Stolen Fitbit but stepcount still appeared the next day

[DennisRG]

I had my Fitbit stolen the other day. The next day the stepcount was 7000+. I thought the Fitbit had to sync with my phone to update the data. Does anyone have an explanation. I am assuming the thief was wearing it. What I don't understand is how the data got updated. 

Many thanks!

Dennis

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[SteveH]

It used to be the case that a PC running Fitbit Connect would sync any fitbit that came within bluetooth range. The PC acted just as a gateway so there was no access to the data as it passed through on the way to the fitbit servers. Haven't heard of this function being used for a long while but may explain it.

Alternatively, the thief may have come within range of your phone!

[BraulioFitbit]

Welcome to the Community, @DennisRG and thanks @SteveH for the input.

@DennisRG Is your Fitbit device still syncing? If that's the case your device is just lost and not stolen because, in order to sync, your device must be within 15 - 20 ft near your phone. Even if someone else has it, that person needs to know your email & password to sync with a phone or computer. You can try the tips from this help article: What should I do if I lose my Fitbit device? and try to locate it.

Hope this helps.

[DennisRG]

Hi, Thank you for your reply. For the step count to be updated, doesn't someone gave to be wearing it. If it was just lost wouldn't the stepcount for the day be zero? I  was out when it was misplaced/stolen. So unless it got back home with me and was on my person somehow, I don't understand how the stepcount would increase. In terms of the syncing that makes sense. I have since bought another one but I just wanted to understand the data I was seeing on my phone  before I synched up the new Fitbit.

[BraulioFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi @DennisRG,

Your Fitbit device will continue tracking steps if someone else is wearing it, but that information won't be synced to your account if that person doesn't have the email & password linked to your Fitbit account. If you have the MobileTrack option enabled on your account, this could explain the reason why the step count was increasing since this feature uses your phone to track steps as explained on this help article and adds them to your total for the day.

Hope this information helps.