Skip to content 
Losing your phone is one of the most unpleasant experiences ever, especially if you depend on your phone for work, daily communications, and other personal matters. And if that’s the case, you need to take immediate action to safeguard your personal information and prevent unauthorized use of your device.
If you are an existing Verizon customer and find out that your phone is stolen, the first action is to report it to the carrier.
In today’s article, we will show you all the necessary steps you need to take to report a stolen phone to Verizon. We will also provide you with all the details on additional steps to take.
Table of Contents
Determining if your phone is stolen
Do you think that your phone is stolen? Well, maybe you must have misplaced it somewhere, and you have no recollection of where you must have dropped it. That said, if you suspect that your phone must have been stolen, here are some telltale signs to look out for:
- You can’t seem to find your phone even after searching for it.
- You can’t find your device in your bag or pocket.
- You suddenly start seeing unauthorized charges or unfamiliar activities
- You get a notification that your SIM card has been replaced or removed.
- You get a call or SMS from a stranger telling you they have found your phone and you need to pay a ransom to get it back.
If you experience these tell-tale signs, there is a high chance that your phone has been stolen. And should that be the case, you need to take urgent steps to report to Verizon immediately.
Things to do before reporting a stolen phone to Verizon
Before you report a stolen phone to Verizon, there are some steps you need to take. Read on as we go over them:
- Reach out to your service provider: If you have installed a tracking app on your phone or activated a remote wipe option, the first thing you need to do is contact your service provider and request that they track, lock or wipe your device remotely.
- Change your password: Losing your phone can be a nightmare. However, it happens to most people. If that happens to be you, we strongly recommend you change the passwords to all your online accounts, including email, banking apps, and social media accounts.
- Backup your data: Any time you get a new phone, the rule of thumb is to back up your data. The good thing about backing up your data is that it prevents losing critical information.
- File a police report: If you ever lose your phone, we strongly suggest you file a police report. You’ll be asked to provide your phone’s IMEI numbers, so have that on the ground when completing the report.
Reporting a stolen device to Verizon: Step-by-step process
After completing the processes we detailed above, you can now go ahead and report your stolen phone to Verizon. Here is how you can go about that:
Step 1: Contact the Verizon customer service team
The first thing you need to do when you find out your phone is stolen is to call the Verizon customer service team. You can reach them via the number 1-800-922-0204. Alternatively, dial this code *611 from a different Verizon phone and follow the prompts to speak to a Verizon customer representative.
Step 2: Provide basic information
When speaking to a customer service representative, you’ll be asked to provide basic information about your account, including the phone number associated with your device and account PIN.
Step 3: Report the stolen phone
After providing basic information about your phone, quickly let the representative know that your phone has been stolen and provide the IMEI associated with the stolen device. You can find the IMEI number for your phone by checking the original packaging, or on the purchase receipt. Alternatively, you can log into your Verizon account to check your IMEI status.
Step 4: Confirm the details
The reps will also confirm the make of the stolen device and model. Additionally, you’ll also be required to provide information about your Verizon account details, along with some information about the last known location of the device.
Step 5: Request for deactivation or suspension
After providing the necessary information about your account, you can ask the representative to deactivate or suspend your phone services. This is super important, especially to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use of your phone.
Step 6: Talk about insurance claims
Most users use Verizon’s total equipment insurance for their devices. If you confirm that you have insurance on your stolen phone, you can make inquiries from the rep about filing an insurance claim for your stolen device.
Step 7: Follow up
When talking to the representative from Verizon, make sure you know their name and phone number so you can follow up and be sure that your stolen device has been properly reported and the correct actions have been taken.
What should you expect after reporting a stolen phone to Verizon?
Once you have lodged a complaint about a stolen phone to Verizon, you can expect the following things to happen:
- All your Verizon services will be suspended or deactivated. This will prevent any fraudulent or unauthorized charges on your account.
- Verizon may launch an investigation to know how and when your device was stolen. And should that be the case, they will typically work with law enforcement agents.
- If you have insurance coverage for the stolen device, you may be able to file a claim, which will force Verizon to replace the device.
- The Verizon team may also suggest you purchase a new phone to continue using their services.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the first thing I should do if I find my stolen phone after lodging a complaint with Verizon?
If you suddenly find your stolen phone after lodging a complaint with Verizon, the first thing you need to do is contact Verizon and ask them to reactivate your services.
Can Verizon find my stolen phone?
While Verizon might have the tools to track your stolen phone to its last known location, they may not be able to find the phone if the SIM card has been removed and the phone is turned off.
Will Verizon refund me for unauthorized charges following the theft of my phone?
Sure, if there is an unauthorized charge on your account after reporting your missing phone to Verizon, Verizon is required by law to provide you with a refund.
In a nutshell
Reporting a stolen or missing phone to Verizon is super important, especially for the protection of your personal data. Typically, when your phone is stolen, the first thing the thief will attempt to do is execute some transactions on your device, so reporting your phone stolen will ensure that your device cannot be accessed.
