What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen in Cusco

Having your phone stolen can be stressful, especially when you’re traveling. Besides losing an expensive device, you may also risk exposing personal information, banking apps, photos, and important documents.

The good news is that acting quickly can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and help protect your personal data. Here’s what you should do if your phone is stolen while visiting Cusco.

1. Lock Your Phone Remotely

The first few minutes are crucial. Both Android and iPhone devices allow you to locate and lock your phone remotely using another device with internet access.

If You Have an Android Phone

Go to:

https://www.google.com/android/find

From there, you can:

View your phone’s last known location.
Make it ring.
Lock the device.
Display a custom message on the screen.
Erase all your data if necessary.

If You Have an iPhone

Go to:

https://www.icloud.com/find

You can:

Enable Lost Mode.
Lock your device.
See its last known location.
Remotely erase all your personal data.

2. Block Your SIM Card Immediately

Contact your mobile carrier as soon as possible to prevent anyone from using your phone number to receive verification codes or impersonate you.

If you’re using a Peruvian mobile provider, you can request a SIM card suspension by contacting:

Claro
Movistar
Entel
Bitel

After your SIM card is blocked, request a replacement SIM to recover your phone number.

3. Change Your Most Important Passwords

If your phone was unlocked or had active sessions, immediately change the passwords for your most important accounts, including:

Email
WhatsApp
Banking apps
Social media accounts
Google Account
Apple ID

If you use SMS-based two-factor authentication, consider temporarily switching to an authentication app until you regain control of your phone number.

4. Sign Out of Active Sessions

Using another device, review all devices currently connected to your accounts and remove any sessions you don’t recognize.

For example:

Google allows you to manage connected devices through your Google Account settings.
Apple lets you remove devices associated with your Apple ID.
WhatsApp allows you to log out of linked devices through WhatsApp Web or desktop applications.

5. Block Your Bank Cards

If you had banking apps, digital wallets, or payment cards saved on your phone, contact your bank immediately to block them.

It’s also recommended that you:

Review recent transactions.
Disable contactless payments if possible.
Report any unauthorized charges.

The faster you act, the lower the risk of financial fraud.

6. Report the Theft to the Peruvian National Police

If your phone was stolen in Cusco, visit the nearest police station and file an official report.

A police report may be required for:

Travel insurance claims.
Procedures with your mobile carrier.
Assistance from your embassy if you’re a foreign visitor.
Official documentation of the incident.

If possible, bring:

Passport or identification document.
Phone number.
Your phone’s IMEI number.

7. Request an IMEI Block

The IMEI is your phone’s unique identification number.

Ask your mobile carrier to block the IMEI so the phone can no longer be used on Peruvian mobile networks.

You can find your IMEI:

On the original phone box.
On the purchase receipt.
In your Google or Apple account.
By dialing *#06# if you still have access to the device.

8. If You’re an International Tourist

Besides filing a police report, you should also contact:

Your travel insurance provider.
Your embassy or consulate, especially if your passport was also stolen.
Your home country’s mobile carrier to protect your phone number.

9. Monitor Your Accounts for the Next Few Days

Even if you blocked your phone immediately, continue checking your accounts for several days.

Pay close attention to:

Bank accounts.
Email accounts.
Social media accounts.
Google or Apple account activity.
Password changes or suspicious login attempts.

If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately.

Tips to Prevent Phone Theft in Cusco

Although Cusco is one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations, taking basic precautions can greatly reduce your risk.

We recommend that you:

Avoid walking with your phone in your hand for long periods.
Never leave your phone unattended on restaurant or café tables.
Use backpacks or bags with secure zippers.
Enable fingerprint, facial recognition, or passcode protection.
Save a copy of your IMEI before traveling.
Keep your phone’s location services enabled.
Regularly back up your photos and important documents.

Is Phone Theft Common in Cusco?

Like most popular tourist destinations around the world, phone theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas such as:

Plaza de Armas
San Pedro Central Market
Cusco Bus Terminal
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Commercial streets in the Historic Center
Public transportation

However, the vast majority of visitors enjoy their stay without any problems, especially when they follow basic safety precautions and keep their belongings secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my stolen phone?

Yes, provided that location services were enabled before the theft and the device is still connected to the internet.

Should I try to recover my phone if I know its location?

No.

Never confront suspected thieves or attempt to recover your phone on your own. If the location appears accurate, report it to the Peruvian National Police, who can assess the appropriate course of action.

What happens if I block the IMEI?

Blocking the IMEI prevents the phone from connecting to Peruvian mobile networks, making it much less useful to whoever stole it.

Will I lose my photos and documents?

Not necessarily.

If you had automatic backups enabled through Google Photos, Google Drive, or iCloud, you should be able to recover most of your data by signing in on another device.

Final Thoughts

Having your phone stolen can affect both residents and tourists, but acting quickly is the best way to protect your personal information and minimize the risk of fraud. Locking your device, suspending your SIM card, changing your passwords, reporting the theft, and blocking your IMEI are essential steps that can make a significant difference.

Table of Contents