I visited a Sprint store (#827) Monday, June 3, 2013 to explain a problem I had over the weekend with my HTC One -- overheating and very, very hot to the touch. I left the store with these strange instructions: to never download *any* apps from Google Play Marketplace, do not stream *any* music with the phone, and do *not* store 22 GB of data on a phone advertised to hold 32Gb.
I started my Sprint Store visit in Tampa by explaining that Saturday in Orlando near Disney, my phone started heating up. The metal housing was very hot to the touch, and the "Battery Widget Reborn" full app I had listed the temp greater than 115-degrees Fahrenheit (usually never higher than 95, 85 coming out of sleep). I told them the temperature readout declined and the phone felt cooler after I turned it off for a while, or put the phone into airplane mode, and also later when I drove away from the Disney area toward downtown Orlando. The problem was not resolved by a reboot alone. When I took the phone out of airplane mode or turned it on, the phone started getting hotter... about 5 degrees per minute.
I requested that they check the phone and make sure that I wasn't dealing with a safety problem and not just a one-day fluke.
The first tech I dealt with said she had to go to lunch, described her new diet for me, and told me that she wasn't sure where the power button is on the HTC One because they change the location of the power button so much on these phones. But, she was very friendly and listened to my problem. She said it would take about an hour to review and I could come back.
I came back an hour later, the second tech came to me, and told me that the problem is that I was using 22Gb out of the internal 32Gb for apps. I told him that most of it was actually music files, and he disagreed with me and told me that I'm wrong! More on that later. Then, he had me talk to a man who's name tag read "Assistant Store Manager." That man told me that because they could not replicate the problem, there's nothing he can do for me.
I explained my only intent was for the phone to be looked at to make sure there is not a chronic safety concern... I don't want the phone to explode in my ear, or something. He said that's not possible, and not to worry. Here were their suggested courses of action:
1. Do not use 22Gb out of 32Gb.
The second tech showed me that I am using 22Gb out of 32Gb, and that's why the phone overheated. He said it's just like a computer, I can't fill it with that many apps. The manager also reiterated this point -- you cannot fill the phone's internal storage with 22Gb of information. I explained to the tech that most of it is music files. He said that's impossible, this phone streams music. I explained that I had used a USB cable to transfer the music mp3 files to the phone. He said that I am mistaken. I showed him that the list of thousands of songs was listed under "On Device Only", but he again said that I was incorrect. He showed me under "downloaded apps" that in the bar that says "Phone Storage" that the phone contained 22 Gb of apps. I tried to explain to him that indicates the phone's current total storage, not only referring to only apps. He said I was wrong. I invited him to plug the phone into a computer, and look at the storage's total file system, and see for himself that much of that is music. He refused.
2. Battery Widget Reborn probably caused it too
The manager said that because Battery Widget Reborn is an app that didn't come with the phone, it cannot be trusted. He then advised me to *never* download *any* apps from the Google play marketplace, because they might not correctly work with my phone causing the problems I described. I told him that I didn't install any new apps this weekend, and that I'd been using Battery Widget Reborn for mostly the entire time I'd had the phone, and that it's very highly rated on the Play store, and that I've never had a problem. The tech said apps like Battery Widget Reborn and FlickFolio probably caused battery problems, because he'd never heard of FlickFolio. That leads me to the next piece of advice...
3. Don't fill the device's storage:
The tech and manager both pointed out the device is like a computer, that I cannot fill it with 22 Gb of apps, or I would have these problems. I again tried to explain that some of that storage is music (without any files, first turned on, the storage shows about 6Gb full). Regardless, I pointed out that there was no disclaimer when I purchased the phone that said I was not allowed to fill 22 Gb out of 32 or the phone wouldn't function. They said that doesn't matter, just don't do it. Also, they recommended that I shouldn't use any non-preinstalled HTC apps. Even apps by Google can cause problems. Which leads me to the next advice...
4. Don't use Google Music.
The tech said that Google Music is only capable of streaming, not playing music files locally. I explained that I actually had MP3 files saved on the phone. He said that's not possible. The only way that Google Play Music function is to stream music from the cloud, and that's probably why I had overheating problems. I invited him to plug my phone into a computer to see that, in fact, I had music saved on the device. He refused. He instructed me to never install Google Play Music. I checked later, and found out that this software comes pre-installed on my phone.
5. All HTC Phones have battery problems.
I told the manager that the tech had just told me all HTC phones have battery problems, and said if that it's a known issue that all HTC phones have problems, why would they even sell it in the first place. I asked if he would exchange it for another manufacturer's phone if it's well known by the repair tech that HTC phones have battery problems like this. The manager would not disagree with but would not confirm that all HTC phones have battery problems, but he said that all phones could be expected to overheat. He said that since I had the phone for a month and a half, no exchanges or refunds would be given.
I told the manager that I think it's suspicious to be instructed to never download apps from the Google play marketplace, to never store music, and to never store anything on the internal storage bedsides what came on the phone. What's the point of having a phone, I incredulously questioned.
He explained that the device isn't just a phone, that it's a little computer and it's doing a lot more than just being a telephone. At that time, I felt engaging in such semantics was a little pompous jab at me, but maybe I misunderstood. I explained that I said "phone" idiomatically -- that I know that the device is a computing-capable device that includes a method of making calls referred to as a telephone, not that I believed the device was "only a phone" because I said "phone".
He tried to explain that I shouldn't keep multiple apps open in Android. I told him that I know that already, and I always close apps. The assistant manager, after giving me this advice, didn't know how to display current apps on the HTC One. I had to show him. He advised me to do a thing he didn't know how to do himself, and I had to show him how.
The assistant manager offered the following:
1. I've had the phone for more than a month and a half, I cannot switch phones under contract
2. I can have a refurbished model provided under insurance at my deductible's expense under Total Equipment Protection if I want to.
3. They can document my problem for later if it happens again
4. They can wipe the phone back to stock
I opted to have the phone wiped back to stock on the spot. I told the manager that my problem is that I don't want any monetary resolution, I wanted the phone to be looked at from a safety standpoint. He said he would notate my account as such.
I think it's interesting that upon having a wiped phone, I perceived no discernable speed difference between my phone with 22 Gb space used and the factory-fresh 6 Gb space used. I really don't think that using 22 Gb of internal space has any real impact on the phone's function, and since I'd been using that amount of space for a month and a half, I don't believe it caused my phone to become suddenly and acutely hot to the touch.
The only difference to predicate the sudden and acute onset of extreme case heat was where I was using the phone -- around a lot of other people. My theory is that the phone couldn't get a signal being around all those other sprint customers, and its radios just banged away until the phone's metal exterior radiated that heat from the equipment to my pants pocket and skin.
And I told them that. I told them I didn't think it was right how incredibly hot the device got, to where I would touch others and have them wince and say "Ow!", and I was worried that no one had ever taken an HTC One into a large event with many people trying to use their phone like that before.
