This patent discloses a proximity alarm system for an article. The proximity alarm system may include a transmitter to attach to the article and a receiver having an alarm, a set of combination dials, and a deactivation button. When the article is a cell phone, the receiver may attach to a person's belt and hold the cell phone. The transmitter and receiver may be in wireless communication with each by infrared radiation signals and/or radio frequency signals. When the communication between the transmitter and receiver is interrupted by distance, objects, or otherwise interfered with, the receiver may generate a sound, visible light, and/or vibratory alarm. The alarm may be quashed by turning the receiver off, moving the article closer to the receiver, and/or turning the set of combination dials to a secret predetermined number and pressing the deactivation button.