How To Track A Lost Or Stolen Laptop
Learn how to track a lost or stolen laptop to protect your data should this misfortune happen to you someday.
Losing a laptop can be a stressful experience, especially if it contains sensitive or important information. However, if you act quickly and take the proper steps, you can recover your laptop or, at the very least, protect your data from falling into the wrong hands. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you can take to track a stolen or lost laptop.
Enable tracking software
The first step you should take when you purchase a new laptop is to ensure that it has tracking software installed. There are several tracking software options available, including Prey, Find My Device and Computrace LoJack. These programs allow you to locate your laptop, take screenshots, and even remotely lock or wipe it.
If you haven’t installed tracking software on your laptop, it’s essential to do so as soon as possible. However, if your laptop has already been stolen, it may be too late for this step. In that case, you’ll need to move on to the next steps.
File a police report
The next step is to file a police report. This is important for several reasons. First, it can help you recover your laptop. If the police find your stolen laptop, they can return it to you. Second, it creates a record of theft, which you can use to prove ownership if necessary.
When filing a police report, be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the make and model of the laptop, the serial number, and any identifying features. If you have noticed, when laptops are on sale, the retailer details these specifications; see the Best Buy Canada flyer, for example. When you buy a laptop from them, you can easily copy these details and keep them somewhere safe. You can also check out our laptop reviews here, in case you still need to copy something down. If you at least know what model it is, a review like this one will help you a lot. This information will make it easier for the police to identify your laptop if they come across it.
Contact your insurance company
If you have laptop insurance, it’s crucial to contact your insurance company immediately. They may be able to reimburse you for the cost of the laptop, depending on your policy. However, this is only possible if you have filed a police report, as insurance companies require proof of theft.
Monitor online marketplaces
If your laptop was stolen, there’s a chance that the thief may try to sell it online. Monitor online marketplaces, such as Craigslist and eBay, for any laptops that match the make and model of your stolen laptop. If you come across a laptop that you think might be yours, contact the seller and ask for more information. If you’re sure it’s your laptop, report it to the police.
Check with pawn shops
Thieves may also try to sell stolen laptops to pawn shops. Check with local pawn shops to see if they have any laptops that match the make and model of your stolen laptop. If they do, provide them with your police report and ask them to hold the laptop until the police can investigate.
Use remote access software
If you have remote access software installed on your laptop, such as TeamViewer or LogMeIn, you may be able to remotely access your laptop. This can allow you to take screenshots, lock the laptop, or even wipe the data. However, this is only possible if the laptop is connected to the internet.
Monitor your accounts
If your laptop was stolen, there’s a chance that the thief may have access to your accounts. Monitor your accounts, including email, social media, and banking, for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized activity, change your passwords immediately and notify the appropriate authorities.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, losing a laptop can be stressful, but you can take simple steps to recover it or protect your data By enabling tracking software, filing a police report, contacting your insurance company, monitoring online marketplaces and pawn shops, using remote access software, and monitoring your accounts, you can increase your chances of recovering your stolen or lost laptop.