All they could do was blame me for downloading any apps from the Google Play Store, and telling me that it's impossible to load mp3 files onto the phone. And for that, I fault them and their customer service today. I'm very concerned that the "official" Sprint store employee advice is that I cannot add songs to my phone, or stream music, or install any applications that didn't pre-installed on the phone from HTC, and to definately not use Google Play Music that actually comes pre-installed on the phone. Also, the Sprint repair employee verbalized that all HTCs have battery problems so don't worry. Really?
I wondered, does HTC endorse all of this advice? I've contacted HTC to find out if they endorse Sprint employees advising never to fill 22Gb out of 32Gb, and they've already messaged me back and told me this is incorrect advice. So, does Sprint truly endorse this advice?
I have crossposted this on the Sprint forums, also emailed the store's manager and district manager directly.
They sound like a bunch of idiots. Was this is a corporate store? I would try calling support and talking to them about it and see what they can do for ya since the store wont.
That's the strangest customer service experience I have ever heard. I've been told if they couldn't replicate the problem that it wasn't something that could be solved but that's it. The staff at that store should be replaced.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
That is some ignorant [email protected]#$ right there, man. Try another store...
But then again, most phone store employees don't know anything about the phones they sell, and the few who do won't help you. Lol.
Strange Experience
scarletspider1982 said:
That's the strangest customer service experience I have ever heard. I've been told if they couldn't replicate the problem that it wasn't something that could be solved but that's it. The staff at that store should be replaced.
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It was so weird.
I don't even care about the period of time when it was hot, I know it was the signal. I'm very upset at all of these strange recommendations made by the "repair" staff and store assistant manager. It was just.. surreal. I'm sure that my puzzled look of disbelief probably just egged them on in their series of apparent lies.
I've emailed the store's manager and the district manager. HTC, as I said, already replied and said the store's staff is completely wrong.
x714x said:
They sound like a bunch of idiots. Was this is a corporate store?
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What does that have to do with anything?
TonyTurboII said:
What does that have to do with anything?
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He means... Not every sprint store has idiots working in them as people may think.
via sexy phONE.
It's really sad to say but more times than not Sprint employees have given me advice just like that! I think there's more employees that work for Sprint that got no idea what their talking about then there is that do know what their talking about. Sad, but true.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2
I've noticed one very real fact about dealing with people in any technology field. The majority just don't know. I work in the security industry as a alarm system service technician, the people who are "managers" don't have a 1/16 of the knowledge I do when it comes to the technical aspect of the industry. The problem is they are the ones who answer the phones or deal with the customer. I have never once called sprint for a technical issue nor will I ever. I know more about how this phone works than they ever will. Why waste your time and frustration? But I digress.
I would have put the phone in airplane mode and then played Google Music, but it sounds like they would have been too dumb to understand.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
The vast majority of Sprint corporate retail employees are morons, the in store "techs" are technically inept.
And it doesn't help that the store and district managers don't care, they only care about the amount of services and accessories sold.
Should have taken it to radioshack... Those people should be fired immediately...
Sent from my Sprint HTC ONE using xda premium
BamAlmighty said:
The vast majority of Sprint corporate retail employees are morons, the in store "techs" are technically inept.
And it doesn't help that the store and district managers don't care, they only care about the amount of services and accessories sold.
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I work at a 3rd party sprint store (repair center) and we have to deal with angry customers all the time that's come from a corporate store. If you can try to make it to a archtelecom owned sprint store. We hold the record 5 years running for highest customer satisfaction. That's over corporate and every other sprint authorized store including bestbuy, radioshack and the sorts. I would highly advise avoiding radioshack and never ever never ever take your phone to bestbuy(geeksquad) for phone issues. They are below corporate with customer satisfaction and have even made things worse in almost every location in the 12 states I've had to visit.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium
Was your phone in sleep? Last time I went to Orlando the data was unusable, so maybe you had some background apps trying to use the internet? Just a guess
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium
reception was prolly bad and or phone was on roaming...i noticed my phone got hot because of those reasons before :/
I'm almost in tears laughing at their recommendations. Did they also explain how "the internet is a series of tubes"?
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
They are a bunch of idiots... Dealing with people who don't know what they are talking about, but think they do, just gets me every time.
But seriously if you don't know how to read you probably won't understand any of this.
Every single excuse they came up with is utter b.s. I'm almost maxed out on my phone between 110 apps/widgets, 1000 songs/videos and 1000+ pics.
Phone works fine, I clock almost 18-20 hours a day.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium
dsEVOlve said:
I'm almost in tears laughing at their recommendations. Did they also explain how "the internet is a series of tubes"?
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Heheh
I have actually been "Banned" from my local Corporate Store in large part because of the knowledge I have gained from XDA! I have had many similar experiences over my 16 year love / hate relationship with Sprint, as the OP had and have held my ground and argued using factual technical info.
Sometimes I won, but most often I left the store angry and frustrated. The last visit got me banned when I argued that Google Music can play local files stored on the phone. I left the store using the app to play from my phone and proving to a store full of customers that the staff is clueless. Of course the choice words I used while leaving probably contributed to me being asked not to return...
Related
I purchased the phone about a month ago, from the day I purchased it the camera did not operate correctly. I took my device to the store in an attempt to get it replaced with a new one. Unfortunately for me my camera just happened to work that day which was also the last day of the 30 day warranty. The guy pretty much said that he couldnt help me because my device worked, but then he gave me this number saying that if there is any further problems they will take care of it. So I call the ATT warranty department the next day (my camera broke again) and they said that they were sending me a REFURBISHED phone. I talked with them for 2 hours and they pretty much sait there is nothing they can do.
So I get this refurbished phone and right out of the box it looks of poor quality, I later find out that no matter what I do, the device will not charge. So I send in for another refurb which is of even worse condition and this one wont sync to my PC.
Do any of you guys have any ideas that could help I called the warranty department and coustomer care TWICE, asked to speak to both supervisors, threatened to change my entire family's service and they dont reply with anything except that the phone can not be replaced with a new phone. What do you think I should do?
dude that sucks!
ive never had a problem gettin a swap out.. and i bricked my first tilt..
u need to speak to managers and managers only, throw a fit make a scene in the store they'll work with u!
Learn from your mistake so you don't repeat it in the future. If you have an issue with a phone within the 30 day period, make sure it's fully taken care of within that time frame. Unfortunately you took some clerk's word for what would happen instead of double checking yourself.
AT&T most likely isn't going to do anything more from you. They have pretty good customer service and retention, but it is within their rights to give you a refurbished phone.
I also find it hard to believe that they shipped you two refurbished phones that right out of the box appeared to be of "poor quality." If the phone's had a shoddy appearance they wouldn't have been sent back out.
If your next replacement (refurb) is not functional, then tell them that it is getting ridiculous that you have had 3 replacments and they were all bad (again, I find that dubious). If the phone's are malfunctioning to any extent that you can't make calls (like a phone won't recharge) then they should be crediting your account on a daily basis when you can't use the phone.
