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Tech Tips: After stealing a phone, criminals often first try to determine whether the device can be easily unlocked.

In today's digital world, smartphones are used for much more than just making calls, taking photos, or sending messages; people use them for online payments, social media, and storing important documents. Consequently, if someone's phone is stolen, everything from vital documents to banking information can be put at risk. Let’s explore what hackers actually do with the device immediately after stealing it.

For your information, after stealing a phone, criminals often first try to see if the device can be easily unlocked. Hackers can easily access phones that have weak PINs, simple patterns, or no lock at all. However, modern smartphones come with strong encryption and security features, so simply getting hold of the phone does not mean all the data is easily accessible.

Additionally, notifications appearing on the lock screen can pose a risk. Personal information can be leaked if SMS messages, OTPs, emails, or other alerts flash on the device. If notifications are visible on the lock screen, someone could easily misuse the information they contain.

Moreover, the risk increases if the SIM card is stolen along with the phone. Criminals can use SIM-related information to gain access to accounts. Although many services require extra security measures like OTPs, it is still crucial to have the SIM card blocked immediately upon realizing the phone has been stolen.

If banking or UPI apps are installed on the phone, criminals could even steal your money. A strong screen lock and app security features can significantly reduce this risk. As soon as you discover the phone is missing, you should immediately check the security status of your banking apps, UPI accounts, and other important accounts.

It is also worth noting that after stealing a phone, cybercriminals can hack into your social media accounts. It is worth noting that if fraudsters gain access to your email, they can reset your passwords and take over other accounts. Similarly, your WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media accounts could also be compromised.

Therefore, if your phone is stolen, the first step is to try locking it from another device using services like 'Find My Device' or 'Find My'. You can also use the option to remotely wipe the phone if necessary. After that, get your SIM card blocked and change the passwords for your bank, UPI, email, and social media accounts.