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Last week on a business trip to Rome, my XDA got stolen..
Offcourse I had it blocked as soon as possible and have password protection on it, but resetting it would make it usable for anyone.
If anyone sees a secondhand XDA for sale from Italy (where they are not sold) please remember me....
IMEI: 350312010049224
S/N : HT220CC15367
P/N : 99HJ00007-00
So... when is this new model XDA comming on the market?!
We thought of a program to stick into ROM which would, after cold-boot, send one SMS to a pre-determined number. Could be a friend's number, or possibly even a web-service, where you can look up all the phone numbers of all SIMs ever in that phone at cold-boot. You could even wait a few days to see if the owner field was ever filled out...
Please go into that, as I will buy an XDA again but feel quite bad about this one stolen and would very much want something to have a little more protection/means of getting it back.
I saw an advertisement on www.thinkgeek.com about a software that would automatically send emails with IP adresses when a stolen laptop is connected to internet.
Something like that could possibly be an option in a theft-recovery program?
Thanks,
Lx
Great idea XDA developer Peter Poelman...you guys should definitly do that!!
XDA developer Peter Poelman, that is one of the best ideas I have heard of!! If there were a server you could register your XDA on, then install the 'tracking' software it would be very cool.
Would it even be possible to get a fix on the location by picking up the nodes that the XDA is near? Effectively your XDA would text you its location, name of the new owner and new number to server where you could pickup the info. Hay-presto, you can inform the provider and authorities and maybe even get it back. I bet you could even sell the software to the providers!!
Gil.
Hold on guys, if you developed such a ROM, it should be clearly stated that it is doing that. I can imagine, if people started offering ROMS, that made unsolicited calls to premium rate numbers, that would be a great, and illegal, business venture.
Anything, that works behind the scenes must be clearly highlighted if trust is to be maintained in a public community
Sounds good though. If i could find all the people that have stolen bits and pieces from me, revenge would be sweet!
I guess that watching out for ROMs that have spy-wearz or nasty apps in the background ARE possible, there could be something about now. Let’s face it the ROM tool is not that hard to understand. And if someone was really that nasty they could make a lot of money in a very short period. After all a premium rate text number has no price cap. But lets not get in to that right now.
The answer to this, like a lot of things in IT is A trust in the developer, B trust that is has not been hackled – as above and C you have noting to hide.
The provider can already see al the calls and text that the sent from your phone. So the only thing for them to see would be your ROM version.
If this was made a voluntary process and secure I can see it doing a lot more good than harm.
Also another though on the spy wear bit, it would be good to have an app that watches the activity on you device and allow you to see it.
Sorry for the rant, Gil.
Oh yeah, we've thought of nasty things one could do. Possibly more scary still: if you have this Action Engine framework, someone holding a private key somewhere can remotely update your ROM, without telling you.
perhaps thats how o2 intended to upgrade in the future?
is it easy to place the AE exe file back onto the xda? its just the one file right?
No, it's a whole bunch of files. They were installed from the operator section of the ROM, though AutoConfig.exe, into device RAM.
I'm not really into the programming stuff, but I was just thinking...
If such a thing was to be implemented, you would not want it to be active until your device actually got lost. So how do you tell your device (that probably has a different SIM card in it) that it should start to broadcast it's location and new SIM information? And where to?
I was thinking of a site where you should register, very securely and only upon activating the 'tracking' program from this secure site that a constantly updated log file of all nodes where the device is connected to a GSM/GPRS network would state the deveice's location.
With this list (and possibly the information of the new SIM card) it should definatly be possible to retrieve the device, with collaboration from the provider/authorities ofcourse.
Also I heard a provider can locate any GSM down to 5meters accuratly when the phone is being used, about 100 meters when the device is on stand-by. Don't know for shure if this is true though.
If things like these could be incorporated, this would be the best software/ROM update ever to be made in my opinion. If there is any way in wich I could be of any help I would gladly be of service!
Two complimentary options would be:
the XDA sends a message to a server whenever the SIM card is changed, unless you enter a particular password first.
Send a specifically crafted sms to the XDA that causes it to realize that it is stolen. This starts it sending location info to the server.
I think you could switch XDA in to stolen mode using a broadcast directly to the PIN on the phone. This is how P2P works in the US instead of SMS. This could be done from a web site and the user of the stolen phone would not know until it was too late.
But then again I may be wrong?
