lol

If law enforcement fails to recover the stolen Mac, Undercover switches to plan B. In this mode, Undercover will simulate a hardware failure, making parts of the screen unusable. This erratic behavior will be accompanied by a Mac OS X system message stating that a hardware failure has been detected. At this point, we think the thief has 2 options: to send the computer to a reseller for repair, or to get rid of it by selling it on the Net. In either case, Undercover will show a full-screen message alerting the reseller or someone who bought the Mac from the thief that the Mac has been stolen, that it has become unusable and that it needs to be returned as soon as possible. Our contact information and a promise for a finder’s fee (which will be covered by us) will be displayed as well. This message can be fully customized by the user and when dismissed, this message will instantly reappear. Additionally, your Mac will start shouting at the highest volume level, using its built-in text-to-speech capabilities.

2021-07-16: Originally I thought this was an elaborate joke, but the service was real, but recently shut down:

After 14 years of Undercover recovery successes, we need to inform you that we’ll no longer be developing or supporting Undercover. All Undercover support will stop on Jan. 1st 2020.

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