Lastly, you can threaten to go to your credit card issuer (assuming you bought it with one) or to the BBB. Again, these are mostly threats, and I don't suggest you follow through unless you are truly getting bad refurbs 3 times in a row. Don't just take a negative attitude and look for problems becuase it isn't a new phone...you aren't likely to get one.
However, you could realistically cancel your service, and then refuse to pay any cancellation fees because they weren't honoring their end of the deal by providing you with functioning equipment. Even though you might have a leg to stand on....it will still probably get sent to collections and mar your credit.
Of the refurbs I got, these were in the condition I stated. When I called ATT they said something along the lines of 'every once in awhile a bad one slips through, but its pretty rare.'
I don't doubt a bad one slips through.... but two in a row....
What I am saying is third time is a charm...you can't keep getting bad ones
Also, I know how it can be mentally (as I would feel the same way) that a refurb just isn't as good and you would rather have a new one even if you saw a refurb pass every single test.
Try for #3 and if you are still out of luck...go with the other poster's suggestion and make a scene in the store
This reminds me of when i had the 8525 hermes. I was sent about 3 phones from them that were of bad quality. Bluetooth problems and yellowish tint screen.. The unwritten rule is that after 3 phones youre sopost to get a upgrade of the latest comperable model. Right now the tilt is the latest pocket pc but at the time, the tilt replaced the 8525 and thats how i recieved my tilt..
Moral is.... wait til the next ppc comes out and make a scene.. but also bring that point up to warranty replacement.
bengalih said:
I don't doubt a bad one slips through.... but two in a row....
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Happened to me last week, two bad ones, and a third one that was good. It's possible, and somewhat probable for a scenario like that to occur. It's not like saying he put a million dollars on "00" at the roulette table and won
I'm on my fourth tilt in 6 months. The first one got fried by an ebay charger (I think) my daughter threw the next one and messed up the display (can't believe they haven't charged me for that one... yet) The third did't sync with my PC like one of yours and the forth one's been great. All of the replacments have been refirbs but have looked as good as new with the one being bad out of the box.
I agree with bengalih just get another one if it's bad you'll know right away if not it should be perfectly fine.
mtbjoe said:
I'm on my fourth tilt in 6 months. The first one got fried by an ebay charger (I think) my daughter threw the next one and messed up the display (can't believe they haven't charged me for that one... yet) The third did't sync with my PC like one of yours and the forth one's been great. All of the replacments have been refirbs but have looked as good as new with the one being bad out of the box.
I agree with bengalih just get another one if it's bad you'll know right away if not it should be perfectly fine.
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well now we know why AT&T sometimes has such a sweet deal on refurb tilts LOL
Ok you said the second phone couldnt sync to pc. If you search through this forum I guarantee there is a fix for that.
Switch providers and tell them that you are making the switch because of the level of service (with details) that you have to date.
deathpulse said:
Switch providers and tell them that you are making the switch because of the level of service (with details) that you have to date.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Wow Sorry I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at the insinuation that they would actually care. The sad fact is T-Mobile Is worse in service availability. And Sprint? I wouldn't wish that on my enemy.
Here is a link: http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=4607
No BS this will work !!
I got a brand new custom built HP laptop ( to replace my custom built 2yr old laptop w/ 3yr accidental damage protection) because I followed the same advice I am going to give you. Similar situation with my laptop...sent it back twice, never fixed it right, 14 phone calls, over 450 minutes with customer support and such..won't bore ya with the details
Here's what I did...
Got all my phone records to them together
Had all the invoices etc together
Called and told them I had been "advised" that I had to give them one more chance to make it "right" ! Implying I had legal advise....Then I told them I was going to take them to small claims court..Period !
YES I was going to take them to court cause statistically they always settle!
If not I had my records and was in the right !!! Like you seem to be
Be stern, firm and assertive, not angry or yelling. I basically told them what will happen if they did not make it right...they folded like a cheap lawn chair and I got a brand new custom built $2000 laptop plus a full 3yr accidental damage warranty!
I still get a rush thinking about it !!!
I understand what you mean, but I am completely unprepared to take them to court over such a minor issue. Im going to expend all of my other options first, I still have to go back to the store and argue there that it is there fault because they did not support there 30-day return policy in the first place. The man let me walk out of the store with a broken phone. I should have handeled it then but I didnt realize I would be dialing in and getting more refurbs.
Also, my third refurb arrived today, the device functions completely as intended. The problem now is that the keyboard on this new device does not seem very responsive, or at least, not nearly as responsive as the keyboard on my first device (which I still have). I am upset with this as my other Tilt is in premium condition, not a single scratch. I think I am going to return this one as well.
not good
hey I work for the company and
1. they kinda HAVE to exchange your phone in store if you got it over the phone, over att.com or at a corporate store. if you are within 30 days the rep should do the exchange, the rep u got was an A*&*LE. some act like the store stock and shipping cost come from their pocket.
2. if you get an idiot customer svc rep just hangup and call back , sometime u have to bend the truth. say u have a phone that drops calls ( they are afraid of this) and u tried ur friend's SIM card and still does not work correctly.
3. sorry you did not come to my store.(NY)
4. almost impossible to get a new phone through warranty or insurance.
5. if ya'll have any Q's bout stuff PM me.
out...
This is exactly why sometimes the "best deal" is not a good deal...
I only buy my phones from the bigger retailers, Best Buy & the company directly....
Mom & Pop shops, and online retailers:
- Cheaper up front, can usually get you the best deal if you read the fine print and agree
- Usually require a 2nd contract stating you will not change you plan (or features) within 6 months to 1 year or they charge you a penalty (usually $200 for removing OR changing the kind of data service from a phone like the tilt-- ex.: change from Unlimited data $30/month to Unlimited data & Text for $50/month, you broke the contract, they will charge you $200)
- Do not have to accept returns. Returns are done by companies as a 'favor' -- they are not required by US law (for most stores/products, some exceptions)
Big retailers or the Service Provider directly:
- Always have a return policy
- Almost never require a 2nd contract agreeing to keep features
- Usually $25 more for basic phones, up to $100 more for smartphones (they do not require Data, which most M&P/Internet sites give you $75-$100 off for getting and keeping for 6 months)
Other nice advantage of Big Retailers: If customer service at one place gives you no help and you're within reason to return it... go a few miles to another location and try again.... (again, if you're trying to return something 45 days later, you'll probably get no help where ever you go)
This wasnt a 'Mom and Pop' Shop, it was an official retailer. I was going to get the phone at a smaller AT&T but they said I would have to go to an official store that carried there high-end products. When I bought the phone the person I bought it from, I believe I have his buisiness card, but I will check later, allowed me to open the box in the store. He then told me if I wasn't satisfied I had 30 days for a return or replacement. I came back, 29 days later and they said that I had to call there warranty department because the device was not broken, and there fore he could not replace it. Essentially, they lied to me.
If it's not an AT&T corporate store, it's a Mom & Pop shop...
If they say "Authorized Retailer" they are not directly AT&T, they are reselling AT&T services and do not have to follow AT&T Corporate return policies...
