Stolen Phone - Whats Up?

[Udox]

Had a very expensive learning curve this week as my friend had her bag stolen in Bkk containing a Samsung smart phone.

It had Avast anti-virus installed and I thought had Avast anti-theft also (it did, but not properly, as we found out to our cost)

Having accepted the phone has gone, a few days ago we began to hear from friends that my friend was still showing online with whatsapp chat programme, although her profile picture had changed, amazingly - to a portrait of what we think is the thief or friend of the thief. After monitoring this (from another phone) we have seen the 'thief' go online and offline several times per day so we know they are still actively using my friends whatsapp account and I think they may have possibly changed their user name but this will only show on their (stolen) phone because on other phones the user name is still my friends name (the victim) so we can assume its stored on each persons individual phone, according to what they have written themselves.

My question is - knowing the thief is actively using whatsapp (for the moment) is there any way possible of finding out the originators number or any other information which would give us a clue to the thiefs identity?

We will try asking the police to ask the mobile operator - but have been here long enough not to hold any expectations, especially after seeing the way they 'dealt' with the original theft last week.

It seems I have one chance (albeit small) to use this opportunity to my advantage to chase the thief but not being familiar with whatapp (I never used it after installing it on my phone) - I am hoping that someone more 'techie' might give me some advice.

I tried the 'view contact info' button and it displays a phone number, but oddly enough its my friend's (the victims) number - which we know is obsolete as we know the thief has changed the sim, so can assume its just recording the original phone number in the programme of when the app was first installed and not updating with the new (thiefs) sim or mobile number.

Apart from trying to get the police to be interested, it's also an option to send a message myself and try to 'entice' the thief to give away some information which might give us more clues. Has anyone any experience in this kind of thing ?

It's not so much a case of getting the phone back - it's pretty depressing knowing that we can see the thief using the phone every day - and there is nothing we can do about it (or is there) ?

I would love to track them down and ........

[Satcommlee]

It seems clear that they have not factory reset the phone.

There is a chance that it is still using your google account too.

(Assuming it is android with GPS etc..)

My google account tracks my location.

Go to https://www.google.com/dashboard/

log in using your android account details and have a look in there, you will be surprised how much information is collected.

Look specifically in "latitude" section.

I was surprised that I could physically re-track my movements by time/date and location over the last few months.

Good Luck

Todays movements

Edited January 15, 2013 by Satcommlee

[noob7]

They did not wipe the phone, only using a new sim.

As long you don't deinstall whatsapp, or delete the old account in whatsapp settings, it doesn't matter, what sim you use, whatsapp works on the details, you got the confirmation sms to!

Don't know, if you have latitude active, but:

Your IMEI Number is in your google dashboard available.

Usually it shouldn't be a problem, for the police, to get the information to the cell phone provider and get the information from them, which number/provider is used, now. Maybe you can see the now used provider besides the info about your 'android device', so it's easier, a bit.

And in which area (cell) the cell-phone is using the service.

Have you been to the police, already? Don't think so, b/c also your provider has the IMEI, and could easily find the cell. if wanted (from the provider) and got ordered bey the police. (I think, if wanted, again)

Your friend is Thai? Maybe a better chance.

http://imei-number.com/stolen-phone/

Edited January 15, 2013 by noob7

[Satcommlee]

Usually it shouldn't be a problem, for the police, to get the information to the cell phone provider and get the information from them, which number/provider is used, now.

Never in a million years would the police be proactive on a petty offence like this. If they were to be, they'd probably want a few iphone 5's for their trouble.

[Udox]

Thank you for that very informative tip. I was astounded at how much of your history and information is collected and stored in there. Unfortunately there is no 'Latitude' information for the stolen phone at all - not even a sub-title for latitude on that website page. (Although I know it works because I checked the details for MY phone and its shows latitude). I am not sure why its not there for the stolen phone.

Interestingly though - it told me that the "Android System Settings' for the stolen phone were updated on 7 Jan at 2130 hrs. Which is 6 hours AFTER the phone was stolen.( to be expected) It also tells me that the last time there was activity on the google side of things was 2122hrs last night (Tuesday 15th) so it proves that someone somewhere is using it. Also it said that it was a True Move mobile number - which is strange as the 'victim' used AIS / 1-2-call, so perhaps it is telling me that the thief's new sim is a True move sim?

