SmartProtec

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SmartProtec?
How does it work
Is SmartProtec really free?
Why do the police and others check if an item is stolen with SmartProtec?
How does SmartProtec warn thieves?
How do I see if an item is stolen before buying?
What if my item doesn't have a serial number?
How does SmartProtec protect my identity and privacy?
What should I do if my item is stolen or lost?
What happens if my email address changes?
How do I activate SmartProtec?
How do I recover my forgotten password?

What is SmartProtec?

SmartProtec is a theft prevention and recovery service. It prevents theft of your item and helps recover it quickly in case of theft or loss.

SmartProtec provides four layers of protection for your item including theft prevention, contact owner through serial number, reinforced legal protection and recovery service.

How does it work?

SmartProtec prevents theft of your item and helps recover it quickly in case of theft. It acts as an anti-theft security feature of your item upon activation such as portable electronics.

First of all, SmartProtec prevents theft of your item before it happens. SmartProtec lets police and consumers instantly see if your item is stolen or not (on the manufacturer* and Inspice web site). It makes it difficult and dangerous for thieves to possess or resell your item because anyone can instantly see that it is stolen. As a result, thieves avoid from stealing your item.

The police also confirmed that this kind of method (making items identifiable) is effective in theft prevention and recommend it.

SmartProtec allows anyone to contact you immediately through the serial number of your item without disclosing your personal information in case of theft or loss.

SmartProtec reinforces the legal protection of your items. As a result, your stolen or lost item may not legally be possessed, sold or disposed of by others without contacting you and obtaining your permission.

SmartProtec also comes with a professional recovery service that helps the return of your stolen or lost item quickly and safely. It also provides a reward to the one who helps recover your stolen or lost your item. After your missing item is located, your item is also delivered to you upon request.

SmartProtec maintains a list of your items with serial numbers in our secure database for you, in accordance with the police recommendation. The police recommend that you should keep a list of your valuables with serial numbers to help recovery of your item and police investigation in case of theft. Furthermore, you can keep track of all your items with ease on the Internet.

SmartProtec protects your identity and does not ask to you to provide us your personally identifying information. The serial number of your item identifies only your item without identifying you the person. For example, SmartProtec allows the police or the finder to contact you if it is stolen or lost but does not allow them to trace any information about you.

Note that an RFID code can also be used instead of a serial number.

Is SmartProtec really free?

SmartProtec is free. There are no hidden fees.

However, we offer an optional delivery-to-door service for your convenience. We deliver your stolen or lost item to you after locating your item if you request. When you choose to use the delivery-to-door service, there will be a fee.

Why do the police and others check if an item is stolen with SmartProtec?

The stolen checking service of SmartProtec best serves the interest of the police and all consumers and helps prevent theft of your items. The police always try hard to identify stolen items and return them to rightful owners. It is also a duty of police officers. Consumers want to protect themselves from unknowingly buying a stolen item.

The stolen checking service is available to everyone around the world beyond national borders, and is the most widely used system in its kind. It makes it difficult and dangerous for thieves to possess or resell your item because anyone can instantly see that it is stolen.

How does SmartProtec warn thieves?

We warn thieves that your items, especially mobile devices (and equipment), are protected by the security feature.

Mass media is also promoting the security feature and has been helpful in this effort.

If you are a SmartProtec Plus user, there is an advantage for you. The manufacturer of your device or equipment is also promoting the security feature for you.

You can also warn thieves by affixing a SmartProtec Warning Label on your item. Furthermore, you can affix warning decals on your home, office or car windows.

A SmartProtec Warning Label warns thieves that your item is being protected against theft. The label also tells the police and the finder how to contact you in case of theft or loss. You can obtain SmartProtec Warning Labels free from us or you can also print labels on your own.

What should I do if my item is stolen or lost?

Go to My Items and change item status as 'lost' or 'stolen' instead of 'In Possession'.

It is very important for you to do so immediately in case your item is lost or stolen. Delayed report could reduce the chances of getting your item get recovered. The full benefits and features of SmartProtec start only after your lost or stolen report.

Please also report the theft or loss to the police and/or appropriate authority in your area.

What if my item doesn't have a serial number?

We provide ID labels for items that do not have unique serial number such as keys, wallet, CD, luggage, and books. Each ID label has unique serial number.

Alternatively, you can use an RFID code if an RFID chip is embedded in your item.

How does SmartProtec protect my identity and privacy?

