Should you call the police if you lose your phone? Yes.

Losing a phone can be heartbreaking – but do you really need to call the police? 

It’s a good idea. If you have a smartphone with a lot of valuable information stored in there, you’ll need to file a police report in order to put a freeze on your credit. If any fraudulent charges are made with information obtained through that stolen phone, you’ll be much better protected with that police report in hand. You’ll also want to change all of your important passwords in the event that your phone is lost or stolen.

Before you lose your phone, consider taping or marking an email address somewhere on the device. Most people are sympathetic and are happy to return your phone if they know how. Contact information on the outside of your phone will make it easier if your phone is locked, damaged or has a dead battery.