Headline;
- Phone Stolen in South Africa? What to Do in the First Hour
- How to Blacklist a Stolen Phone in South Africa (Step by Step)
- Lost or Stolen Cellphone: Block It, Report It and Protect Your Bank Account
- Phone Theft in South Africa: Steps to Take Before and After It Happens
Phone stolen or lost? Follow these steps to lock your SIM, blacklist the IMEI, report to SAPS and protect your banking apps and personal data.
Phone theft is a daily risk in South Africa, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere. According to figures quoted by the SAPS, an average of 189 cellphones are stolen every day. The loss of the device is only part of the problem, because your phone can give thieves access to your banking apps, WhatsApp and email. In the first hour, do these things quickly:
- Lock or track the phone using Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone.
- Call your network provider to block your SIM, so no one can use your number.
- Call your bank to protect your accounts.
- Open a police case and get a case number (steps below).
Next, get your IMEI, the unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone. You can find it by dialling *#06# on the device, or on the original box and purchase receipt. Then follow these steps to have the phone blacklisted:
| Step | What to do | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find your IMEI | Dial *#06# or check the box and receipt | The phone, or the box or receipt |
| 2. Report to the police | Open a case at the nearest police station and ask for a case number | The IMEI and your ID |
| 3. Ask your network to blacklist it | Call your network and ask for the phone to be blocked | Cellphone number, make and model, IMEI and case number |
| 4. If you get it back | Ask your network to reverse the blacklisting | Your ID and proof of ownership |
Blacklisting stops the phone being used on South African networks, but it does not stop it being used outside the country.
Then protect your money and accounts:
- Contact your bank immediately, and change the passwords for your email and banking apps.
- Sign out of your accounts remotely where you can.
- Remember that phone insurance, if you have it, replaces the device only. It does not cover money lost from your bank account.
- Keep your IMEI, receipt and a backup of your data somewhere safe now.
Read our guide to SIM swap fraud as well, so you know the warning signs.
Disclaimer: cellphonezone.co.za is an information website. Procedures and contact numbers differ between networks, banks and insurers, so confirm the steps with your provider and report crimes to the South African Police Service. This article is general information, not legal or professional advice. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.