In the event of a lost or stolen cell phone, who should be notified first?

When a cell phone is lost or stolen, notifying the cell phone provider should be the first step because they have the ability to take immediate action to protect your account and prevent unauthorized use of the device. The provider can suspend service, track the phone's location (if the feature is available), and initiate steps to lock the device or wipe data remotely, depending on the situation.

In contrast, while notifying a bank may be necessary later on if sensitive information has been compromised, or informing a family member can help in locating the phone or providing support, neither action directly addresses the immediate security risks associated with the lost phone. Contacting local authorities can be useful, especially if theft is involved, but initiating a report after securing your account and cellular service is often more effective. Thus, notifying the cell phone provider is critical in preventing potential identity theft or unauthorized charges that could arise from the loss or theft of the phone.