found Boost Mobile phone - what to do?

[avlena]

My dad just called me, and told me about a Boost Mobile phone that he found (one of those pre-paid services). There's no contacts listed in the phone, and when he tried to call the previous numbers, one was an insurance company, and the other didn't understand english. My cousin checked, and it has about 40 pre-paid minutes left.

So, my questions are:

1) is there any other way for him to find the rightful owner?
2) if he can't find the owner, is it possible for him to keep the phone, and just add minutes to it, and use it? Since it's pre-paid, I'd imagine there's no account associated with the phone, but I'm not really sure how those systems work.
3) is it possible for the real owner to shut down the account as lost, and lock the phone? if so, can my dad unlock it somehow?

Thanks!

[Devhux]

If the owner of the phone does happen to call Boost Mobile to report the phone lost, then it will not work anymore (I'm almost certain the carrier still needs at least some information about the account holder even in prepaid).

Once the phone is reported lost/stolen, it cannot be "unlocked" or used again IIRC.

Even if they don't report the phone lost however, I doubt you could refill it -- there's usually a PIN needed to add minutes to a prepaid phone.

Bottom line, call Boost to report that you found the phone and don't use it. Just my suggestion. :)

[avlena]

If the owner of the phone does happen to call Boost Mobile to report the phone lost, then it will not work anymore (I'm almost certain the carrier still needs at least some information about the account holder even in prepaid).

Once the phone is reported lost/stolen, it cannot be "unlocked" or used again IIRC.

Even if they don't report the phone lost however, I doubt you could refill it -- there's usually a PIN needed to add minutes to a prepaid phone.

Bottom line, call Boost to report that you found the phone and don't use it. Just my suggestion. :)

That's a shame. We were hoping that if we can't find the owner, at least we could get a free phone. :shrug: oh well, maybe the experience has gotten my dad to at least consider getting a cellphone (he's still holding our rather stubbornly against the darned new technology! :heh:)

[redcolours]

im sure there are ways to unlock it. the mall may have those kiosks or stalls that sell accessories, most of them know how to unlock cellphones, some even do the hardware kind. if its a nokia, its easy as heck - its all software.
i would google it.

[Devhux]

Is Boost GSM? (Only way unlocking would even remotely be possible).

[kame]

you even get reception with boost? :disa:

[Jah Rulez]

Boost= easy unlock.

just google and you should find how to do it.

or try www.nextpimp.com and search the forums.