Before trading in or selling your mobile devices, cellphones or tablets, be sure no sensitive data is left behind that may put you in jeopardy. Here are a few basic steps to reduce the risk of being victimized.
■ Perform a complete BACKUP of the device to a computer or cloud service. For Apple-based devices, use iCloud; Android-based, use Google Drive. It’s a good habit to routinely back up all devices, even if you don’t plan to sell them.
■ Delete ALL sensitive information.
• Personal information (name, date of birth, Social Security number, contacts and passwords)
• Financial information (names of banks, credit card information and account numbers)
• All programs and apps installed
• Internet history and searches
• Contacts or Address book files
• Call logs of telephone numbers
• Text messages sent and received
• Conversations and messages in your messaging app (i.e. Facebook Messenger)
• Photos and videos
■ Restore device to FACTORY settings by selecting “Reset” in your device settings.
You can ask your cellular phone service provider do it for you in your presence. Use this list to check that your data has been removed.
If you plan to do it yourself, research exactly how to back up and reset your device.
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
1060 Richards St., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-768-7400 | Office hrs: Mon – Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
www.honoluluprosecutor.org/contact-us/
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