it up and hope to cause damage to the thiefs personal property....

Did you try calling your phone before it was locked? If you did and they didn't pick up and they are ignoring the rewards for returning it I would think they have no intention of returning it. Cops might be the only option if they even want to persue it....

Can that phone ever be re-activated on another account if mobleme locked it?

Whoever has it shut it down immediately after stealing it. I called it minutes after I realized it was gone and it was already going straight to voicemail.

I've since deactivated my services so I don't get a crazy bill run up.

The phone can be put into recovery mode and hacked to be usable again but I don't believe they'll ever be able to use it as a "normal" phone (i.e. it will always have to be hacked).

[burn_this_city]

I'd call the cops in Vegas and give them all the information. What could you possibly lose?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

I have their IP address.

I'd call the Vegas police. I would think out of any police force they would be sympathetic towards a tourist getting something stolen.

[Rathji]

If I had the IP address of someone who had stolen something like that from me ... I might get in some serious trouble.

Call the cops and see if they do anything about it first, of course.

[Ironhorse]

When I had my phone stolen, and getting a new one from the Apple store, they told me that the carriers *could* blacklist a phone's serial number, but they never do. They'd rather just sell services to the "new" owner.

It sounds to me like you're not going to get it back. You can use Mobile Me to initiate a remote wipe on the phone to clean it right down to "out of the box" state.

[photon]

Assuming the IP address is actually theirs and not some random open wifi connection, maybe contact the ISP as well. Doubt they'll do anything, but never hurts to try. (To get some personal info to give to the police I mean)

[MickMcGeough]

Contacted the ISP and haven't heard anything back yet.

The LVPD made it very clear very fast that unless I was pickpocketed or robbed, they will not investigate, even so far as asking the ISP to release the location of the network the phone was using to them.

Anyone have any suggestions what I can do with that IP address? PM me if you prefer.

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

Contacted the ISP and haven't heard anything back yet.

The LVPD made it very clear very fast that unless I was pickpocketed or robbed, they will not investigate, even so far as asking the ISP to release the location of the network the phone was using to them.

Anyone have any suggestions what I can do with that IP address? PM me if you prefer.

I'd just suggest caution. You probably aren't sure that IP is for that person, it could be an unsecured WiFi for some unsuspecting dolt.

Honestly, I would send the command and to wipe the phone and move on. it may show up when they bust someone on theft charges down the line, but don't hold your breath.

All I am saying is that weigh your options before blacklisting that IP somewhere or DOSing them (not saying u would but...). I know the anger caused by this but unless you are sure, just remember you could be doing someone innocent over, just like you.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by OldDutch

I'd just suggest caution. You probably aren't sure that IP is for that person, it could be an unsecured WiFi for some unsuspecting dolt.

Honestly, I would send the command and to wipe the phone and move on. it may show up when they bust someone on theft charges down the line, but don't hold your breath.

All I am saying is that weigh your options before blacklisting that IP somewhere or DOSing them (not saying u would but...). I know the anger caused by this but unless you are sure, just remember you could be doing someone innocent over, just like you.

All good points. To be clear I'm not looking to exact nerd revenge here, just looking for ways to get in contact with the owner of the IP address.

I know chances are slim - just going to exhaust all avenues.

[Thor]

This is why its good to know a whole bunch of hackers, and also bad