Why does AT&T not block stolen phones

[Bensey]

I've just moved from the UK where all wireless carriers subscribe to a national stolen phone register so that stolen phones cannot be used once reported stolen (http://www.immobilise.com/about.html). This helps prevent theft of mobile phones because once reported stolen the phone is effectively useless and therefore worthless.

I've just read an article in BusinessInsider which suggests that US wireless carriers don't care if your phone is stolen (http://www.businessinsider.com/robber-punched-me-in-the-face-for-my-iphone-and-it-happens-all-the-ti...).

Apparently, US carriers -- like AT&T -- will happily activate your stolen phone if someone fences it to a new owner. The article even insinuates that the manufacturers and carriers enjoy it when customers are punched in the face and have their phones stolen because this sells more phones, but I find this pretty hard to believe.

But I really can't believe that AT&T doesn't support a national stolen phone register that has been proven to reduce street robberies in other countries.

[aristizzle]

Because they don't, there's no explanation. I'm sure it's something they have or will look into though. I agree with you though, it's definitely a smart move to blacklist lost/stolen phones.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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Bensey wrote:

I've just moved from the UK where all wireless carriers subscribe to a national stolen phone register so that stolen phones cannot be used once reported stolen (http://www.immobilise.com/about.html). This helps prevent theft of mobile phones because once reported stolen the phone is effectively useless and therefore worthless.

I've just read an article in BusinessInsider which suggests that US wireless carriers don't care if your phone is stolen (http://www.businessinsider.com/robber-punched-me-in-the-face-for-my-iphone-and-it-happens-all-the-ti...).

Apparently, US carriers -- like AT&T -- will happily activate your stolen phone if someone fences it to a new owner. The article even insinuates that the manufacturers and carriers enjoy it when customers are punched in the face and have their phones stolen because this sells more phones, but I find this pretty hard to believe.

But I really can't believe that AT&T doesn't support a national stolen phone register that has been proven to reduce street robberies in other countries.

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it was just announced that a national database is being setup, individual carriers may have a basic structure by the end of this year with the namtional slated for the end of 2013 - as long as things go well, but it is being set up by the FCC so it may be 2023 by the time they get it done

With the various ways of getting around the registrations of cell phones doubt it will be as successful as you think, it is still easy in europe to bypass it.

[Bunnyd22]

I would be on the bandwagon to start such a list because apparently I bought a stolen phone from someone on craigslist, went to two different ATT stores because I needed a new sim card and for activation, called customer care to set IMEI under my account, just to have my phone confiscated by an ATT rep telling me that my phone was stolen! Just amazes me how when I first brought the phone to the store to get it activated they didnt tell me the phone was stolen-that would have saved me 350 bucks! Went to different ATT store to get new 4G sim card and no one told me. Called customer care about setting up features, no one told me, just to have it confiscated to my surprise. Is there a way where ATT can find out the phone is stolen and why wouldn't they tell us? Secondly, why were other reps unaware that the phone was stolen, yet one ATT rep was so special and smart enough to find out that the phone was stolen? A blacklist would definitely save people the headaches! Im all for it! Wish it could have been there earlier. 

[BadBadLeroyBrown ACE - Warrior]

I would contact the police. I don't think there's any way the AT&T rep could have known the phone was stolen. This sounds to me like a bit of a scam job - perhaps the AT&T rep is in on the scheme with the person who sold you the phone. Additionally, there's no way for the AT&T rep to "confiscate" the phone. If they suspect it's stolen, they would need to contact the police. They have no power of law in the AT&T stores. I'd call the police, and possibly even contact an attorney.

[Bunnyd22]

Thanks for the reply. I am definitely going to do that. I spoke with other customer service reps and they said there is no way they can see if a phone was stolen. After I left the store and told my friends they wanted me to contact my lawyer. Something is going on and I just need answers. Thanks again for your reply. It helps validate what has been racing through my head this past couple days. Thanks so much!

[harryspar]

No two Customer Service Representatives will ever tell you the same thing. It's against policy.

See for example my post at http://bit.ly/attGRRRR 

[jamileh]

Just wanted to followup on bunnyd22's situation - I responded to her earlier thread and we are working to get this resolved for her. 

Device theft in general is a big deal and it's something we care a lot about. 

@harryspar - I see that Geoff spoke with you yesterday and let you know that you're concerns are being handled by the Office of the President. Please continue to work with them.