The final thing which has really really got me confused is that under the heading "Web History/Maps" - the last search carried out showed the police station where we dealt with the police, who had called us and informed us they had found some of my friends belonings/ID card etc. Up until the theft neither of us had either heard nor visited this police station - so why would either of us previously do a search for it (or need to) and for that search to be the last time anyone used the google maps app. The only time we needed to know where was this police station located was AFTER the phone was stolen ! Now I am really getting suspicious !

[Udox]

They did not wipe the phone, only using a new sim.

As long you don't deinstall whatsapp, or delete the old account in whatsapp settings, it doesn't matter, what sim you use, whatsapp works on the details, you got the confirmation sms to!

Don't know, if you have latitude active, but:

Your IMEI Number is in your google dashboard available.

Usually it shouldn't be a problem, for the police, to get the information to the cell phone provider and get the information from them, which number/provider is used, now. Maybe you can see the now used provider besides the info about your 'android device', so it's easier, a bit.

And in which area (cell) the cell-phone is using the service.

Have you been to the police, already? Don't think so, b/c also your provider has the IMEI, and could easily find the cell. if wanted (from the provider) and got ordered bey the police. (I think, if wanted, again)

Your friend is Thai? Maybe a better chance.

http://imei-number.com/stolen-phone/

I have 'recovered' the imei number and apparently they are now using true move. (Thanks google dashboard)

Yes of course we reported the theft within 30 minutes but it made laurel and hardy look like einstein.

They firstly argued which police station we should report it too, then nobody wanted to make the report. "It's not my job", "I am busy " (Playing computer chess), "the man you need is not here at the moment"

I agree that if they wanted to - they could actually investigate this case and ask the phone company to supply the information, but we all know it will never happen, even though I now have a picture of the thief (or their friend) as they were stupid enough to use their own picture when they changed the whatsapp profile picture.

Yes the victim is Thai - but I think that is possibly a disadvantage sometimes, as they tend not to shout and scream as we farangs would (well I would / did) - they bring out the 'kreng Jai' card !

I just want the police to do what we (the taxpayers) pay them to do - I know, doesn't even deserve a reply to that one.!

[Satcommlee]

The final thing which has really really got me confused is that under the heading "Web History/Maps" - the last search carried out showed the police station where we dealt with the police, who had called us and informed us they had found some of my friends belonings/ID card etc. Up until the theft neither of us had either heard nor visited this police station - so why would either of us previously do a search for it (or need to) and for that search to be the last time anyone used the google maps app. The only time we needed to know where was this police station located was AFTER the phone was stolen ! Now I am really getting suspicious !

Yes very very suspicious! Well despite the loss of the phone, I hope you enjoy the hunt (so to speak).

Edited January 15, 2013 by Satcommlee

[Satcommlee]

You might be able to activate Latitude remotely see..

http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/98gbTFvlJqc

http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/98gbTFvlJqc

You can also remotely install apps by going to google play on a normal PC.

[lomatopo]

I might send a WhatsApp! message saying some thing like this (in Thai and English), "Thank you for recovering my phone, I would like to give you x,000 baht when we meet to return my phone." Maybe send that to the TrueMove number as an SMS.

And once the Police report is filed, make a copy along any/all details (IMEI) then go to TrueMove and ask them to either help locate the phone, or disable the service.

[Udox]

I might send a WhatsApp! message saying some thing like this (in Thai and English), "Thank you for recovering my phone, I would like to give you x,000 baht when we meet to return my phone." Maybe send that to the TrueMove number as an SMS.

And once the Police report is filed, make a copy along any/all details (IMEI) then go to TrueMove and ask them to either help locate the phone, or disable the service.

Thats a good idea about sending a message and offering a reward. I would like to think that nobody would be stupid enough to believe that crap and meet me - but then I remembered where I am - and money is king here.

I can't send it as an sms as I don't have the new sim card number (yet) - only that its a true move sim

I have to say that since opening this thread last night I have received some astounding tips and ideas. (Thank you)

Retrospectively I would add my ideas to everyone else and install one of the free anti-theft apps from people like avast or avg. I wish I had done so and could have completely disabled my phone or lots of other things, without the thief knowing.

At the moment I am still trying to find out why the last time google maps was opened - it shows the location as the police station who allegedly 'found' the bag WITHOUT a phone inside

Somebody opened google maps on that phone from that location - it wasn't me or my friend (the phone owner) and I am quite sure it wasn't the original thief - the list narrows down pretty small now. Who could it be ??????????????!!!