SmartProtec does not only protect your valuable items but also protect your identity and privacy:

Serial number identifies your item without disclosing your identity.
Allowing finder or the police to contact you immediately without disclosing any person information in case of theft or loss.
Concealing all your personal information including your email; not even the police can trace your information.
Never asking you any personal information. In fact, we don't even ask personally identifying information such as your name nor phone number.
Never sell or share your email or any personally identifying information with others.

How do I activate SmartProtec?

Go to www.inspice.com/SmartProtec.
Enter the serial number of your item and hit ‘Activate’ button.

You will be asked to provide information about your item and your email. You will receive a confirmation email with a link for you to click on. The whole activation process is normally completed within 60 seconds.

Alternatively, enter www.inspice.com/Activate###. Substitute ### with an actual serial number of your item.

Note for SmartProtec Plus users: please follow the activation instruction from the manufacturer instead.

How do I recover my forgotten password?

Just click on the Forgot Password link at the Log In page. Provide your name and user ID (email) that are listed in your account. Your password will be sent to you if your name and user ID are matched.

How do I change my password?

Go to My Inspice and click on Change Password link at the bottom. Enter your current password and new password. The change will take place instantly.

What happens if my email address changes?

You can easily change your email address on our web site at anytime. To change your email, go to My Inspice.

Advanced Topic

How does SmartProtec protect my item against theft?

SmartProtec prevents theft of your item before it happens and helps recover it quickly in case of theft.

First of all, SmartProtec prevents theft of your item. SmartProtec lets police and consumers instantly see if your item is stolen or not (on the manufacturer* or Inspice web site). It makes it difficult and dangerous for thieves to possess or resell your item because anyone can instantly see that it is stolen. As a result, thieves avoid from stealing your item.

The police also confirmed that this kind of method (making items identifiable) is effective in theft prevention and recommend it.

SmartProtec does more than effectively prevents your item from theft. SmartProtec also has additional 3 layers of theft protection.

Anyone can instantly contact the real owner through the stolen your device's serial number. (2nd layer) We provide a reward to the one who helps recover your stolen item.

In fact the police recover countless stolen items from suspects but for most items there are no ways to identify or contact the owner. In this reason, most recovered stolen items are unfortunately disposed of instead of returned to the owner. However, your stolen item is easily and safely returned to you the owner instead; SmartProtec allows the police to contact you through the serial number of your item.

It makes it unlawful and unjustifiable for others to possess, sell or dispose of your stolen or lost item without contacting and obtaining your permission. (3rd layer)

If your item is still missing, then our recovery service helps locate the stolen item. (4th layer) We also provide an optional delivery-to-door service.

In addition to the theft protection, SmartProtec provides loss protection for your item, which is equally proven useful.

See also: How does it work?, Police Advice.

Do you offer a reward for return of my stolen or lost item?

Yes we do. We provide a reward to the finder on return.

As an option, you can also offer a suitable reward, which can be an additional incentive for the finder.

What if a thief removes a serial number?

In the first place, the thief would not steal it. Thieves tend to avoid stealing items whose ownership is identifiable according to the police.

However, if serial number is still removed, it indicates the item is stolen or illegitimate.

Serial numbers may be visually removed or defaced, however, there is a way to retrieve serial number for many mobile devices. For most mobile devices, serial numbers are printed at the back of the unit and are also electronically stored in the device.

For example for cell phones, the following key sequence will display the serial number of the device.

*#06#

RFIDs are about to be universally available. An RFID code can also be used instead of a serial number when an RFID chip is embedded in your equipment.

For your option, we also provide tamper-proof labels. The tamper-proof labels are not practical to remove. Removal of the label will rip the case or significantly disfigure the case. As a result, it will make the item worthless to resell for a thief.

Is SmartProtec a registry?

SmartProtec is not a registry in the traditional sense. It is a theft prevention and recovery service. There are countless number of registries for example, manufacturers (or retailers) provide registries for people to register their products. Such registries have been in use for numerous decades at least. But does it prevent theft? Or Does it provide a professional recovery service?

If SmartProtec were a registry, manufacturers and retailers would not provide SmartProtec to their customers because they already provide a registry. But numerous and growing number of manufacturers and retailers are providing SmartProtec, not for registration but, for theft prevention and other benefits.

SmartProtec prevents theft of items and helps recover them quickly in case of theft or loss. That's why even the police recommend this kind of method (making items identifiable).

How do the police or the finder contact me?

SmartProtec allows the police or the finder to contact you immediately with the serial number of your item on our web site. You will be instantly contacted via your email. The police and the finder will not know your identity and not even your email address in this process.

