What To Do About That Cellphone
Many people continue to upgrade to the latest and greatest cell phone technology. The newest models feature GPS, camera, MP3 and by the way you can make phone calls. How you dispose of the old phone is now causing some concern.
People are trying to recoup some of their investment by selling the old equipment on sites like e-bay. Unfortunately, the information on the unused devices can open a window into your past. A study of some recent purchases found the contact list in tact. In addition, text messages were available including discussions of love affairs.
In the most egregious error, a former corporate executive left the plans for a major business expansion on his portable communication device. Many credit card numbers and ATM PIN numbers were also discovered. This type of disposal could lead to more than embarrassment; it could lead to financial loss. In most cases the loss is self-inflicted.
The safest thing you can do is either destroy your old phone. Also, all features except dialing 911 are blocked if you donate it to a group that will set it up as an emergency device for someone who cannot afford a cell phone. You can also protect yourself by only saving data to a removable memory card and remove the card before selling the phone. Most current models have this feature. You can learn more by reading the owner’s manual.
Should you sell your cell phone to another party, you are putting your call list at risk as well as your personal information. You might even lose a few friends.
People are trying to recoup some of their investment by selling the old equipment on sites like e-bay. Unfortunately, the information on the unused devices can open a window into your past. A study of some recent purchases found the contact list in tact. In addition, text messages were available including discussions of love affairs.
In the most egregious error, a former corporate executive left the plans for a major business expansion on his portable communication device. Many credit card numbers and ATM PIN numbers were also discovered. This type of disposal could lead to more than embarrassment; it could lead to financial loss. In most cases the loss is self-inflicted.
The safest thing you can do is either destroy your old phone. Also, all features except dialing 911 are blocked if you donate it to a group that will set it up as an emergency device for someone who cannot afford a cell phone. You can also protect yourself by only saving data to a removable memory card and remove the card before selling the phone. Most current models have this feature. You can learn more by reading the owner’s manual.
Should you sell your cell phone to another party, you are putting your call list at risk as well as your personal information. You might even lose a few friends.
posted by skgroner | 7:33 AM
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