Home / Technology / Verizon Sends Mystery Phone, Takes Remote Control
Verizon Sends Mystery Phone, Takes Remote Control
12 Jun
Summary
- Verizon sent a customer a refurbished phone with remote management software.
- The device was a store demo unit improperly wiped before delivery.
- The customer experienced a remote factory reset and lost personal data.
A Verizon customer, Tom Collery, received a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 that was unknowingly managed by Verizon's Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. This occurred after Collery contacted Verizon about network issues in February. The device, a former store demo unit, had not been properly wiped before being sent to him.
After approximately two weeks of use, Collery's data was remotely erased, and the phone underwent a factory reset, displaying messages indicating it was property of Verizon and configured for full management. This incident led to the loss of personal data, including contacts, messages, and photos.
Verizon acknowledged the mistake in a letter to the FCC, stating it was a procedural lapse and that an internal investigation was underway. The company offered Collery a $400 credit and a different refurbished phone, allowing him to keep the MDM-controlled device as evidence.
Concerns have been raised by security researchers regarding Verizon's refurbishment procedures, questioning the thoroughness of data wiping and MDM profile removal. Collery is pursuing legal action, citing violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act, as Verizon has refused to disclose data logs without a legal order.
