Security apps for your phone
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Your cell phone is probably something you don't leave home without. And we keep a lot of personal information on our phones, which makes it especially scary when it's stolen. But as Contact 13's Darcy Spears shows us, there are a couple apps that may help you recover your phone.
"It was panic mode," says Marina Brola.
It was earlier this month when someone snatched Marina's iPhone, while she was shopping.
"I did have it in my purse. It was in the cart and at some point obviously, I was not paying attention," says Marina.
Marina says she realized it was missing as soon as she left the store.
"I was immediately thinking what photos and contacts, emails, is there anyway I can get into my Facebook," says Marina.
Marina filed a police report at a Metro substation, telling them what happened. And there's a key piece of information she was able to provide police. Marina gave them the last known location for her device, thanks to the app: "Find my iPhone."
The free app can also remotely lock your phone, and even erase your personal information.
But there's another app that goes a step further. For $1.99 you can buy "Got Ya!"
This app requires you to set up a screen lock. When a thief enters the incorrect code on your phone, the app takes a picture of the person who has the phone.
Phone theft victims like Marina, love the idea.
"Maybe if you have more, if you have an identity you know, maybe that would be more motivation for authorities to get involved," says Marina.
The app then sends the picture, along with the phone's location, to your email or Facebook. But in the end, the best security is just keeping a watchful eye on your device. That's a lesson Marina has learned the hard way.
"It's my own fault. So that's the worst feeling. Feeling like you weren't paying enough attention to avoid it," says Marina.
Metro hasn't recovered Marina's old phone. And a couple weeks after the theft, Marina says she broke down and bought a new one.
Metro says additional information provided by an app, like your phone's location or a picture, is helpful. Of course they can't investigate every single phone theft, but Metro does stress you should always file a police report.
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