RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) – Smartphones are targets for thieves in the 21st century.
According to a Consumer Reports, more than 3 million smartphones were stolen in the U.S. last year.
But the majority of people are not taking a simple step to protect their phones. According to a study by Consumer Reports, only 36% of smartphone owners are using a 4-digit passcode to access their device.
“The big risk is what happens after a little while with information you’ve kept on your cellphone,” said Tom Gallagher with the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia.
Since smartphones make it easy to access personal information, like online passwords and bank account numbers, consumer advocates like Gallagher are urging smartphone user to be proactive about securing their phones.
“If someone stole my phone, I would rather them have something useless than fun,” said Andrew Clarke, who put a passcode on his phone as soon as he bought it.
