They don’t make cell phones like this anymore.

Yesterday, as I was cleaning the basement, I found a personal relic: A Qualcomm cell phone from, looks like, 1999. The phone carries the Bell Atlantic Mobile brand, which existed until mid 2000, when the company became Verizon following the merger with GTE.

I hit the “pwr” switch, expecting no response. But, miraculously, the phone powered up. Keep in mind, this phone has collected dust in my basement for about eight years. Disturbing, however: The phone comes up with my old phone number and it makes calls. I did one test call, then stopped. It’s not my number, anymore. I’m not sure how best to dispose of the phone, because of the active number.

I wouldn’t want someone racking up phone calls for the person who has the number.
That said, I’m deeply troubled that the phone works. In theory—and I have no intention of finding out—dialing 611 could give access to the current number holder’s account. That’s another reason for carefully disposing of the phone: Identity theft, by gaining access to one account and using the information to gain access to others. The thought just chills me.

If this were a GSM phone, the SIM card would be removable and easily destroyed. I’ll probably call Verizon and ask what’s the best way to dispose of the phone.

Do you have an amazing cell phone story that you’d like told? Please email Joe Wilcox: oddlytogether at gmail dot com.