Most of these locations are owned by individuals, or groups of individuals, as a business venture...
Keep in mind, anywhere from 50 to 85% of Wireless stores are NOT corporately owned by their service provider, and all of them (except T-Mobile) are allowed to put giant signs on the front of the building saying "AT&T" "Verizon" or "Sprint"... Sprint requires "Authorized Dealer" added to the logo, T-Mobile requires you to name your store something, and if you use T-Mobile logo it can be no more then 25% of the total sign space. AT&T I don't know the exact policy on their signage, but should require "Authorized Reseller" in the sign...
Of course, people can ignore these requirements, One of my old bosses did.. Hence why he's an old boss..
Quick Tip:
If they don't offer the IPhone they are not corporately owned...
At least in the DC metro area, every corporately owned AT&T store has a live active IPhone on display for customers to try
fizzie said:
I got a brand new custom built HP laptop ( to replace my custom built 2yr old laptop w/ 3yr accidental damage protection) because I followed the same advice I am going to give you. Similar situation with my laptop...sent it back twice, never fixed it right, 14 phone calls, over 450 minutes with customer support and such..won't bore ya with the details
Here's what I did...
Got all my phone records to them together
Had all the invoices etc together
Called and told them I had been "advised" that I had to give them one more chance to make it "right" ! Implying I had legal advise....Then I told them I was going to take them to small claims court..Period !
YES I was going to take them to court cause statistically they always settle!
If not I had my records and was in the right !!! Like you seem to be
Be stern, firm and assertive, not angry or yelling. I basically told them what will happen if they did not make it right...they folded like a cheap lawn chair and I got a brand new custom built $2000 laptop plus a full 3yr accidental damage warranty!
I still get a rush thinking about it !!!
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I worked for Acer Computers and they *****ed out with customers every single time something like this happened. This is sound advise
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
That sucks. Hope you able to get it back. Good luck!
This reminds me when I lost my old GBA case on a plane. It had so many good games in there, and the GBA itself. I still had my SP case though, that had the SP and games as well, so I didn't lose everything.
I miss you Nightmare in Dreamland.
Anyway, sorry to hear about losing your Nexus.
omg that is so sad. i almost cried reading your post.. I would hate to loose mine right now . It will come in handy starting next week. Wed i have to have a bicep tendon surgery..
boohooo
i so hope they do the honest thing and get it back to you
Get a case or sleeve that you can tether to your bag, belt, etc. Also, Case Logic LNE07 comes in red so it's hard to visually miss it.
Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
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United Airlines is the worst. From the most cramped planes with the worst seats in the industry, to the worst customer service there is. I used to fly Continental exclusively, but since the merger, no more. Good luck.
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
ExploreMN said:
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
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yes i have lookout installed.
You never know, I found someone's kindle on a Southwest flight and took it right up to the counter. They said they had already hear from the passenger and knew whose it was. Messing with other people's gadgets is bad mojo.
Scythe024 said:
yes i have lookout installed.
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Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
ExploreMN said:
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it with a credit card you might have some buyer protection like, replacement for stolen or broken items. I buy everything with American express, I have a 90 day window in which they will replace if lost, stolen, broken, etc.... Plus they extend any warranty an additional year...
Visa has something like this on a few of the cards...
Scythe024 said:
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to input your passcode anyway, unless you have it stored in your tablet for someone to find out
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
Jroyd said:
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone on another thread said that somebody sold them a Nexus 7 that was apparently known to Google as stolen, and I guess Play access was disabled or something, I don't know the exact details though...
An app is only easily removed if it is loaded as a user app. If it is am system app a standard reset went be enough. On the other hand maybe they will be smart enough to take it further.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
A very similar thing happened to me on a BA flight inbound to heathrow years ago. On that occasion i left a case containing some sennheiser noise cancelling headphones and an ipod nano in the seat pocket. I realized just a short distance from the gate and went back but they wouldn't let me back on. They never found for me either. I was eventually told that "I think someone has add it mate".
Jroyd said:
... If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
goto play.google.com and install plan B remotely, youll be able to track it once it's online, as long as it's still tied to your google account
---------- Post added at 06:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 AM ----------
drhunter said:
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was discussed before but i think they said they couldn't because it could lock you out of your device
Slate on a plane!!
Sorry, just had too
I read on Google's help pages that they can remotely lock a device so might be worth calling them. If someone can't use it they might put it back in lost property or something.
Today is my saddest day, my perfectly good shape (no cracking screens..etc) Nexus 7 16GB stolen at Liberty Since Center Museum, in Jersey City, NJ.:crying:
I was at second floor sitting at table at cafeteria , and then step out for a few mins to watch out my 3 year old girl. I was worry about my daughter who was running on the floor, so I jump and run behind here, I completely forget my small backup on the chair I was sitting...when I realized it, I grabbed my little girl, and rush back to the table where I was sitting, but it was gone, couple of waiters cleaning the tables, and I asked them if they saw a small green back pack, they said yes..they brought my back bag, and when I checked, my Nexus 7 gone!!!
I told them where's my tablet to two waiters now standing next to me, they said they know nothing about my tablet, they said they saw the bag and thought it was forgetten, and took it back and put it here inside. They asked me to talk to office/info desk in the Museum, so I went there and told them what happened and I said I know I am pretty sure one of the waiters took the tablet and demanded that there must be some security camera or something. they said there's none in the cafeteria area.
We are talking about max 10-15 min here, I know it was museum closing time and it was only me sitting on the table in the cafeteria, and waiters cleaning the tables...that's the time all happened, so I am quite sure one of them took it out.
I did not have any remote security app installed...so I cannot remotely wipe my stolen N7, but I changed my gmail account password using my phone, and when I get home, change all other password I can think of (amazon, box, etc)...I also went to Google wallet and disable N7 device, I also deleted my google account credit card as well.
I am not sure what else I can do without any security apps installed, I did probably best I could at this point (chaining the password..etc). Drop me a line if you have any other ideas that I can do.
I am not sure how much this would help, but hoping they cannot get my account info or do anything about it. I am quietly regret that I did not install any security apps on my N7. I am also quite sad that I lost my beloved Nexus 7!!:crying:
so I was sad, holding my 3 year old girl, went thru steps and front door to meet my wife. When my wife saw my face, she said what happened..I said my nexus 7 stolen...she knew that I loved my N7, so she did not say anything, tried to cheer me up..but did not work...
:crying:
This is one of the reasons why it's so important to have a remote security app. The usefulness on wifi-only devices is a bit lacking, since your ability to control it remotely without having it online makes it difficult to use a lot of the functionality. But on the 3G model especially, it allows you to track/wipe/etc. it if necessary. You can also make it sound an alarm, which in your case could have tracked it to where it was if it was still in the building (ie: in the employee lockers or storage area).
I highly recommend Cerberus. It's a great app and does everything you can want. You can also install it in the ROM, so even if the thief wipes the device, you can still remotely access it and track down who stole it (unless they do a full system flash).
Contact Google and report it stolen.THey can wipe and disable the device as soon as it comes online.
