In today’s digital age, our laptops, smartphones, and tablets have become an integral part of our lives. Unfortunately, these devices are also susceptible to theft or loss. Losing your laptop can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you have important data stored on it.
But don’t panic just yet. There are ways to track down your stolen laptop, and one of the most effective methods is by using its serial number. While most people believe that GPS is the only way to locate a lost or stolen laptop, serial number tracking is a viable option as well.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to track a stolen laptop with serial number. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to increase your chances of recovering your device and safeguarding your data.
So, if you want to be prepared in case of a laptop theft or loss, keep reading to learn how to use the serial number tracking technique.
Don’t let a stolen laptop bring you down take action and regain control over your valuable device!
What information do I need?
Your laptop’s make, model, and serial number are critical information that will help you quickly identify your computer when searching through lists of stolen items.
Many people choose not to write their password on their computers but instead write it down separately if so, get that piece of paper out! You’ll also want any receipts from purchasing software or accessories for your computer.
This way, if you do find your computer listed as stolen, you can prove its legitimacy.
How do I search?
Once you have all of your identifying information together, there are several places where you can search for missing laptops.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This is an FBI database used by law enforcement agencies across America. Suppose your computer has been reported as lost or stolen in any state in America.
Theoretically, because of this, you should find what you’re looking for on this list. You can search through NCIC using your computer’s make and model or serial number.
Be sure to check both locations! You may also be able to use other keywords such as stolen or missing.
While NCIC is one of the most comprehensive databases available, it only includes information on items found within American borders if you suspect your computer was taken out of the country, check Interpol’s Stolen Goods Database instead.
This is an FBI database used by law enforcement agencies across America.
Start by Calling the Police
Immediately call the police and file a report if your computer is stolen. The officer taking your notice can provide you with a case number for use later in retrieving information about your computer or locating it.
You should also contact your credit card companies to inform them of any unauthorized activity on your accounts and ask them if they have any special procedures you need to follow.
Be sure to follow their instructions precisely or risk getting charged with a crime.
Finally, contact all of your banks and alert them that someone may try to withdraw money from an account using a check made out to you; most banks will cancel reviews written out on closed accounts after just one attempt at withdrawal.
Take Pictures Of The Serial Number
When you first get your laptop, please take pictures of its unique serial number, which can be found on its bottom. If your computer gets stolen or taken without your permission, local police can check it against their stolen goods database.
It’s also advisable to create a list of all applications installed on your device and store it in an easily accessible, such as on Google Drive.
If someone steals your computer, they won’t have access to any personal information or files. When backing up your computer, automatically back up all your hard drive’s essential files.
So if they have a mishap and have backup data, you won’t have to lose that information. Finally, keep your computer’s operating system updated—this helps protect against viruses and malware that could lead to identity theft.
Use Global Positioning System (GPS)
If you do not have tracking software installed, you can use GPS to locate your computer and call authorities. Take your computer to an electronics store or call Apple Support. Explain that your laptop was stolen.
They may be able to help you pinpoint its location via GPS in case it has been reported missing by someone else.
You will need to provide them with your computer’s serial number so they can access its information. You may also want to check if any security software installed on your computer that might allow for remote tracking of devices.
In some cases, people who sell stolen computers online leave a backdoor open so they can remotely gain access to their devices when needed.
In other cases, people install keyloggers on their victims’ computers so they can capture login credentials.
It’s important to remember that these methods are more likely to work if you have antivirus software and firewalls enabled on your machine. Also, back up all of your data often—this way, if something happens to your computer while it is missing, you won’t lose everything.
Look for Loose Screws on Laptop
Loose screws often indicate tampering. Unscrew and check underneath every screw on your laptop to ensure none have been tampered with.
Be aware that many laptops now come pre-installed with tracking devices, so if you cannot find any loose screws or signs of tampering, your device may already be equipped with tracking software.
If you can’t find any evidence of tampering or tracking software, consider replacing your battery with a new one.
A new battery may be more difficult for thieves to remove, as they usually require specialized tools. In addition, if you get a new battery that has an identifying sticker attached to it (which most do), then there will be a record of its purchase and location.
This could prove helpful in proving ownership in case of theft. Finally, try registering your laptop’s serial number with one or more recovery services like Computrace® by Absolute Software® but don’t rely on these services alone. They work best with other security measures such as encryption and tracking software.
FAQ’s: How to Track a Stolen Laptop With Serial Number
How can I find my lost laptop with my MAC address?
You can use several tools on your smartphone or computer to find the location of a lost or stolen computer or mobile device. For Windows and macOS (OS X) users, some tools include Find My Phone, Find My iPhone, Find My Mac, Find My Friends, and Find My Computer. You can erase, lock, and locate your device from your computer even if it is no longer in your possession.
Is it possible to track the laptop by its serial number?
Most laptops have a unique serial number burned into the motherboard chip during manufacturing. If a thief manages to get your computer, this will allow law enforcement to track down your laptop. You can also register your computer online to find out its current location so that you can recover it quickly.
How Can I Track My Lost Laptop Using My IMEI Number?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to track a lost laptop using an IMEI number. IMEI numbers are used to track mobile phones, while laptops have a different type of unique identifier called a serial number. If your laptop has been lost or stolen, you can use the serial number to file a police report and report the theft to the manufacturer. The manufacturer may be able to track the laptop if it is connected to the internet or offer other options for recovery.
What is a serial number, and how can I find it on my laptop?
A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to each laptop by the manufacturer. You can usually find the serial number on a sticker located on the bottom of the laptop or in the laptop’s system information settings.
How can I use the serial number to track my stolen laptop?
You can use the serial number to file a police report and report the theft to the manufacturer. The manufacturer can then track the laptop if it is connected to the internet.
Can I track my laptop if it’s not connected to the internet?
Unfortunately, tracking a stolen laptop without an internet connection is challenging. However, you can still file a police report and notify the manufacturer of the theft.
Can I install software on my laptop to track it if it gets stolen?
Yes, there are several tracking software programs available that you can install on your laptop. These programs can help you locate your laptop, take screenshots, and even capture images from the laptop’s webcam.
What should I do if I track my stolen laptop and find it in someone else’s possession?
If you locate your stolen laptop, you should immediately notify the police and provide them with the location information. Do not attempt to retrieve the laptop yourself, as this could put you in danger.
What can I do to prevent my laptop from being stolen in the first place?
To prevent your laptop from being stolen, you should always keep it with you or in a secure location. You should also consider using a cable lock or a laptop backpack with a built-in lock. Finally, make sure to back up your important data regularly, so you don’t lose anything important if your laptop gets stolen.
How can I increase the chances of finding my stolen laptop?
In addition to tracking your stolen laptop using the serial number or tracking software, you can also post a message on social media or online classifieds sites. Additionally, you can offer a reward for the safe return of your laptop, which may incentivize someone to return it to you.
Conclusion: How to Track a Stolen Laptop With Serial Number
Losing a laptop can be a frustrating and distressing experience, especially considering the significant amount of personal and valuable data that may be stored on it.
However, with over 6,000 laptops reported missing each day in America alone, it’s unfortunately a common occurrence. Knowing what steps to take in the event of a lost or stolen laptop can significantly increase the chances of retrieving it.
Following a step-by-step guide and taking prompt action can help you to locate and recover your laptop, and potentially prevent your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
