The Celular Seguro platform, designed to protect and register stolen or misappropriated devices, is generating a wave of problems among users who have decided to test its effectiveness. Reports of phones being blocked have been shared on social media and on the app's download sites, where it is offered free of charge.
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Secure Cell Phone: registration only, no unlock option
Summary:
- Consumers who tested Secure Cell Phone experience lockouts on their phones.
- Government initiative to register stolen devices creates complications.
- Executive secretary states that unblocking is not in the project's plans.
The desperate question “How do I remove the restriction???” illustrates the distress of an iPhone user. However, another report warns about the risks: “I tried to perform a test and ended up blocking my own device. I have already sought help from the operator, the police and Anatel, so I have not received any information on how to reverse the block.”
Furthermore, since its launch on December 19, more than 4,300 requests have been made on the platform. While these records are forwarded to the Ministry of Justice and shared with partner companies, such as banks, financial institutions and telecommunications operators, certainly in the case of cell phone theft or robbery.
However, one crucial feature is still not available: unlocking the phone.
If the device is recovered, then the user needs to contact each company individually to reestablish access. However, the project’s executive secretary, Ricardo Cappelli, in a relaxed tone, compared the situation: “This is not for testing! You take out insurance for your car… are you going to crash into a pole? Are you going to call emergency services saying it was stolen, when in fact it wasn’t?”
Finally, in a later explanation, Cappelli highlighted that the Secure Cellphone acts as an emergency button in critical situations, while it does not provide an unlocking function due to the different procedures companies have for granting user access.
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Criticism and reflections on the service
The speed at which complaints can be registered on Celular Seguro has been the subject of questions among Internet users. Ultimately, they argue that the interface should confirm the customer's real intention when reporting the incident.
However, Cappelli has previously mentioned that the government does not aim to obtain detailed information about the companies linked to users. Thus, this may explain why, so far, Celular Seguro operates only for reports of thefts or robberies, without providing other interactions.
The secretary certainly acknowledged that this is an initial version of the system and that improvements are planned for the coming weeks, aimed at combating smartphone theft.
Guidelines for consumers
The Ministry of Justice did not provide specific guidelines for users who decided to test the Secure Cell Phone. However, following the project's previous guidance, the recommendation is to contact each company individually in cases of device recovery.
Complaints and challenges
Despite the importance of Secure Cell Phones, several criticisms have emerged. Questions about the possibility of registering two IMEIs, common in dual SIM devices, remain unanswered.
A user complained on Reclame Aqui about the difficulty in unlocking the line, resulting in the blocking of his dependent's cell phone. This is an example of the challenges faced by consumers due to the ease of blocking and the lack of an equally simple and secure method to unlock the devices.
This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of Safe Mobile and the need for improvements to ensure a safe and functional experience for users.
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