This is why every Android user should install Cerberus immediately. The app is only $4 (after the first free week) and will allow you to use it on up to 5 devices (so less than $1 per device). Cerberus is amazing & has an insane amount of recovery/tracking methods, and can even survive through a wipe. Makes me sad more people don't use it...
tlogank said:
This is why every Android user should install Cerberus immediately. The app is only $4 (after the first free week) and will allow you to use it on up to 5 devices (so less than $1 per device). Cerberus is amazing & has an insane amount of recovery/tracking methods, and can even survive through a wipe. Makes me sad more people don't use it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if I only I knew....I was aware of security apps, in fact I had one lockout app installed, but after I was dealing with 4.2 upgrade, I did fresh re-install stock ROM, so forgot to install lockout app (not sure if it is really as effective as Cerberus though)...too many lessons learnt today
James-NC, thanks for the info. I called Google's Nexus support phone# 1-855-83-NEXUS (63987)., but could not able to get thru, waited on the phone over 40 mins...I will try tomorrow morning see if I get hold someone.....
I did know Google can wipe and disable the devices...
jazzespresso said:
Today is my saddest day, my perfectly good shape (no cracking screens..etc) Nexus 7 16GB stolen at Liberty Since Center Museum, in Jersey City, NJ.:crying:
I was at second floor sitting at table at cafeteria , and then step out for a few mins to watch out my 3 year old girl. I was worry about my daughter who was running on the floor, so I jump and run behind here, I completely forget my small backup on the chair I was sitting...when I realized it, I grabbed my little girl, and rush back to the table where I was sitting, but it was gone, couple of waiters cleaning the tables, and I asked them if they saw a small green back pack, they said yes..they brought my back bag, and when I checked, my Nexus 7 gone!!!
I told them where's my tablet to two waiters now standing next to me, they said they know nothing about my tablet, they said they saw the bag and thought it was forgetten, and took it back and put it here inside. They asked me to talk to office/info desk in the Museum, so I went there and told them what happened and I said I know I am pretty sure one of the waiters took the tablet and demanded that there must be some security camera or something. they said there's none in the cafeteria area.
We are talking about max 10-15 min here, I know it was museum closing time and it was only me sitting on the table in the cafeteria, and waiters cleaning the tables...that's the time all happened, so I am quite sure one of them took it out.
I did not have any remote security app installed...so I cannot remotely wipe my stolen N7, but I changed my gmail account password using my phone, and when I get home, change all other password I can think of (amazon, box, etc)...I also went to Google wallet and disable N7 device, I also deleted my google account credit card as well.
I am not sure what else I can do without any security apps installed, I did probably best I could at this point (chaining the password..etc). Drop me a line if you have any other ideas that I can do.
I am not sure how much this would help, but hoping they cannot get my account info or do anything about it. I am quietly regret that I did not install any security apps on my N7. I am also quite sad that I lost my beloved Nexus 7!!:crying:
so I was sad, holding my 3 year old girl, went thru steps and front door to meet my wife. When my wife saw my face, she said what happened..I said my nexus 7 stolen...she knew that I loved my N7, so she did not say anything, tried to cheer me up..but did not work...
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U should of accused them of taking it , you should have cause a scene big enuf to allow the cops to be called and them inform them when they arrive that one of them stole it. Or you coulda done it the old fashion way and kicked some ass .....never play nice with suspected thieves ....
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
if your SURE you was the only one in the area except the waiters i woulda really .....really caused more then a scene, i can see your situation thou especially since you had your child present. :good:
did you leave wifi switched on? or bluetooth?
if so go back and quickly use bluetooth to search for your device name
or use "wifikill" connect to the wifi in the area you woulda been using, wifikill will then show you all devices connected tho that wifi point, you would then see if your device is still in the area "hidden under the counter"
Don't mean to sound bad, but I purchased Cerebrus and after a few weeks of leaving it dormant (not needed most of the time?) I realised that it had started sending messages to my contacts.
How do I know it was Cerebrus? BECAUSE THE TEXTS IT WERE SENDING WAS MY LOCATION AND MAP CO-ORDINATES !!!!
Wilks3y said:
Don't mean to sound bad, but I purchased Cerebrus and after a few weeks of leaving it dormant (not needed most of the time?) I realised that it had started sending messages to my contacts.
How do I know it was Cerebrus? BECAUSE THE TEXTS IT WERE SENDING WAS MY LOCATION AND MAP CO-ORDINATES !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think its a feature of cerebus you cant check or un-check in settings,,, just goin on what ive read elsewhere myself i use "prey" security" it also has a feature that is my device is stolen i can send it an e-mail to activate map tracking
chismay said:
i think its a feature of cerebus you cant check or un-check in settings,,, just goin on what ive read elsewhere myself i use "prey" security" it also has a feature that is my device is stolen i can send it an e-mail to activate map tracking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it was just doing it by itself, I even forgot I had Cerberus.
My phones networks kept turning themselves off and on, then contacts kept getting sent maps of where I was.
Un-installed Cerberus and Deleted the accounts on website, the issues stopped.
WHY? WHY DOES CERBERUS MESS MY PHONE UP !?
Wilks3y said:
But it was just doing it by itself, I even forgot I had Cerberus.
My phones networks kept turning themselves off and on, then contacts kept getting sent maps of where I was.
Un-installed Cerberus and Deleted the accounts on website, the issues stopped.
WHY? WHY DOES CERBERUS MESS MY PHONE UP !?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because user error. its an option in the program..
Shame you have changed your Google password.
Otherwise could have done a remote install of Lookout Plan B (search on market)
Then tracked the tablet yourself!
jazzespresso said:
We are talking about max 10-15 min here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really sorry to hear about your device, but even ten minutes is a really long time. I wouldn't leave anything of value unattended for more than 10-15 seconds.
I've had Cerebus installed on two phones and three tablets. Never had any issues with contacts randomly getting text messages of my location. I'm calling user error.
chismay said:
did you leave wifi switched on? or bluetooth?
if so go back and quickly use bluetooth to search for your device name
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I was going to say. OP is going to kick himself if he did indeed have bluetooth enabled and didn't think to search for all nearby bluetooth devices from his phone.
chismay said:
or use "wifikill" connect to the wifi in the area you woulda been using, wifikill will then show you all devices connected tho that wifi point, you would then see if your device is still in the area "hidden under the counter"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I didn't think of, and it is pure genius!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
If you got an coporate exchange account setup on the device you cant remote wipe (including SD card) from there.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Flanimal said:
That is exactly what I was going to say. OP is going to kick himself if he did indeed have bluetooth enabled and didn't think to search for all nearby bluetooth devices from his phone.
That I didn't think of, and it is pure genius!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol cheers
First thing the thief do, turn the device off. No trace would works.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
adxgrave said:
First thing the thief do, turn the device off. No trace would works.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree.