[Satcommlee]

Police in Thailand are amongst the most honourable and honest in the world. They would never steal someone's belongings, what are you implying?

[noob7]

At the moment I am still trying to find out why the last time google maps was opened - it shows the location as the police station who allegedly 'found' the bag WITHOUT a phone inside

Somebody opened google maps on that phone from that location - it wasn't me or my friend (the phone owner) and I am quite sure it wasn't the original thief - the list narrows down pretty small now. Who could it be ??????????????!!!

Police in Thailand are amongst the most honourable and honest in the world. They would never steal someone's belongings, what are you implying?

[YipYipYa123]

Sounds like the bag was handed to the police intact and one of them decided he needed a shiny new Samsung phone.... And left the other worthless stuff in the bag

[pmarlin]

go to http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do

[Honkie]

Police in Thailand are amongst the most honourable and honest in the world. They would never steal someone's belongings, what are you implying?

Police in Thailand are amongst the most honourable and honest in the world. They would never steal someone's belongings, what are you implying?

The Honourable tea lady of the Police station.

[lomatopo]

Sounds like the bag was handed to the police intact and one of them decided he needed a shiny new Samsung phone.... And left the other worthless stuff in the bag

The OP stated that the bag was stolen. So for someone to steal it, and then turn it in to the Police intact seems odd. I assumed the original thief took the phone, and maybe some other valuables, then discarded the bag. Someone found the bag then turned it in to the Police.

I guess if the bag was lost, rather than stolen, then someone finding it might turn it in to the Police intact.

Edited January 17, 2013 by lomatopo

[YipYipYa123]

Sounds like the bag was handed to the police intact and one of them decided he needed a shiny new Samsung phone.... And left the other worthless stuff in the bag

The OP stated that the bag was stolen. So for someone to steal it, and then turn it in to the Police intact seems odd. I assumed the original thief took the phone, and maybe some other valuables, then discarded the bag. Someone found the bag then turned it in to the Police.

I guess if the bag was lost, rather than stolen, then someone finding it might turn it in to the Police intact.

was it stolen as in left on a park bench or in a shoping mall,left in a taxi etc who might have scammed the phone and then handed in the bag ? or stolen as in snatched at knife or gunpoint etc ? need a bit more informatiion but it seems weird that someone was using the phone at the very policestation the stolen bag ended up at less than an hour after it was stolen

[Udox]

Sounds like the bag was handed to the police intact and one of them decided he needed a shiny new Samsung phone.... And left the other worthless stuff in the bag

I am not sure how the bag came into the possession of the police at this stage. The 'official' story they gave was that an officer was on patrol and saw two youths walk past a rubbish bin and toss the bag into it. The officer tried to apprehend them but they escaped, he recovered the bag and took it back to the police station and the following morning we picked it up - personally, minus the phone but the old sim card was in the bag (folded in half). Somebody logged onto Google maps at 7pm - 2 hours after the police recovered the bag - and the google location shows at xxx police station. At 9.30pm they changed the 'android settings' (which means they tried altering something or perhaps this was when they changed the sim?). The following day somebody used the phone internet to look at a porn site and then all was quiet until a few days ago when a female began using whatsap - obviously unaware that although she has changed her user name - everyone else in the old contacts list can still see her. This case is till ongoing and I am monitoring the situation daily.

Questions running through my mind are: why would the thieves who were on a motorbike walk around a busy area carrying a womans handbag, why would they casually throw it into a bin (indeed you very rarely even see any bins in Bangkok) and why did the patrol officer not chase on his motorbike if they were merely walking/running. (I have never seen a policeman walk anywhere on patrol they all use motorbikes). Why was the old sim card still in the bag not in the nearest sewer drain ?

[Udox]

Sounds like the bag was handed to the police intact and one of them decided he needed a shiny new Samsung phone.... And left the other worthless stuff in the bag

The OP stated that the bag was stolen. So for someone to steal it, and then turn it in to the Police intact seems odd. I assumed the original thief took the phone, and maybe some other valuables, then discarded the bag. Someone found the bag then turned it in to the Police.

I guess if the bag was lost, rather than stolen, then someone finding it might turn it in to the Police intact.

The bag was STOLEN. I and my friend were walking along a busy pavement near Macro when one of the dozens of motorbikes allowed(?) to ride on the pavement came past - snatched the bag and zoomed off. I shouted at them and gave chase but of course even a 100cc motorbike is faster than me. Nothing - absolutely nothing was missing when we got the bag back - except the phone (only 6000 baht samsung) and a 200 baht pair of sunglasses. Everything else was there. Keys, atm cards bank books even a BTS rabbit card all still there.

