Att automatically blocks stolen iPhone?

[pwcp]

I lost my iPhone on Thursday, replaced a new one the same day, filed a report to the police on Friday. I called AT&T this morning (sat) to ask them to block my phone through IMEI. The rep tolled me that when we report a stolen phone and activate a new sim card in a new phone, the old sim card will be deactivated and the stolen device will be automatically block. No one will be able to use the phone unless the one ask for AT&T's help. When it happens, AT&T will know its a stolen phone and I might get chance to get my phone back. Is it all true? They the rep said I don't even need to report a stolen and it will be auto block! Not so sure....anyone has any info on this? Thanks,

[youngjm ACE - Professor]

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pwcp wrote:
I lost my iPhone on Thursday, replaced a new one the same day, filed a report to the police on Friday. I called AT&T this morning (sat) to ask them to block my phone through IMEI. The rep tolled me that when we report a stolen phone and activate a new sim card in a new phone, the old sim card will be deactivated and the stolen device will be automatically block. No one will be able to use the phone unless the one ask for AT&T's help. When it happens, AT&T will know its a stolen phone and I might get chance to get my phone back. Is it all true? They the rep said I don't even need to report a stolen and it will be auto block! Not so sure....anyone has any info on this? Thanks,/

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This may be new on their part?  If it is, then it is a good thing.

[ujmnz]

T mobile and ATT have agreed to participate in a stolen/lost phone database to prevent and block those stolen phones. Last I heard, ATT was going to try to start that sometime in late summer. I could be wrong, but I do not believe that has gone into effect just yet. 

article related to this discussion

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/att-aided-cell-phone-thieves-suit-claims/

[youngjm ACE - Professor]

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ujmnz wrote:

T mobile and ATT have agreed to participate in a stolen/lost phone database to prevent and block those stolen phones. Last I heard, ATT was going to try to start that sometime in late summer. I could be wrong, but I do not believe that has gone into effect just yet. 

article related to this discussion

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/att-aided-cell-phone-thieves-suit-claims/

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I have heard this but I did not think this was in effect yet.  Maybe they have have started internal blocking efforts now and will have the wider carrier shared database soon?  Either way, it is long over due.

[crkcallie]

Does this feature apply with quick messaging phones as well, or is it only available for smart phones?  

[JFizDaWiz]

As of right now they are not blocked from being reactivated. When it does go into effect it should block all phones not just smart phones

[pwcp]

From reading all the repies, I think the one who got my phone won't get punished at all, right?

So, if ATT starts blocking it anytime soon, and it found the phone is activated from a blocking list, would it be reported? Or, will it block all the reported stolen phone retrospectively? 

[youngjm ACE - Professor]

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pwcp wrote:

From reading all the repies, I think the one who got my phone won't get punished at all, right?

So, if ATT starts blocking it anytime soon, and it found the phone is activated from a blocking list, would it be reported? Or, will it block all the reported stolen phone retrospectively? 

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We really do not know as they have not announced the details.  We just know they are finally working on something.