Sen Schumer urges wireless providers to disable stolen phones

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on wireless service providers to disable stolen cellphones. If a phone is reported stolen, most major carriers disable its SIM card, which stores the user’s private data. But Sen Schumer said companies should use unique ID numbers to completely deactivate stolen phones, rendering them useless to thieves.

“While cellphones have become a convenient way to communicate on the go, they are also a convenient target for thieves who know they can make a pretty penny selling them on the black market,” Sen Schumer said. Almost half of property thefts in New York City involve a cellphone, Sen Schumer said, citing New York Police Department statistics. He said deactivating stolen phones would deter theft. Of the major carriers, only Verizon currently disables stolen phones. Verizon does not use SIM cards in its phones. (Aug 22)