The theft happened at 2.25pm and at 5pm somebody claiming to be from the police called to relatives and said they had found my friends bag. The call was NOT from the police station we made the report to.

When you get a new / unfamiliar phone you tend to press this button and that one to 'see what it does'. I assume somebody foolishy pressed the google maps button on the home page. Prior to that Neither I or my friend had ever been or even heard of this police station - so it was not us (at some previous time). When you press 'google maps' the first thing is does is show your current location - I have tried it on my own phone several times.

So many unanswered questions still open.

If I am lucky enough - they might do it again in the next few days - then the fireworks will start !

Edited January 17, 2013 by Udox

[Udox]

go to http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do

Thanks for the link. It is very similar to the avast anti theft I have on my own phone.

I thought the stolen phone had it too - but found out it wasn't installed correctly (It's quite a complicated procedure) but would have saved a lot of heartache if I had only checked first instead of just assuming.

The samsung version in your link is just as good - but of course it needs installing on the mobile phone BEFORE it is stolen / missing.

Advice to all - get one of the many (free) anti-theft programmes on your phone TODAY. Don't wait until its too late.

[pmarlin]

go to http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do

Thanks for the link. It is very similar to the avast anti theft I have on my own phone.

I thought the stolen phone had it too - but found out it wasn't installed correctly (It's quite a complicated procedure) but would have saved a lot of heartache if I had only checked first instead of just assuming.

The samsung version in your link is just as good - but of course it needs installing on the mobile phone BEFORE it is stolen / missing.

Advice to all - get one of the many (free) anti-theft programmes on your phone TODAY. Don't wait until its too late.

really easy, it is a web based service but you do have have the phone registured with Samsung and the account listed in the phone. took me less than a min to find it and activate it.

[Udox]

Went to truemove today and explained the situation and that the thief is now using a true move sim and gave them the phone IMIE number - but (as expected) they told me there is nothing they could do

Not being au-fait with phones, sim cards and IMIE numbers I don't know if she meant 'couldn't do' as in physically, or morally.

I always thought an IMIE number was personal to a particular phone and that if that phone was transmitting a signal then they could trace it and retrieve the number used and possibly even block the phone (until the user pays 200 baht at MBK to get it 'unblocked')

Samsung gave me the same negative "cannot Mister" reply.

No wonder phone theft is so bloody common here !

[noob7]

Went to truemove today and explained the situation and that the thief is now using a true move sim and gave them the phone IMIE number - but (as expected) they told me there is nothing they could do

Not being au-fait with phones, sim cards and IMIE numbers I don't know if she meant 'couldn't do' as in physically, or morally.

I always thought an IMIE number was personal to a particular phone and that if that phone was transmitting a signal then they could trace it and retrieve the number used and possibly even block the phone (until the user pays 200 baht at MBK to get it 'unblocked')

Samsung gave me the same negative "cannot Mister" reply.

No wonder phone theft is so bloody common here !

Even in the western world, it's unlikely, the provider doing something, without some official request.

A stolen phone, lost and found, doesn't matter to them. As long, it is used, it is money!

A stolen phone can be blocked (the IMEI is like the mac address, usually only once around!).

Any provider can lock it, in the telephone system. Not only in his network.

[YipYipYa123]

Went to truemove today and explained the situation and that the thief is now using a true move sim and gave them the phone IMIE number - but (as expected) they told me there is nothing they could do

Not being au-fait with phones, sim cards and IMIE numbers I don't know if she meant 'couldn't do' as in physically, or morally.

I always thought an IMIE number was personal to a particular phone and that if that phone was transmitting a signal then they could trace it and retrieve the number used and possibly even block the phone (until the user pays 200 baht at MBK to get it 'unblocked')

Samsung gave me the same negative "cannot Mister" reply.

No wonder phone theft is so bloody common here !

Even in the western world, it's unlikely, the provider doing something, without some official request.

A stolen phone, lost and found, doesn't matter to them. As long, it is used, it is money!

A stolen phone can be blocked (the IMEI is like the mac address, usually only once around!).

Any provider can lock it, in the telephone system. Not only in his network.

imei numbers can be altered by anyone with a laptop and the appropriate software although

its illegal

when i lived in europe it was fairly rampant and the providors could block an imei

from using national networks but the problem was it could be used in a differnt country

so mobile phone theft was very common and probably still is

[Udox]

I suspect that even if the phone was blocked - a quick trip to MBK mall would have it sorted.

