In the era of buying and selling pre-owned smartphones, ensuring that your new purchase hasn’t been lost or stolen is crucial. If you are planning to buy a refurbished or second-hand mobile then it is suggested to check its authenticity. Every second-hand phone has a history attached to it and many people admit to having lost their phones to muggers. These devices end up being ‘flashed’ – clearing its history and then then resold. Some of these used phones may have been involved in frauds or linked to a crime committed before it was resold.
To minimize your risk of buying a stolen phone, always ask the seller for the IMEI and Manufacturer’s unique serial number of the phone. First, you’ll need to get the device’s serial number, IMEI, MEID or ESN. If the seller can’t provide it, you might consider this a red flag. Ask them to dial *#06# if they claim they are unsure how to find the phone’s identifying code. A legitimate seller should have no reservations about providing the IMEI number, as it is a standard practice in the sale of used smartphones.
Equipped with the IMEI number, you can then head over to the website Stolen Phone Check (stolenphonecheck.org). Enter the IMEI number into the tool, and it will promptly inform you whether the phone is registered as stolen or not. This simple yet effective check can save you from potential troubles and ensure a smooth transaction. Use reputable retailers, marketplaces, and apps to buy phones. Ensure you have checked out the sellers’ ratings before making a purchase.
