Erase Your Cell Phone
The majority of people don’t think about erasing all the data from their cell phones when they get a new phone. Many don’t think about how their cell phone contains text messages, pictures and phone numbers. This information can be used against you or your friends if you don’t erase the information. This information can also be used to steal not only your identity but the identity of friends.
How to Erase Your Cell Phone
The best way to determine the proper procedure to erase the cell phone is to contact the cell phone vendor. They should be able to provide a guide on how to restore the cell phone to the original configuration. This will erase all information on the phone.
The website http://www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/ will email you a guide on how to restore your cell phone to the original configuration.
Don't Throw Your Cell Phone Away Donate it to Charity
If your cell phone still works we recommend donating the phone to a charity. Here are several charities that will take working cell phones.
Cell Phones for Life
This is an organization that gives cell phones to seniors for an emergency. If they fall or need medical attention they can use the phone to call 911.
http://www.cellphonesforlife.org/index.html
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
This organization gives cell phones to woman who are a victims of domestic violence. They can use the cell phone to call 911 to get help.
Cell Phone for Soldiers
This organization takes used cell phones and sells them to ReCellular. They take to money and purchase phone cards for soldiers so they can call home.
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
Recycle Your Cell Phone
If you don’t want to give your phone to charity, contact your local electronic store to see if they recycle phone. You can also go out to http://recyclemycellphone.org/ and they will give you a prepaid envelope in whic to mail your phone to a recycling center.
Notes:
Don’t forget to remove any memory card form your cell phone. The memory card may contain text messages, pictures and private information.