How does SmartProtec help the police fight crime and return my stolen items?

SmartProtec helps police in:

Identification of stolen property.
Returning stolen property to you, the rightful owner.
Investigating theft crimes.

Having SmartProtec security feature activated for your items means that you are making it easier for the police in identifying your stolen goods, returning them to you, and investigating theft crimes.

SmartProtec makes it easier for the police to identify stolen property. Identification of stolen property is one of the most pressing problems facing law enforcement investigators today. 90% of theft cases, the victim is unable to immediately furnish serial numbers. (In more than 70% of the cases, no information is ever received.) The police need an accurate description of your stolen property. SmartProtec makes such information readily available for you so that you can furnish the information to the police in the identification of your stolen property. SmartProtec also allows the police with the serial number to check if it is a stolen item.

SmartProtec makes it easier for the police to return your stolen property to you. The police seize and recover a large amount of stolen property but most of them are destroyed or auctioned off because the police can not contact the rightful owner. However, SmartProtec allows the police to instantly contact the owner through the serial number.

SmartProtec makes it easier for the police to investigate theft crime by helping them to identify stolen goods. In cases of property seized by the police from suspected offenders, criminal charges cannot be laid if the property is not positively identified as belonging to someone else. SmartProtec's contact owner and stolen item checking feature assist the police in making a case against the thieves.

Why don't I get a confirmation email?

Inspice web site immediately sends out a confirmation email to the address you provided when you requested certain tasks (without being logged on) such as SmartProtec activation, password change, and some other Inspice services. However, many confirmation emails are never delivered or bounced back to us.

The most common reason why emails are not delivered is incorrectly entered email address. Another most common reason is erroneous email filtering. Yet another common reason is storage over quota.

If you don't receive a confirmation email within minutes, most probably your email is returned to us or trapped in somewhere due to one of the above reasons. Inspice automatically sends out email in no time and users normally get it in seconds.

If you didn't get the email yet, please try your request again on Inspice web site but make sure:

Enter a correct email address.
The email filtering systems in your computer and in your Internet Service Provider do not block emails from Inspice.
Your email account has enough storage space.
You can actually receive emails to the address at any time.

If the problem persists, please try your request again with a difference email address. If you do not confirm your request, it will be cancelled. Please contact us if you need our assistance.

A password is immediately emailed to you upon completing a confirmation if it is your first time requesting Inspice service. However, you may never receive it due to the problem mentioned above. Then there is yet another measure you can use: How do I recover my forgotten password?

If you are an EarthLink user, here is an important message.

How do I deactivate?

Go to My Items and select an item. Then press 'Delete' button.

How do I see if an item is stolen before buying?

SmartProtec lets anyone with the serial number to instantly see if an item is stolen or lost. Click here to check it. Please beware that a removed or defaced serial number indicates a stolen or illegitimate item.

Please also be aware of consequences of possessing stolen goods. If you get stolen goods, even if you have paid a fair price and are unaware that the goods were stolen, the general rule is that you do not get a legal right of ownership. Although goods are stolen, the original owner still retains their legal right of ownership over the goods. You can be ordered to return the goods or pay a compensation for the value of the goods to the original owner.

Even though you agree to return the stolen goods to the owner, you may still be charged with theft unless you can prove that you did not steal the goods.

Note that laws vary from state to state and country to country.

Why is Smartprotec an ideal property identification solution?

SmartProtec provides an ideal property identification solution without having any disadvantages of traditional property identification. It gives you numerous distinctive advantages such as no need of physical marking and universal property identification in which anyone including police officers, lost and found officers, potential buyers and anyone else around the world can instantly check if it is stolen or lost with the serial number.

Traditional property identification means such as engraving drivers license number have many drawbacks although it is still an effective deterrent to theft.

No owner identity protection: the identity of owner is disclosed and may result in identity theft and a danger to the owners.
Loss of value: an engraving mark on your items with your driver's license number significant reduces the resale value of your items.
Risks of damage: engraving could cosmetically or physically damage your items.
Ownership transfer difficulty: difficult to sell or give away your items with an engraved mark with your driver's license number.
Inflexibility: the engraved information has to be updated if your information such as address and driver's license number changes.
Local only: the marking is only recognized in certain areas such as a state or country.
Limited access: the finder has no way to contact the owner unless they have access to the driver's license registry of the particular state or region if you marked your driver's license number on your items.
Others: not everyone has driver's license, e.g. under age.

The traditional property identification suffers from these numerous drawbacks. By contrast, SmartProtec remedies all the drawbacks while retaining all the benefits such as theft prevention and recovery aid as well as bringing new additional benefits.

