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submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by Powderhorn@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org

So, new phone on the way, but the thief managed to drain my account to 53 cents in the time it took me to brick my old phone.

Given that he used my phone to steal all of my money, I don't really know what to do here.

I could get my mom to transfer emergency funds, but if he can bypass the security on my phone, it feels like she'd just be giving him more money.

Outside of Western Union, what are my options? I have no food and only learned about this development when trying to purchase said comestibles. I have no access to credit and would rather not starve.

The worst part is, I have a $350 short-term borrowing limit through them, and if he stole all my cash, it's entirely possible that he also maxed that out and took that cash. I can't find out what's going on because of 2FA blocking me from seeing my account without my phone.

I'd call customer service, but, you see ...

We could be looking at a $1,250 theft. That's not something I can just bounce back from.

Fuck, I wish I'd not answered the door.

I'm now in a full-on panic attack. I'd call 911, but you see ...

ETA: It turns out the "conversation with his girlfriend" complete with breaks to make it seem real, was a voicemail to one of my friends in the burner/mutual-aid community. She's giving tough love about the clear grooming and inability to think straight.

She's also posted the voicemail publicly such that others can start working on identifying the thief. Had I been smart, I'd have taken a picture of his birth certificate while it was still in storage here.

In slightly better news, my new phone has arrived at my friend's ... but it might be a bit late to get there tonight.

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[-] FireXtol@piefed.social 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

People always learn way too late to register redundant 2nd factors...

I used to work for Apple care. The amount of calls about lost/stolen/broken phones and inability to access their account was staggering.

I was also instructed to not educate them on how to set up an account without 2FA, instead using security questions, which allows instant account recovery (with the right answers).

They have a recovery option for 2FA, but it's absolutely not guaranteed and we're instructed to give no time frame. Could be weeks, months, or never. Really, the expectation should be never.

Well, the guy has access to your phone on your accounts, so it's possible he could have removed your second factor email since he's in possession of the second factor phone.

People don't need your passwords these days all they need is your unlocked device. This is why you should never let anyone borrow/use your phone (or any 2nd factor) unless you really know them...

[-] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 4 points 2 weeks ago

Well, I've certainly now learned this $1,250 lesson. The big question is next steps.

[-] nocturne@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 weeks ago

I was always reluctant to enable 2fa in case of a lost/stolen device. But now that I have a phone and tablet I have it enabled on virtually everything.

Also when you enable it, a lot of accounts will give you recovery codes. Those are handy to have.

this post was submitted on 19 Apr 2026
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