If it was a random person walking by who spotted the device and took it, they would high-tale it out of the area, making any BT/Wi-Fi tracking impossible anyway. But odds are, the first thing they're going to do with it after they get to a safe location is play with it and see if they can get access to it. Sure if they were smart they might realize it is safer to turn if off and reflash it when they get home, but honestly, what are the odds of the thief being that smart?
If it was a waiter, as the OP assumes, they're going to try and hide it ASAP. It's unlikely they are going to walk out of the building, at least not too far. So that leaves a few random hiding spots around the immediate vicinity. They aren't going to take the time and inspect the device, let alone try and figure out how to turn it off. They wouldn't want to be seen by anyone with it in their possession. Odds are, they grabbed it, hid it with something they were carrying or in their apron (if applicable) and stashed it for later. And if that was the case, and if it was online (highly unlikely for the non-3G unit, then recovery would be possible.
As a prime example of stupidity regarding thieves and tablets, look at the TSA agent who was just caught stealing a planted iPad. A local news crew had incidents staged where 5-10 iPads were accidentally left by travelers in an airport. All but one were promptly returned to the "owner". But one guy, on camera, snatched it. They put a GPS tracker in it, and traced it to the agents home. For a week they waited, and they saw it go online, apps attempted to be downloaded/installed (on the owner's account) and just played with in general. Finally, the news crew arrived and questioned him about it - which he of course denied. Until that is when they set off a remote alarm siren. He made up some excuse and returned it. Fortunately, and surprisingly for the government, he lost his job.
So no, thieves are usually quite stupid.
phonic said:
So no, thieves are usually quite stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
too true if you search google for stolen tablet/phone recovered with prey security app and there a ton of people who backed with friends or police get theyre devices back from theives,. :victory::victory::victory:
Greetings good people of the xda-developers forum!
After a little reading around I figure this is the most apropriate forum to post this thread in, correct me if I'm wrong.
Earlier this year I lost my phone in a cab after a night out, the driver decided to keep my phone instead of turning it in (usually if you leave something in a taxi in this region, you'll have it back with a little humiliation from the taxi-central the day after, not this time though).
A couple months after loosing it, I got a "emergency message" from my lost phone, and it went on and off for a little while untill yesterday when it apparently was taken into use! I have an "invisible" tracking app installed that will survive factory resets and gives me the opportunity to take pictures, record sound and some more.
Anyway, the phone has moved a couple countries away since it was initially lost, so I've lost hope of reclaiming it. My plan now is to give an honest shot at making my phone the most annoying device the new owner has ever had!
I come to this forum now, looking for inspiration/ideas and warning where warnings are due!
Is there anything I really shouldn't do, that could come back and bite me?
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Any good ideas of how to bother this guy?
So far I've only really come up with the idea of wiping his data from time to time..
I appreciate any ideas or warnings!
Thanks!
vengeful said:
Greetings good people of the xda-developers forum!
After a little reading around I figure this is the most apropriate forum to post this thread in, correct me if I'm wrong.
Earlier this year I lost my phone in a cab after a night out, the driver decided to keep my phone instead of turning it in (usually if you leave something in a taxi in this region, you'll have it back with a little humiliation from the taxi-central the day after, not this time though).
A couple months after loosing it, I got a "emergency message" from my lost phone, and it went on and off for a little while untill yesterday when it apparently was taken into use! I have an "invisible" tracking app installed that will survive factory resets and gives me the opportunity to take pictures, record sound and some more.
Anyway, the phone has moved a couple countries away since it was initially lost, so I've lost hope of reclaiming it. My plan now is to give an honest shot at making my phone the most annoying device the new owner has ever had!
I come to this forum now, looking for inspiration/ideas and warning where warnings are due!
Is there anything I really shouldn't do, that could come back and bite me?
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Any good ideas of how to bother this guy?
So far I've only really come up with the idea of wiping his data from time to time..
I appreciate any ideas or warnings!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will not back bite you if have retail invoice of that phone do whatever you want
Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....
SaintCity86 said:
Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the nasty part of stealing a phone. The Carrier will lock the "ESN" (Electronic Serial Number) so all they need to do is flash it over to another carrier... I.E. if you have a GSN type phone from say AT&T you can flash the software over to T-Mobile who doesn't give a flying flip about a stolen ESN (As a example) I personally have T-Mobile... They did try to make a law making req the manufacture to add a "Kill Switch" allowing the consumer to render the phone useless how ever that did not pass... SO Basically some one steals your phone that's it nothing you can do but buy another phone or hack into it like the OP..
TO OP: I'd go Impractical Jokers Style. Ease drop on him and play really dirty sounds (Porn sounds... moans/grunts etc) then Fry the phone... **** that guy he had to know it was stolen and if he didn't he's a fool... Check your ESN's People!
abhishek 9650 said:
it will not back bite you if have retail invoice of that phone do whatever you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the record, I do have the invoice.
SaintCity86 said:
Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed possible, but not flawless. There is supposed to be some automation to it in the country the phone was initially lost, but either this automation failed or it's sucess is the reason it left that country. Problem is though, the idea is that they block the IMEI from the networks, but some countries are not part of this agreement/system.
I think the guy who is currently in posession of the phone knows perfectly well how it was acquired. Judging from pictures taken through the phone, the taxi-driver and the current holder of the phone may very well be related. Also, the phone had it's language changed to Arabic by the taxi-driver, this has not been changed by the new user (not that it prooves anything). There is also the fact that the SIM inserted in the phone in the country I lost it in, followed the phone over to the current country, where it was replaced by what appears to be a prepaid SIM. I don't think this phone was up for sale anywhere, I think the taxidriver sold or gave it away to some family member coming to visit.
As mentioned, I have no hope of having it returned. I'm not gonna push this too far, but I do feel like putting a dent in his joy over his shadily acquired device.
Drooling a little over the HTC One M8
Tangodown78 said:
That's the nasty part of stealing a phone. The Carrier will lock the "ESN" (Electronic Serial Number) so all they need to do is flash it over to another carrier... I.E. if you have a GSN type phone from say AT&T you can flash the software over to T-Mobile who doesn't give a flying flip about a stolen ESN (As a example) I personally have T-Mobile... They did try to make a law making req the manufacture to add a "Kill Switch" allowing the consumer to render the phone useless how ever that did not pass... SO Basically some one steals your phone that's it nothing you can do but buy another phone or hack into it like the OP..
TO OP: I'd go Impractical Jokers Style. Ease drop on him and play really dirty sounds (Porn sounds... moans/grunts etc) then Fry the phone... **** that guy he had to know it was stolen and if he didn't he's a fool... Check your ESN's People!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I've understood, in the European countries that are part of this agreement any locked IMEI number will be locked out of all mobile networks, this can only be worked around by changing the IMEI number or shipping the phone off to some country that is not part of this agreement. In the country my phone was lost the police send a notification to the networks when they recieve a lost/stolen report. Not sure if it went through in my case.
My list of options are limited to what my tracking software allows me to do, sadly (or happily, depending how you look at it) my programming skills are not by far sufficient for me to go beyond what the software offers, allthough I reckon someone with the right knowledge could use the tracking software as a backdoor into the device?