Its bloody amazing how people attitudes change from when you buy the phone and they are kissing ass and even registered the IMIE number "just in case, as you can't be too careful out there" and now - nobody gives a rats arse and all seem to be pre-programmed with the phrase "cannot Mister"

There has been zero activity on the phone (according to dashboard) for 3 days now and I am starting to suspect the phone has been sold and is sitting in a shop window somewhere.

The shop could tell instantly that the phone does not belong to whoever was trying to sell it as the facebook and gmail accounts were inaccessible (we changed the password) and the chat programmes were mentioning another name etc etc... and hundreds of pictures (mostly self portraits) of the original owner spread all over various programmes on the phone. So assuming they realised that its possibly a stolen phone - did they ask for proof of ownership or just reduce the offered price by 50% and say no more? Of course it was the latter.

All that trauma (for us) results in a 'jackpot' for the thief of a thousand or possibly 2 thousand baht.

Without any further proof to support our suspicions on the crooked man in uniform, we have succumbed and like most things here - been drained of energy in our efforts and retired from the race.

Facing 'brick walls' at every turn and the fact that nobody gives a flying f*** about anything or anyone - there is little more that we can do.

[JDGRUEN]

Most phones can be reset to 'Factory Specs' and nothing obvious relative to the original owner can be detected by the casual user/ buyer. It will be wiped clean except for the normal ID - IMIE

[taninthai]

I found a phone I.n the uk and it didn't work as they had blocked it from the ime number bought it over here and hey presto it worked,the system over here just isn't set up to block the phone with the ime number that's why ypu find alot of the phones you buy from mbk work here fine however take it back to uk or Europe and it won't work at all.

[petedk]

I haven't read all the postings yet but I have read up to the point where the bag with all belongings minus the mobile were returned to the police.

I have a friend who was in a similar situation. Her blackberry was stolen at a hotel restaurant. Neither the staff nor the police were very interested in the case even though she offered a cash reward.

After a few days, her friends saw her online but the profile photo had changed. She downloaded the photo and returned to the hotel and asked the manager if he knew the person on the photo. Sure enough it was one of the waiters. The waiter was questioned and he admitted that there was a little group of people involved in stealing mobiles and other valuables from customers. The phone was returned and the staff were sacked. No police involvement.

Maybe if you check the photo against the police officers it could be one of them but then how on earth would you tackle that situation?

[YipYipYa123]

I haven't read all the postings yet but I have read up to the point where the bag with all belongings minus the mobile were returned to the police.

I have a friend who was in a similar situation. Her blackberry was stolen at a hotel restaurant. Neither the staff nor the police were very interested in the case even though she offered a cash reward.

After a few days, her friends saw her online but the profile photo had changed. She downloaded the photo and returned to the hotel and asked the manager if he knew the person on the photo. Sure enough it was one of the waiters. The waiter was questioned and he admitted that there was a little group of people involved in stealing mobiles and other valuables from customers. The phone was returned and the staff were sacked. No police involvement.

Maybe if you check the photo against the police officers it could be one of them but then how on earth would you tackle that situation?

if the new pic was of a woman then likely the policeman theif has given it to one of his girlfriends

[Jayman]

Went to truemove today and explained the situation and that the thief is now using a true move sim and gave them the phone IMIE number - but (as expected) they told me there is nothing they could do

Not being au-fait with phones, sim cards and IMIE numbers I don't know if she meant 'couldn't do' as in physically, or morally.

I always thought an IMIE number was personal to a particular phone and that if that phone was transmitting a signal then they could trace it and retrieve the number used and possibly even block the phone (until the user pays 200 baht at MBK to get it 'unblocked')

Samsung gave me the same negative "cannot Mister" reply.

No wonder phone theft is so bloody common here !

Even in the western world, it's unlikely, the provider doing something, without some official request.

A stolen phone, lost and found, doesn't matter to them. As long, it is used, it is money!

A stolen phone can be blocked (the IMEI is like the mac address, usually only once around!).

Any provider can lock it, in the telephone system. Not only in his network.

In the US if your phone is stolen and you report to the carrier then they will blacklist the iemi and the next person to put a SIM in will have the SIM disabled.

A friend of mine bought a phone from eBay and when he put his SIM in it physically destroyed the SIM making it unusable in any phone.

Sent from my GT-I9100T