WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF: BEWARE OF CELL PHONE THEFT
by NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid
Everywhere you go, there seem to be people talking on cell phones. Many people carry a cell phone for business and another personal calls. We may not give it a second thought to leave the cell phone in the car while we are at a movie. Those who use a cell phone for emergencies may have to take a moment to remember where the phone was left. I would like to suggest to you that you need to keep track of your cell phone or you may be in for quite a shock.
If your cell phone is stolen you could be financially responsible for the calls made on the phone. My office has received complaints from individuals who are being charged for thousands of dollars in calls made after their cell phone was stolen. If you find yourself in such a situation you could be in for a prolonged dispute as well as possible credit problems.
Many people think that their liability for cell phone charges is similar to a credit card theft. But that is not the case. If you read your cell phone contract you are likely to find no liability limit because cell phone providers are not required to limit your liability.
I would like to suggest the following steps for your protection:
- Know where your cell phone is at all times. If days go by before you notice your phone was stolen you could be faced with paying a sizable cell phone bill.
- Read your cell phone contract carefully. The contract may contain specific instructions to be followed in the event your cell phone is stolen.
- If your phone is stolen you should notify the police so there is a written record of the theft and notify the cell phone provider as quickly as possible.
- When you talk to your cell phone provider about the theft make certain you ask the name of the individual you are speaking with and that person's position. You might need this information later if the company maintains that the theft was not reported.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have problems. You may call our office at (800)678-1508 or (505)827-6060. You may write the office at PO Drawer 1508 Santa Fe 87504-1508, or visit our web site at www.ago.state.nm.us.
Patricia Madrid is the Attorney General of New Mexico.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Click Here to visit the ARCHIVES or
Click Here for Page One of the New Mexico Journal.
Questions or Comments? Email editor@nmjournal.com
Copyright ©2000, 2001 WordPros Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be duplicated in any form without the express written consent of WordPros Publications, Inc. This includes all text, formatting, graphics, photographs, scripts and coding, etc. All brand names, logos, and product names used on these web pages are trademarks or tradenames of their respective holders. Terms of Use.