Wow. I'll be honest, I never thought them tracking apps would ever give you anything useful, but if your able to basically see every picture they take, take pictures yourself...I think that's crazy... wipe the phone....
What exactly can you do with yours? Read texts sent and received on the phone? Does it gps track its location on demand? Even if the gps is disabled in the device itself?
You said the one you have stays on the device even after restores and factory resets? What's the name of the app?
As for the locked esns.... If an American cell company like tmo locks one up, is that gonna stick over any of the carriers in the US? Basically, all 4 of them?
Cuz I know before, as long as you had a sim card, it didn't matter, you just swapped it for a new one.
Contemplating getting the S5....
Wish they did that here... though the explanation was for the poster above me... Id use what ever i could to screw with him... what ever happens good luck messing with the dirt bag
Sent from my LG-D959 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I would also like to know this app
Go the South Park route. Some cartoon parodies of Mohammed should be effective. Then again, if they are in a Muslim country they could get in a lot of trouble if they have certain content on their device.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
yea... Mocking Mohammad not general a good idea... it will get you killed. I wouldn't want that on any one's conscience
Tangodown78 said:
yea... Mocking Mohammad not general a good idea... it will get you killed. I wouldn't want that on any one's conscience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No different than mocking L. Ron Hubbard or Jesus. All of them are con men and are fair game. Don't believe the hype.
I am very spiritual, believe in a higher power, but I will never bow down to some schmuck just because I am told to.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
c5satellite2 said:
No different than mocking L. Ron Hubbard or Jesus. All of them are con men and are fair game. Don't believe the hype.
I am very spiritual, believe in a higher power, but I will never bow down to some schmuck just because I am told to.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro, dafuq, don't insult other members of xda. Calling religious icons schmucks will insult some people. THIS IS NO PLACE TO HAVE A RELIGIOUS WAR. So stfu and leave the thread back to it's topic. Thank you.
I'm using Cerberus. I had the same app installed without root access/without placing it in system/apps on another phone I lost a couple months earlier, in which case it gave me absolutely nothing. This one however, installed in system/apps with root access, appears to be "immortal".
I reckon they will have a comprehensive list of what you can do with the app on their homepage.
I don't know anything about how things are done in the US.
I'm not gonna do religious insults. I wan't to annoy him, not make him want my head on a stick.
Yesterday a sound recording convinced me he was in a crowded area, so I couldn't resist the urge to sound the alarm. Which is played at max volume. The picture taken of him when he touched the screen to stop it was not optimal, but it did have a feeling of desperation to it
App is still active today
I called Verizon as I am having GPS issues. I was going to get a cert like new and while I wait, restore and send back non-working unit. When I called, the woman said she was going to run some diagnostics on her end (new to me) and said that she can detect that the software had been altered. She recommended that I reset the phone because if she put this through and it was rooted, I would be charged.
Are they able to tell your phone is rooted from their system without having it? Were they always able to do that?
Bwangster12 said:
I called Verizon as I am having GPS issues. I was going to get a cert like new and while I wait, restore and send back non-working unit. When I called, the woman said she was going to run some diagnostics on her end (new to me) and said that she can detect that the software had been altered. She recommended that I reset the phone because if she put this through and it was rooted, I would be charged.
Are they able to tell your phone is rooted from their system without having it? Were they always able to do that?
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It wouldn't surprise me, but I can't imagine technology is that advanced, considering they are basically violating your privacy with a tool such as the one described. They could basically "tap" into your phone firmware/software whenever they want, and grab whatever information they want. I couldn't imagine, while possible, they would actually do it.
That said, you need to deal directly with LG. Verizon, along with many other carriers, will void your warranty at the flip of a dime because it's more income for them. I was an LG certified technician from 2005-2010, and while a technician, we did not void warranties for rooting unless we found evidence the firmware/software change interrupted the hardware, such as overclocking.
Once again, deal with LG directly. Verizon will snub you whenever they get the chance. Also, did I mention that most representatives have no idea what the hell they're talking about in the first place?
UrbanBounca said:
It wouldn't surprise me, but I can't imagine technology is that advanced, considering they are basically violating your privacy with a tool such as the one described. They could basically "tap" into your phone firmware/software whenever they want, and grab whatever information they want. I couldn't imagine, while possible, they would actually do it.
That said, you need to deal directly with LG. Verizon, along with many other carriers, will void your warranty at the flip of a dime because it's more income for them. I was an LG certified technician from 2005-2010, and while a technician, we did not void warranties for rooting unless we found evidence the firmware/software change interrupted the hardware, such as overclocking.
Once again, deal with LG directly. Verizon will snub you whenever they get the chance. Also, did I mention that most representatives have no idea what the hell they're talking about in the first place?
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She definitely str8 up said "it looks like your phone has been rooted" after she did her "diagnostics" when calling *611. SO... the tool exists.
The problem I have with sending it to LG for fixing is that I have to pay for shipping it, wait a week or two without a phone while they fix it, etc. With VZW, I can restore to stock and then get a phone immediatley.
Bwangster12 said:
The problem I have with sending it to LG for fixing is that I have to pay for shipping it, wait a week or two without a phone while they fix it, etc. With VZW, I can restore to stock and then get a phone immediatley.
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Well, that's your option. Did you restore it? Whether the representative can "detect" root or not, when they see a completely stock phone in retail, they'll probably replace it.
That said, you've got me curious as to whether Verizon can actually detect root over the phone. The research has started. . .
Edit: After about five minutes, it's apparently possible via a Verizon Remote Diagnostics app that they send out with updates. I definitely don't agree with it, and I'm glad I can say that with custom ROM's, that garbage is removed.
http://phandroid.com/2012/03/20/droid-charge-fp1-update-brings-verizon-remote-diagnostics-bug-fixes/
Verizon knows at all times what software your running. I used to work as tech support for VZW. Than can also see how many apps u got, how much memory u used, etc. Its an invasion of of privacy. But what can we do?
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
MicroMod777 said:
Verizon knows at all times what software your running. I used to work as tech support for VZW. Than can also see how many apps u got, how much memory u used, etc. Its an invasion of of privacy. But what can we do?
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
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Yeah, she said to me over the phone, after saying she was going to run diagnostics... "you've got 40% memory available, etc etc."
I am running a custom rom though. I'm using Xdabbeb's 24A. Could that tool not been removed or hidden?
Just turn off radios when calling. Then say, "I don't know whats wrong... I have 4 bars of 4G"
Need a replacement for my Moto X. Called them up and the guy could tell my phone was rooted but said he would ship out regardless. 5 days later no confirmation of it being shipped and it hadn't arrived so I gave them a call. It said your certified replacement device has been denied because you are rooted.
So I wonder if the steps to get a phone replaced would be to return to unrooted stock, then contact customer service? Or do they keep track of everything we do from the second we turn it on?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
njstein said:
So I wonder if the steps to get a phone replaced would be to return to unrooted stock, then contact customer service? Or do they keep track of everything we do from the second we turn it on?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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I'm now curious of the same question. I seriously can't believe they can see all that, even with a custom ROM. I mean, since this has been confirmed, couldn't this be a lawsuit of some sort? Am I the only person feeling this way? It's a blatant invasion of privacy.
