After losing phone, Myrtle Sarrosa gives advice on securing devices

After losing her phone at an event, Myrtle Sarrosa gave advice to her followers on how to secure their devices.

On Facebook, the cosplayer-actress said she was not able to retrieve her phone but she was thankful that nothing worse happened.

"I may have lost a phone. I may have lost some unbacked-up memories and content," she said. "But I truly believe God protected me from something much worse like losing my accounts, being hacked, or having my finances compromised."

Myrtle said the suspect claimed that it was sold to them for P40,000 and asked her to pay for it, but delayed sending the item to her.

"Maya-maya I started getting alert messages na may nag ttrigger ng reset and login sa online wallets ko, instagram at recovery emails ko. Kaya pala he was insisting na 'bukas," she said.

Thankfully, I was able to foresee most of what was happening. Before anything serious could happen, na-secure ko agad lahat ng accounts ko, napa-suspend ko yung SIM ko, at napa-freeze ko yung wallets and banko ko.

Myrtle then took the opportunity to share some tips that helped protect content and services that her phone had access to, such as banking apps.

First, Myrtle said to immediately mark the phone as lost or lock it.

One of the first things that can happen is the owner will receive phishing links pretending to be the phone service while trying to track the phone. Do not click phishing links as it will ask for your phone passcode, email, and password.

Secondly, Myrtle says to use an eSIM or activate a sim pin lock, which requires a code before the sim card can be used on another device.

The actress also said to remove the stolen device from social media and online accounts.

"If you're logged in on another phone, tablet, or computer, immediately remove the stolen phone from your trusted or logged-in devices. Para hindi nila magamit sa account recovery attempts. And change passwords," she said.

Thieves may also try to access online wallets and banking apps.

"Make sure naka-enable ang biometrics at two-factor authentication sa lahat ng accounts mo," Myrtle said.

"Contact your bank immediately para ma-freeze ang online banking access if necessary," she added.

Finally, keep a copy of the IMEI number, which can be found in the phone's box. It can be used when coordinating with authorities and telecommunications to block the device from being used on mobile networks.

Myrtle also called the attention of people who buy phones with questionable origins.

"Every stolen phone belongs to someone. Someone worked hard for it. Someone saved up for months or even years to buy it. Someone has memories inside it that can never be replaced," she said.

"Regardless of how cheap a locked / stolen phone is being offered, please remember that there may be a victim on the other side of that transaction."

Myrtle originally offered P30,000 for her lost phone, but the suspect asked for more money.

—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News