Cellular Phone Dangers

What kind of Dangers To Cell Phones Pose?

The main concerns of cell phone users are theft of phone, theft of service, unexpected charges, eavesdropping, attention distraction, cellular RF signal effects.

Theft of Cell Phone

If your phone is stolen, you face the possibility of having to buy a new one. Many service providers offer insurance that covers your phone in this event. If you've had your service for a while with the same company, they may replace it for you for a small or no charge but be prepared to sign another one or more year contract.

To prevent your phone from being stolen, always keep it in sight. It's amazing how fast a cell phone can disappear in a public area even if you take your eyes off it for a few seconds second. If you carry your phone in a cell phone case or pouch attached to your belt, consider a belt loop type case or pouch. A belt either wraps around your belt or you thread your belt through the loop. It's a little less convenient but much more secure than just using a belt clip you slide off and on. A belt loop will also better protect your phone from accidentally falling off of your belt and becoming damaged. Belt loops can also be attached to purse straps and worn around your neck with straps. Visit AlternativeWireless.com for these and more cell phone case, pouch, belt loop and strap options.

Theft of Cellular Service

Another concern with having your cell phone stolen is, of course, your precious minutes will be used and, very likely, lots of long distance calls will be made. With a little coaxing, you should be able to have these charges removed from your bill.

Although current digital mobile phones encrypt their signals, there are still tools out there that can break the encryption and your phones identity can be stolen. Your phone's identification information (EIN for instance) can be lifted and programmed into another phone. You mobile phone is basically cloned and you will get the bill. Be sure to carefully review your bill every month and report unfamiliar charges to you cellular service provider.

Unexpected Cellular Service Charges

It's easy to run up high cellular service charges if you're not careful. One of the biggest causes in overcharges is simply not knowing what you can be charged for. Question yourself every time you use the phone in an unfamiliar way. Don't assume any service is free. Kids can run up bills of hundreds of dollars by simply sending tons of text mail or surfing the net from their phone. "I didn't know" is little comfort with a little surprise like that. Again, contact your service provider and explain things and cross your fingers they will be understanding. Also, consider getting an "everything included" or prepaid package for the kids.

Eavesdropping

As mentioned above, today's cellular phones encrypt your signal. However, encryptions can still be broken. If you're concerned about eavesdropping, consider your phone as not secure and don't discuss anything you wouldn't discuss out in the open.

Dangers of Cellular RF Signals

The jury is still out on the dangers of Cellular Radio Frequency dangers. You can find more information and more links to more information of dangers of cellular radio frequency signals on our web site here.

Attention Distraction

We've all seen it, someone driving along talking on the cell phone then blows a stop sign or traffic light causing an accident or frayed nerves from another close call. Talking on a cell phone while driving or doing anything else for that matter IS a distraction.

So why do people put themselves in that situation? In our fast paced world where we value every minute, talking on a cell phone seems to be mandatory. We'll take or make a quick call not fully realizing the danger or the risk we take.

How can we avoid this danger? Simple, pull over and park where safe to make or take that call. Many states are now requiring hands free devices for cell phone conversations in vehicles. However, the distraction still exists even with a hands free headset. It may eliminate the search for the phone or looking away to dial but your focus is not on driving. You focus is still on the conversation. Consider not picking up the phone when it rings. Wait until you're stopped in a safe location then call the person back.

You can find hands free headsets and other hands-free devices on our web site at Al ternativeWireless.com. If you have a bluetooth enabled phone, consider a bluetooth headset or other bluetooth hands-free device.

Articles on Cellular Phone Dangers

Here are some more articles on the dangers of cell phones.

Cell Phone Security
Computing at Cornell
Cell phones are more vulnerable than regular phones due to two dangers: eavesdroppers can listen in on your calls, and thieves can bill their own calls to your account. Read Article