Buying a used phone is equal parts great and riddled with uncertainty. On one hand, it is an economical and environment friendly decision and on the other, there is a lot that can go wrong when buying a phone from a stranger.
One common mishap that happens with many used phone buyers is that they accidentally and unknowingly purchase stolen phones.
While you may be thinking that since you plan to acquire a used phone legally, if it turns out to be stolen, it won’t affect you, the case is actually the opposite.
Buying a stolen phone, even unknowingly, can cost you dearly.
Consequences Of Purchasing A Stolen Phone
There are many consequences of purchasing a stolen phone. For starters, if the phone has already been reported stolen, chances are, the authorities have blocked the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of the phone.
This means the phone will not function at all. Not to forget, if this is the case, chances are, the authorities will track the phone down and you’ll have to answer unnecessary questions.
Even if this isn’t the case, and the device hasn’t been reported stolen, chances are that someone may have cloned the device. By doing this, the thief can actually charge their usage of another phone to your account. Moreover, phone cloning can also be used to commit more serious crimes like identity theft.
That’s why it is important for used phone buyers to enquire about the IMEI number of the device they are about to purchase and use an IMEI checker tool to verify that the device is not stolen.
Wondering how you can do that? Read on.
What Is The IMEI Number And How Can An IMEI Checker Tool Help?
The IMEI number is the unique identification number given to every mobile device that is produced. When a phone is reported stolen or lost, the authorities block or flag the IMEI number of the device.
Once this happens, the device cannot be used again until the block or flag is lifted. Moreover, using the IMEI flagging feature, law enforcement authorities are also able to track stolen devices whenever they are switched on.
This is why, if you are in the market to buy a used phone and find an option that you like, asking for the IMEI number should be your first step. If the seller avoids giving you the IMEI number, chances are that they are indeed selling you a stolen device.
If, on the other hand, the seller agrees to share the IMEI number of the device in question, the next step is to verify the IMEI number with an IMEI checker tool.
The tool is free to use and will reveal the basic information of a device. The IMEI checker tool will also tell you if the device has been blacklisted.
If you have met the seller online and have verified the IMEI number without meeting them, it is strongly advisable to recheck the IMEI number when you are assessing the physical condition of the phone.
To do this, simply dial *#06# into the dialer and the IMEI number will be displayed on the screen. Now, you can cross verify the IMEI number with the number that the seller shared with you earlier.
What Should You Do If You Find Someone Is Trying To Sell You A Stolen Phone
If you end up with a stolen phone and realise it after completing the purchase, or simply catch the seller of a stolen phone in the act, you should immediately contact your local police and report the individual.
Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.