Cellular phones cloning: The first cases of GSM cellular phones being cloned Miriam Tomponzi, president of the Tomponzi Investigations agency, explains how to avoid having your cellular phone cloned. It seems that abroad there have been some cases in which the micro-chip cards designed to "protect" the new digital cellular phones were reproduced. According to the recent reports presented to the authorities there are millions of cellular phones that have been cloned. It is an actual business, that ends up costing the managers and users hundreds and billions of lire. "Those most affected - explains Miriam Tomponzi - are those that have cellular phone lines served by the E-Tacs. It is an old system in Italy, but is still used by 3.500.000 subscribers and has been found to be more susceptible to cloning than the digital Gsm". It is necessary to take certain precautions in order to avoid these problems occurring. "First of all - Miriam Tomponzi suggests - those able to, must replace their old cellular phones with new Gsm cellulars, which are very difficult to clone but not impossible. The line and other data are on a micro-chip card inside the apparatus, virtually impossible to intercept". Those people that are not able to replace their cellular phones must take every precaution possible as defense against all attacks. Here are five golden rules that Miriam Tomponzi put together after an investigation on "strange radio-mobile phone markets", found mainly abroad. 1) The serial number of your cellular phone must be kept at all times secret, by law it is written on a sticker on the back (usually next to the batteries). For protection you can cover the number with a piece of opaque tape, it should be removable in case of a control by authorized personnel. Though very simple, it is a very good and economical method of protection. 2) It is also very important to keep all the telephone calls made on your apparatus under control, so if you notice any strange charges on your bill, you can immediately report it to the authorities and have your cellular phone line blocked. 3) You must not let any strangers know your average monthly bill: a potential cloner would find this information very interesting. Giving them a good measure in which to act if they chose you as their victim. 4) Concerning how long you should leave your cellular phone at a laboratory when being fixed: It is very important to only go to those qualified and authorized in repairing cellular phones, it would otherwise be to risky. 5) If you have a Business cellular phone on which you can make international calls, it would be best if possible to end the service.