How to track a stolen laptop with serial number? If you own any technology device such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets, there’s always the risk that it might get stolen or lost. It’s always a good idea to prepare for this sort of situation.
Once your laptop is gone, you won’t be able to use it anymore, and all of your data will be irretrievable. Don’t lose hope when you find out your computer was stolen or lost!
Nobody likes to contemplate the possibility of their laptop getting stolen. If that does happen, it would be best if you were aware of what to do. While most people think that the only way to track down a stolen laptop is with GPS, there are other methods that you can use as well.
One such method includes tracking your device using its serial number. Let’s zoom in to learn how to make use of this technique.
What information do I need?
Your laptop’s make, model, and serial number are critical information that will help you quickly identify your computer when searching through lists of stolen items. Many people choose not to write their password on their computers but instead write it down separately—if so, get that piece of paper out! You’ll also want any receipts from purchasing software or accessories for your computer. This way, if you do find your computer listed as stolen, you can prove its legitimacy.
How do I search?
Once you have all of your identifying information together, there are several places where you can search for missing laptops: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC): This is an FBI database used by law enforcement agencies across America. Suppose your computer has been reported as lost or stolen in any state in America.
Theoretically, because of this, you should find what you’re looking for on this list. You can search through NCIC using your computer’s make and model or serial number. Be sure to check both locations! You may also be able to use other keywords such as stolen or missing.
While NCIC is one of the most comprehensive databases available, it only includes information on items found within American borders—if you suspect your computer was taken out of the country, check Interpol’s Stolen Goods Database instead. This is an FBI database used by law enforcement agencies across America.
Start by Calling the Police
Immediately call the police and file a report if your computer is stolen. The officer taking your notice can provide you with a case number for use later in retrieving information about your computer or locating it.
You should also contact your credit card companies to inform them of any unauthorized activity on your accounts and ask them if they have any special procedures you need to follow. Be sure to follow their instructions precisely or risk getting charged with a crime.
Finally, contact all of your banks and alert them that someone may try to withdraw money from an account using a check made out to you; most banks will cancel reviews written out on closed accounts after just one attempt at withdrawal.
Take Pictures Of The Serial Number
When you first get your laptop, please take pictures of its unique serial number, which can be found on its bottom. If your computer gets stolen or taken without your permission, local police can check it against their stolen goods database.
It’s also advisable to create a list of all applications installed on your device and store it in an easily accessible, such as on Google Drive. If someone steals your computer, they won’t have access to any personal information or files. When backing up your computer, automatically back up all your hard drive’s essential files.
So if they have a mishap and have backup data, you won’t have to lose that information. Finally, keep your computer’s operating system updated—this helps protect against viruses and malware that could lead to identity theft.
Use Global Positioning System (GPS)
If you do not have tracking software installed, you can use GPS to locate your computer and call authorities. Take your computer to an electronics store or call Apple Support. Explain that your laptop was stolen. They may be able to help you pinpoint its location via GPS in case it has been reported missing by someone else.
You will need to provide them with your computer’s serial number so they can access its information. You may also want to check if any security software installed on your computer that might allow for remote tracking of devices.
In some cases, people who sell stolen computers online leave a backdoor open so they can remotely gain access to their devices when needed. In other cases, people install keyloggers on their victims’ computers so they can capture login credentials.
It’s important to remember that these methods are more likely to work if you have antivirus software and firewalls enabled on your machine. Also, back up all of your data often—this way, if something happens to your computer while it is missing, you won’t lose everything.
Look for Loose Screws on Laptop
Loose screws often indicate tampering. Unscrew and check underneath every screw on your laptop to ensure none have been tampered with. Be aware that many laptops now come pre-installed with tracking devices, so if you cannot find any loose screws or signs of tampering, your device may already be equipped with tracking software.
If you can’t find any evidence of tampering or tracking software, consider replacing your battery with a new one. A new battery may be more difficult for thieves to remove, as they usually require specialized tools. In addition, if you get a new battery that has an identifying sticker attached to it (which most do), then there will be a record of its purchase and location.
This could prove helpful in proving ownership in case of theft. Finally, try registering your laptop’s serial number with one or more recovery services like Computrace® by Absolute Software®—but don’t rely on these services alone. They work best with other security measures such as encryption and tracking software.
Final Thought
Sadly, it’s widespread for laptops to be lost or stolen. Over 6,000 laptops are reported missing each day in America alone, and many of these end up overseas. Tracking them down can be difficult if you don’t know what steps to take. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to retrieve your beloved technology should it go missing.