Gil.
this is all good and well, but there will be always someone out there that says this is a privacy thing and they do not want people knowing where they are using their XDA
What should be developed is a Rom that once the owner name has changed, the XDA will then send a message to a server(if the XDA is registered) informing of the new number of the inserted SIM, the IMEI number and all other numbers/contacts straight to your provider. they then contact the new provider for information on the new owner. send the bissies round and reclaim your XDA.
this would be big money to phone service providers as it would reduce the amount of insuance claims and hastle.
if it can be done, then I will be buying it (once i own the XDA !!)
cheets
So a debt collector with the wrong number has been calling my cell phone for the past few weeks. I set up Auto reject for any unknown numbers, but I still get a missed call notification.
Back when I had my G1, I had a similar problem with mistaken identity. After setting up Auto reject on it, it was as if they had never called. Is there any way to achieve the same effect on my Vibrant?
Or to attack it at the root, does anyone have a secret to success with getting these walking talking pieces of **** to stop calling me? If I even ask whos calling they hang up on me. You would think if they actually cared about collecting a debt, theyd have a better system in place for fact checking. There should be an office where you can show your I.D to be expunged from their records. I am probably way more enraged than I should be...but I cant stand these people.
Not sure about the auto reject but tell them you wish to settle the debt(i know its mot you, hang tight) but that you need the settlement offer on physical paper. this will force them to mail a letter with company information on it. From there you at least know their main office number and who the a-holes are.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
I do want to know who they are so that I might actually call the building and talk to someone who wont hang up on me, but the last thing I want is to give them information on me that they don't already have. 99.9% of the time, they think you're lying, so any extra info just gives them a new medium to harass me through.
What's with the no help with my problem? I'm a smart man, and I rarely seek others for help because I feel I'm more capable then the rest. But when I hit a wall and I can't find my way to the other side I seek for the answers, and what a waste I should have known that to be. This big and wonderful community of very smart and talented individuals is a let down. I'm not trying to insult any one. I'm just making it known that there are people who truly seek help, and I know the answers are here, now it's a disgrace to see someone very patiently and generously seeking help only to be practically ignored till the thread slips down deeper into the forums to be lost and forgotten FOR GOOD. Here's my real question, what does it take to get answers? I'll be searching else where and on my own to figure it out by myself, then I'm going to do the opposite of you all, and I'm going to share my knowledge with someone who needs it just as bad as me. Because I am grateful, that is all.
/rant
Ya'll can say what you will, I may see it but I wont be reading it.
Good day!
Totally agree! Even though they no the answer they tell you to search there forums for 3 hours!!
do you have an issue? Maybe I can help, ill try anyway
Sent from my Dell Streak
I've already searched these forums and a lot of other places on the internet. I haven't found anything of help, if you think you could help me here is my thread with my question.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1324844
I learned a long time ago to never be disappointed means to never expect anything, from anyone. Well it's a different case when there's a forum dedicated to QUESTIONS, and ANSWERS. I expect the knowledgeable ones who can help TO help.
@imsohawker: You need to be aware that there are over 4,000,000 members on this site. Of them, the Streak community is a tiny one, which is why it's located in the Low Activity and Legacy section of the site. Most Streak owners do not have AT&T, being in Europe and Asia. Of the ones that do have AT&T, you are the first I've seen that has a "pay as you go" plan. So if you aren't getting answers to your questions it's likely because your situation is so uncommon that no one here has any practical experience that can allow them to answer it.
I did in fact attempt to help you out, but there is only so much I can do, simply because I am not on a "pay as you go" plan through AT&T. I'm sorry. I wish I could be more helpful.
@markdexter: Be aware that when you created a username on XDA Developers you agreed to abide by the site's rules. The number one rule on the site is search before you post. If it's abundantly clear that the poster did not search before posting, e.g. asking how to root the Streak, you will get told to use the search engine. Usually I am nice enough to provide a link and mention using the search engine the next time, but for repeat offenders, I report their posts for violations of rule number 1.
While XDA members are rather knowledgeable people, at least for myself it's more gratifying to find out the answer yourself than it is to have it spoonfed to you.
Very well said. I know the statistics, and how low on them I am. I was hoping I could of at least had someone with the general know-how guide me, but as you said I'm the first you've seen with a "pay as you go" AT&T plan. Sorry for the outbursts! I was in the wrong to assume with such large numbers of knowledgeable folk that I'd get lucky enough to have someone fall in my lap with the answer I was looking for. Again thanks for the attempted help, which is better than none. Much appreciated!