It really is @UrbanBounca, but they'd probably tell you it's hidden in the agreement we all signed or the classic "don't like it, don't use our service". Only the big boys can get away with these kind of shenanigans.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I bought my phone outright for 399 or 499, I forget. I have a month to month contract on the UDP plan. Its my frigging phone. I'll do what I want with it. I understand when I root, I loose the warranty. I understand that if I'm tethering, I could get my wrist slapped.
Why call VZW for anything?
If your worried, don't root. If not, suck it up buttercups!!
I went thru the same thing with my Dodge Truck. I came to the conclusion that I am my own warranty station, plain and simple.
If your gonna do stuff to YOUR possessions, that might void a warranty, its not the manufactures fault, its yours, but YOU have the choice.
Of course VZW can see you phone, then they give all that info to the NSA for tax breaks
After a bit more research, I've found that they can only run diagnostics if (a) you're on ICS or above and (b) you have the MyVerizon app installed.
I don't have the MyVerizon app, and after hearing this, I won't be installing it.
Why would anyone use MyVerizon? It is certainly not NEEDED for anything productive.
Thanks Devs, from my LG G2
It'd definitely the my Verizon app. Even if you block superuser access to it they can still detect it. The customer service reps also make you install it when going through the process. I'm leaving Verizon next month after my last line is free from contract. 3 lines with unlimited data going up on eBay.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Verizon's Remote Diagnostics allows them to remotely control your device to fix things. I used to do this all the time. Usually its somebody that doesn't have a clue how to use android. So, I'd ask for permission, they'd get a pop up to put in a pin number I've give them, and i'd have total control of their phone, even view some fun stuff in their galleries!!! LOL Sometimes it was the only way to fix a problem than have granny go to a local verizon store.
....But before we even get permission to control a person's phone, on Verizon's side of things the Diagnostic tool lists everything about the phone. It doesn't matter what rom you have, it will show up. Anything in Settings they can mostly see.
If you want to avoid problems, best bet it to do a full stock restore, and run your phone for a few minutes before you call so their systems can see your full stock and not rooted.
Some Verizon Tech Reps are very anal, and will give you a hard time for anything, like if they are on a mission to discredit anybody that calls. Others, like I was mostly took your word for your problem. If I could fix it, I would, or I just send a replacement. I could care less if your rooted. I'd send anybody a phone. 80% of the time its a snobby business man, making $500k a year, mad as hell his phone freezes or his battery drains fast, and demands a replacement. I never argued with these kind of people, as they made the big bucks and I only made $40k a year. I even told one guy I didn't get paid enough to argue with him, and I'll send him a replacement no problem. lol
MicroMod777 said:
Verizon's Remote Diagnostics allows them to remotely control your device to fix things. I used to do this all the time. Usually its somebody that doesn't have a clue how to use android. So, I'd ask for permission, they'd get a pop up to put in a pin number I've give them, and i'd have total control of their phone, even view some fun stuff in their galleries!!! LOL Sometimes it was the only way to fix a problem than have granny go to a local verizon store.
....But before we even get permission to control a person's phone, on Verizon's side of things the Diagnostic tool lists everything about the phone. It doesn't matter what rom you have, it will show up. Anything in Settings they can mostly see.
If you want to avoid problems, best bet it to do a full stock restore, and run your phone for a few minutes before you call so their systems can see your full stock and not rooted.
Some Verizon Tech Reps are very anal, and will give you a hard time for anything, like if they are on a mission to discredit anybody that calls. Others, like I was mostly took your word for your problem. If I could fix it, I would, or I just send a replacement. I could care less if your rooted. I'd send anybody a phone. 80% of the time its a snobby business man, making $500k a year, mad as hell his phone freezes or his battery drains fast, and demands a replacement. I never argued with these kind of people, as they made the big bucks and I only made $40k a year. I even told one guy I didn't get paid enough to argue with him, and I'll send him a replacement no problem. lol
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The women I got kept saying to do a "factory reset" because if she put in the order for a CLNR that I would be charged if I was rooted. After I got off the call, I got the impression she was telling me to unroot my phone, restore to stock and then call back to place the order.
I had a custom rom, but it was stock based. I believe I did have the MyVerizon app on there.
I just rooted my 24A G2 and the moment I rebooted, I got a notification popup saying 'You have modified the system software' or something like that. So it is phoning home (no pun intended) and tripping a flag somewhere. I'm sure no one is looking at it unless you call, so before you call, flash back to 100% stock.
UrbanBounca said:
I'm now curious of the same question. I seriously can't believe they can see all that, even with a custom ROM. I mean, since this has been confirmed, couldn't this be a lawsuit of some sort? Am I the only person feeling this way? It's a blatant invasion of privacy.
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Click to collapse
It's not an invasion of privacy. They are protecting themselves from all of the warranty fraud that happens when people who complain about their phones try to return them under warranty.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk 2
When it comes to having to get a new phone, Verizon will not give you one if you have altered the phone. However, let's say your headphone jack stopped working and you need to send it in to get it repaired. They HAVE to fix your phone, regardless if it's rooted or not. Why? Because the only way they can't do warranty repairs with your phone being rooted, is because they HAVE to prove that rooting directly caused the issue with the phone. This is per the Magnusson-Moss Act Chapter 50 of United States Code Section 2304, which states:
Waiver of standards
The performance of the duties under subsection (a) of this section shall not be required of the warrantor if he can show that the defect, malfunction, or failure of any warranted consumer product to conform with a written warranty, was caused by damage (not resulting from defect or malfunction) while in the possession of the consumer, or unreasonable use (including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance). (d) Remedy without charge For purposes of this section and of section 2302© of this
title, the term "without charge" means that the warrantor may not assess the consumer for any costs the warrantor or his representatives incur in connection with the required remedy of a warranted consumer product. An obligation under subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section to remedy without charge does not necessarily require the warrantor to compensate the consumer for incidental expenses; however, if any incidental expenses are incurred because the remedy is not made within a reasonable time or
because the warrantor imposed an unreasonable duty upon the consumer as a condition of securing remedy, then the consumer shall be entitled to recover reasonable incidental expenses which are so incurred in any action against the warrantor.
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So how does that mean my warranty isn't voided? If you go out and buy a brand new G2, you root it and have no issues. No problems. Then a 6 weeks later, you plug in your headphones and all of a sudden, no sound is coming out of your head phones. Or the sound coming out of your speaker is crackling. Or your SIM/SD card door breaks off. Just because you rooted your phone, LG still has to honor the 1 year warranty pertaining to THOSE problems. They will STILL have to fix your headphone jack, THEY STILL have to install a new speaker and STILL have to give you a new SIM/SD card door.
Reference;
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/t...-users-may-have-about-rooting-and-warranties/