Forget bird flu. The real epidemic that’s striking the America people is lost cell phones. Someone in America loses a cell phone every 3.5 seconds and that adds up to $30 billion in losses per year according to LookOut, a mobile security company.
Based on our email, we have no doubt that LookOut’s numbers are accurate. We receive our readers tales of woe every day. And the loss is just as devastating whether you paid for the latest, most expensive smart phone or received a free government cell phone.
Just consider some of these reader comments left here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net:
Nessa said, “I had just got a phone from Assurace Wireless. I left it on my kitchen counter and one of my brother friends stole it … I need a replacement….”
Marie said, “Someone stole my government cellphone and I need a new one. I am a disabled person. I can’t move my leg. I use a wheelchair and right now I do not have a cellphone to call my doctor.”
Pamuula said, “My daughter lost my phone while on vacation.”
Thomas said, “I lost my phone and have no idea where I lost it. How can I get a replacement phone?
Blanca said, “OMG! Please help me. I lost my phone about 2 weeks back and I have been trying to find out how I get another one.”
Sarah said, “My son took my cell phone and had it stolen. I was wondering if there was anyway I can have that replaced? I am not sure how to go about that.”
Nicole said, “How do i get a replacement phone? Mine was lost. It must have fallen out of my pocket. The man that found the phone after it fell on the ground put it in his pocket . How would I get a replacement if at all?”
Martha said, “Reachout Wireless got me this cell which was taken along with my jacket last Friday during lunch. I desperately need to get a replacement. Could you possibly let me know if you can help me and how much you will need to charge me, since it was my fault that it got stolen. Looking forward to hearing from you all, soon. Thank you.”
Becky said, “I lost my safe link phone someplace on my property (outside) not in my house. Can I buy a new track phone or a net10 phone and have my number and free minutes transferred to my new phone?
Here’s the advice we give readers who contact us after losing their phones: Most free government cell phone companies offer one replacement mobile phone per customer. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll receive a refurbished phone, not a new one. Any airtime you had on your phone will be lost, along with the phone. However, your replacement phone will have 10 minutes of free airtime to get you started.”
Where and when are all these cell phones being lost? According to SmartMoney, 67% of handsets are lost between of 9 pm and 2 am. The most frequent places to lose them are coffee shops, bars, offices and restaurants.
Richmond, another of our readers said, “I need a replacement and if there is a way too trace the phones whereabouts. I would like too know was if I was right in any of the places that I returned to look for it.”
Technology to the rescue: Richmond. LookOut has free and premium services apps for iPhone and Android which can set off an alarm on the lost device. Apple has a free Find My iPhone app. Unfortunately, there’s not yet an app that will help you track down your lost free government cell phone.
Our advice: Hold on to your cell phone and don’t lend it to anyone you don’t trust completely. The companies that participate in the free government cell phone program do a great job, but getting a replacement phone can sometimes be a trying, frustrating experience.
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