I would get a new sim card to start, I also think it has something to do with pay as you go.
also have you tried changing the network type? On your dial pad, type *#*#4636#*#* then press phone information, then at the bottom, theres options try wcdma only, or gsm only Just go through them, worth a shot
Sent from my Dell Streak
Sent from my Dell Streak
I think it may have something to do with my pay as you go too, the first android phone I had bought unlocked (LG GW620) I had problems with my phone telling me my SIM wasn't inserted, I believe I resolved the problem but I forgot how, that was 2 phones ago but I know it would still occasionally tell me to insert my SIM, and my previous phone (unlocked sidekick lx) I had problems with losing service a lot, though sometimes it still showed I had service (bars) but I couldn't send messages or anything. So I'm almost concluding it's my SIM being a pay as you go SIM and it has restrictions maybe? I did however call AT&T's support and they have changed the IEMI of my sim to match my dell so I was hoping that would fix my issue but it hasn't, also I just tried the WCDMA only and that didn't work, and I think I already played with these settings but not through the dialer code. I'll try the other but I'm doubting it, but everything's worth a shot. Thanks
All I did was buy a cheap 10 gophone and used the sim outta that and activated it online...did the same for t-mobile....i was switching between the two cards to see which service I liked better..maybe try that....i had no issues what so ever. Btw my phone was orignally att locked which I got unlocked.
Sent from my Dell Streak using xda premium
I read your original post as soon as you wrote it, as well as your others and found it interesting, but not having a clue as to what the problem was I did not chime in.
You may try a more general forum on XDA, as this is probably not a streak specific issue. Also, I have found the forums on At&t wireless's website to be surprisingly helpful.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
Hey XDA!! I came here because I know you're quick to deliver the help. I'm not sure if this should go in Q&A or the Development section, and you'll see why in a bit.
A friend of mine (we’ll call him M for ease) recently came to me with a concern. His coworker's ex-boyfriend has been hassling and harassing her using her Android phone. **BEFORE I go any further, YES I have suggested that the proper authorities get contacted.** At first he was allegedly sending texts to MY friend via the girl’s phone. He had some forwarding/spy type app (that’s all I could figure out from some research) on her phone that would allow him to text it, and then those messages would forward to M as if they came from his coworker. I have no idea how he could have done that, and I couldn’t find a lot of apps in the play store that seemed to have similar functions.
But now, he is apparently trying to get the poor girl to install a GPS tracker on her phone (unwittingly, I assume) so he can, well, know where she is. M can’t tell me the name of this app because he’s unsure.
So at this point I’m thinking that we not only have someone who’s being evil, but who is *maybe* making his own apps to stalk and get this girl, and my friend, in trouble at work.
I found a GPS spoofer on the play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lexa.fakegps&hl=en I have offered to help root phones and install this and do whatever is necessary to get this guy off their backs. I can test it all day long since I have a rooted device—my question is, I don’t have a spy app to spoof, nor do I know what exactly I’m trying to spoof, so how do I know this will be helpful?
I’m also considering finding a custom ROM and helping this girl lock her phone down more. Or telling her to call her carrier and change her number. Beyond that, does XDA have any suggestions or advice? I’m not a coder, but I can follow directions to change things if you tell me exactly where to go and what to change (i have dabbled a teensy bit in android source code before breaking my phone >_>)
The girl has a Samsung Dart, I’m currently unsure of the version of Android it’s running, but should find out soon and will edit the post.
Thanks for all the help!
You can format the phone and see if that works. Plus there are many text blocker apps on market.
Hope i helped .
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Yes ,I patiently read the entire story! Wipe the phones data !
As far as the text problem you said I don't think there is anything like that which could receive an sms from a number and then forward it to another number. So there are two options either the girl sent the text or the guy semt the text with a spoof number!
And as far as the GPS is concerned, one doesn't need a GPS tracker to know where one is! Just Google maps is enough if the guy has the girls mail in his contacts. Ask her to change the mail id it should be enough!
Sent from my GT-P3100 using Tapatalk 2
We have been through five phones -Samsung Galaxy, then Motorola, two internet providers two cell phone providers, made so many calls I have lost count. He uses Chromebook and a Motorola Droid phone. He has even hacked my old home phone, tv, you name it, he has tried to own it . Oh, I forgot-my home security and ring doorbells also. I can change an app permission and I can see him go right in and change it back. I am sure he lives close in the neighborhood How do I get rid of this horrible person?
He grays out permissions, default apps, etc., Which keeps me from being able to delete an app, or change someone being able to access in the background. He has confiscated our emails (Gmail), prevents us from sending or receiving ones he doesn't like. He uses email for email on the web, advertising, chat, and many other things. He listens to phone calls steals all photos, maps addresses to companies or people in contacts, uses maps for ?? Xxx an anyone help me, or at least tell me how to reverse graying out on apps? This has become unbearable! Thank you!