Owner identity protection: since only a serial number is used to identify a property, owner's identity is not diclosed.
Flexibility: no need to update the marking on your items even if your information changes, e.g. your name, phone number, and drivers license- your email is the only thing you need to update on the web site if it changed.
Safety of items: no risk of damaging your items by engraving - engraving is not needed.
Ease: SmartProtec activation is much easier and quicker than engraving on your goods.
Easy ownership transfer: you can easily transfer ownership to other person in the event of a trade.
Secure: the ownership information is stored in a secure database. Nobody can see, erase or modify except the owner.
Secure inventory list: a list of your valuables is kept safe and is conveniently available only for you to access from anywhere at anytime.
Worldwide recognition: recognizing serial number is not limited to one state or country but worldwide.
Universal property identification: the police or any one else can contact you immediately or check to see if it is a stolen item.

SmartProtec uses serial number, which is permanent, to identify your possessions. Your contact information, email, will remain confidential and can be updated at any time with ease. Ownership transfer is very simple. Property information such as serial numbers are kept safe and can not be destroyed or tampered by thieves. There are no risks of damaging your property with SmartProtec since engraving is not needed. Also, you don't have to worry about losing the resale value of your items. Your items are universally identifiable by anyone worldwide when stolen or lost. SmartProtec lets the police and anyone else instantly verify the ownership status of the item and contacting you while concealing your identity. You don't have to maintain a list of valuables on a piece paper and look for a safe place to store it. Our web site safely keep the list and make it securely available at your fingertip anytime and anywhere.

Is SmartProtec an insurance?

SmartProtec is not an insurance. It does not replace or reimburse your lost, stolen or damaged equipment.

Police

How do I check if an item is stolen?

SmartProtec lets you with the serial number to instantly check if an item is stolen. Click here to check it.

Alternative, visit our web site www.inspice.com and enter the serial number.

How do I contact the owner?

Visit our web site www.inspice.com and enter the serial number.

Alternatively, visit www.inspice.com/ContactOwner###. Substitute ### with an actual serial number of the found item.

Finders

How do I contact the rightful owner?

Visit our web site www.inspice.com and enter the serial number.

Alternatively, visit www.inspice.com/ContactOwner###. Substitute ### with an actual serial number of the found item.

Note that we appreciate you taking time to contact the owner of the lost item. We will soon send you reward. There is no cost for you to return the lost item - FedEx or other methods of pick up can be arranged for your convenience without costing you anything.

Please immediately contact the owner and get your reward. The owner really wishes to get the item back as soon as possible.

You may:

Contact the owner now and then the owner will contact you via email to arrange a pickup.
Turn the item into nearby police or other authorities such as public transit and airport. And then let the owner know the whereabouts of the lost item. So the owner can contact the authority.

What are alternatives to contacting the owner?

If you wish not to contact the owner, you can still return the item with ease.

Contact our support. We will coordinate a pick up of the item on behalf of the owner.
Turn the item into nearby police or other authorities. Let the officer know, the owner can be contacted through the serial number on our web site.

Are you considering keeping it instead of contacting the owner? See What if I keep the item that I found?

What kind of rewards are offered to finders?

See What kind of rewards are offered?

How do I claim reward?

Simply send us email at reward@inspice.com with the information of the item you found including the serial number after contacting the owner.

We will mail you the reward gifts in 7 days after the confirmation that the owner received the lost item that you found.

The owner will send you cash reward if he/she offered in 30 days after the receiving the lost item that you found.

What if I keep the item that I found?

Keeping, selling or disposing of a lost or stolen item without the owner's permission may be against the law. To avoid unexpected legal consequences, you should consult your lawyer prior to doing so. Please be aware of followings:

Possessing or selling of lost or stolen goods without permission from the owner may be against the law.
Possessing or selling lost or stolen items without making any reasonable attempt to return to the rightful owner may be against the law.
You may be liable for damages to the rightful owner if you fail to return the lost or stolen item.
Tampering with the serial number of the item or removing the serial number information from the item without the owner's permission may be against the law.
Other consequences may also apply to you.

Laws vary from state to state and country to country.

What if I have other questions that are not answered here?

Please contact us support@inspice.com.

* Note that if the manufacturer of your item does not offer SmartProtec Plus for your item, some limitation may apply. For example, stolen item checking is not available on the manufacturer's web site. But it is still available on Inspice web site.

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SmartProtec

Frequently Asked Questions

Advanced Topics

How do I claim reward?