Things the guys who stole my phone have texted me to try to get me to unlock it
gothamist.com
Don’t fall for these texts from scammers trying to crack into your stolen phone.

This is a very entertaining and educational article, giving insights into the methods used by thiefs to try and get access to your phone data.

I don’t like Apple but it’s great that their security is so good when it comes to this.

  • brbpostingEnglish
    26·
    6 months ago

    Uhg! It’s outta control.

    Does anybody have ideas for an anti-pick-pocketing solution they’d like to share? I might have to start a community for it. Or maybe you know some forums where designers who may be interested might be hanging out.

    Requirements:

    • retrofit almost any front pants/shorts pocket
    • allow for near instant access (allowing for e.g. snapping a photo before the moment passes)
    • one-handed access
    • mechanical/passive: non-battery operated or fails in “unlocked” mode
    • if not locked to owner’s hand (or say a finger-worn key), makes removal feel obvious
    • automatically resets (resilient & inebriated person approved)
    • ideally works with any phone case
    • relatively inexpensive, and potentially even open source and/or 3D printable

    Lately been imagining something like this, kinda… not really, and with only 2-3 fins:

    so you gotta pull your phone out in a way that stretches the pocket to max width and one fin noticeably rubs against your leg.

    Doesn’t meet all the requirements but also thought about a long and wide strip of cloth sewn at the bottom of a pocket that you could tuck into your waistband.

    Edit: aware of one existing solution but not a huge fan

    • Red_October@lemmy.worldEnglish
      26·
      6 months ago

      Honestly you can get a lot done just by wrapping a rubber band or two around your phone, it’ll kinda catch and hold in your pocket and make it more notable if someone tries to pull it out. Works for your wallet too, and all without building a whole ass mousetrap for your pocket.

      • semitones@lemmy.mlEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        Oh dude great idea! Also if you did it with hair ties you could keep extra hair ties that way! (Albeit stretched out)

    • kablammyEnglish
      16·
      6 months ago

      Velcro sewn to just inside the top of your pocket, so sticking a hand in your pocket makes a loud noise and you can feel it, for any pickpocket to separate the velcro.

    • SkyezOpen@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      6 months ago

      Mouse trap phone case. It fulfills almost none of the requirements, but it’ll be satisfying when a thief gets snapped.

    • /home/pineapplelover@lemm.eeEnglish
      9·
      6 months ago

      Also might wanna try to just bring a cheap phone you wouldn’t mind to lose just in case you do manage to lose it. Back up your data so if it does go missing you’ll have the memories.

      • AA5B@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        That’s a great idea! Thank ve thought about carrying a decoy wallet before, but a decoy phone is also a great idea

      • brbpostingEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        Not a bad strategy at all.

        Still, hate to negotiate with terrorists. And bring home potato photos. Instead of $developing-nation-per-capita-GDP phone quality photos.

        Which of course means the thieves will still be tempted! If anti-pickpocketing strategy becomes too successful, they’ll move to violent means, then a cheap phone will be a must.

        • /home/pineapplelover@lemm.eeEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          Well phones are generally pretty good for taking pictures and videos. A pixel 4 or something is a pretty decent phone for example.

    • bitwolf@lemmy.oneEnglish
      4·
      6 months ago

      I use a fanny pack at large events.

      Many have hidden zippers for wallet and phone, and its in front of you so its hard to steal from.

      • brbpostingEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        Thanks, phone theft is rampant in nightclubs as well and would be great to solve for the pocket problem.

        Do like these guys (who I think spend a lot of money on marketing):

        • bitwolf@lemmy.oneEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          I got a cheap one from Amazon.

          A key thing a look for are those little nylon pulls on the zipper handles. You can always add them to a zipper as well.

          You can loop the pulls through each other to make it harder to open a zipper. I do this for backpacks since they’re behind me. This is more of a deterrent than a lock though.

          I’ll send a pic after work to describe it. (Although there are actual products but I am cheap).

    • Ookami38English
      1·
      6 months ago

      Just a phone case with a retractable tether would work fine. Put it in your pocket. Tether is out of the way, completely invisible. Pull it out, tether extends enough to use it, and reteacs when you’re done. With a clip or strap, you can attach it to just about any outfit easily enough.

      Realistically, if you have to have a phone somewhere like this where pickpocketing is likely, id suggest either a cheap phone you can lose, or keeping your phone in your hand/a hand on it in your pocket.