How do you know it's a he?
It's always the girl next door.
Lol! I cannot prove it, but the big gamers nextdoor moved in when this started happening. Their best friend is an experienced IT guy who only appears when I have gone in and changed things. In those days, new changes happen, such as Ring doorbells hacker, etc. Not blaming, but coincidence?
blackhawk said:
How do you know it's a he?
It's always the girl next door.
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Sorry. See reply in post.
Bro, I'm so sorry. My husband has been going through this VERY thing for the past year. They don't mess with mine. I just wanted to let you know even though I don't have any resolve for you, I hear you and know that it's not phony and we totally feel for you. Seriously, maybe you and my hubby can talk. I'm so sorry that you're going through it. Feel free to message me.
This sounds like a great fan fiction and will bookmark this to see how the story develops. Thank you for putting this in Moto G Power section right where it belongs!
Sounds like you might need to invest in a router with better security features.
Moosetears said:
This sounds like a great fan fiction and will bookmark this to see how the story develops. Thank you for putting this in Moto G Power section right where it belongs!
Sounds like you might need to invest in a router with better security features.
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Definitely not fiction. It is a nightmare and could REALLY use some advice!
gunnshot81488 said:
Bro, I'm so sorry. My husband has been going through this VERY thing for the past year. They don't mess with mine. I just wanted to let you know even though I don't have any resolve for you, I hear you and know that it's not phony and we totally feel for you. Seriously, maybe you and my hubby can talk. I'm so sorry that you're going through it. Feel free to message me.
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It has been a nightmare! They started with mine, and have now invaded my husband's phone also.
Scammed said:
It has been a nightmare! They started with mine, and have now invaded my husband's phone also.
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Why are you posting on XDA? If you are this convinced that someone has unauthorized access to your devices, you need to be talking to law enforcement. The best advice we can offer you is to change all your passwords immediately, enable 2 factor authentication, and if possible seek a restraining order. XDA is a smart device hacking and development community, not a private investigation service.
V0latyle said:
Why are you posting on XDA? If you are this convinced that someone has unauthorized access to your devices, you need to be talking to law enforcement. The best advice we can offer you is to change all your passwords immediately, enable 2 factor authentication, and if possible seek a restraining order. XDA is a smart device hacking and development community, not a private investigation service.
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I didn't think you were a p.i. firm. Obviously, I am not tech savvy. A little kindness please? I simply want to know how to ungray grayed out app permissions. I have searched on my own and cannot find the answer. I have reported it to local police, state police, Motorola, Samsung, Verizon, Xfinity, metronet, on and on and on. No help from anyone. I don't have $2,500.00 to just put down a retainer for a p.i. I knew someone on this forum would know the answer I am searching for and might kindly tell me. Thank you.
Scammed said:
I didn't think you were a p.i. firm. Obviously, I am not tech savvy. A little kindness please? I simply want to know how to ungray grayed out app permissions. I have searched on my own and cannot find the answer. I have reported it to local police, state police, Motorola, Samsung, Verizon, Xfinity, metronet, on and on and on. No help from anyone. I don't have $2,500.00 to just put down a retainer for a p.i. I knew someone on this forum would know the answer I am searching for and might kindly tell me. Thank you.
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Well, it can be hard to distinguish the difference between reasonable concern over privacy violations vs unwarranted paranoia, and you aren't the only one who's come to XDA with this type of story. Most of your assumptions are likely mistaken and can be simply explained by the nature of Android itself.
Remote intrusion of mobile devices is actually pretty rare. The most common ways bad actors get ahold of sensitive user information are: phishing, user-approved permissions on questionable apps such as TikTok, and "connected" social media accounts, where users allow websites and apps access to their social media profiles, or use their social media as a login.
Regardless, to the technical point of the matter, grayed out app permissions are not the result of hacking or surreptitious malfeasance, but rather the nature of the "rules" inherent to Android - you can't remove system apps or disable system-controlled permissions without root.
If you still think you have reasons for concern, this is my only suggestion:
Change your phone number
Immediately change all relevant passwords - minimum 10 characters, a mix of upper case, lower case, numbers, and special characters, do not reuse them
Enable 2 factor authentication on all accounts, ensuring your 2nd factor is something that you and only you have access to
Once done, sign out all devices signed into those accounts
Perform a factory reset on your device; even better, reflash factory firmware. Keep bootloader locked.
Do not use questionable apps