Check Mobile’s Aren’t Stolen – How To Check Against Mobile Fraud Before Buying

Buying a used or recycled mobile phone can be a good way to save money and get a newer model at a lower price. However, buyers still need to be careful. If you do not check a pre-owned device properly, you could end up buying a lost or stolen phone.

That creates more than a moral problem. In many cases, the phone may stop being useful soon after purchase. For example, the original owner of an Apple device may still be able to use built-in security features to locate the phone, erase it remotely or disable it. As a result, the handset can quickly become worthless. Thieves often rely on quick sales and hope these problems appear only after the buyer has paid.

Fortunately, you can avoid buying a stolen phone if you know what to check before you hand over any money.

How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Mobile Phone Online

If you are buying through a private selling site, ask plenty of questions first. Also look at reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, eBay, Amazon or Etsy where relevant. If the seller avoids basic questions or seems reluctant to give you more information, treat that as a warning sign.

Price is another clue. If the deal looks too good to be true, there is usually a reason. Even so, the best step is to check the phone’s unique IMEI number before you buy it. Ask the seller for the IMEI. If they ask why, you can simply say that you want to check the device history or confirm that your carrier can support the handset.

You can then use a checker such as MobiCheck to carry out an IMEI lookup and see whether the device shows any obvious issues.

How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Mobile Phone In Store

The safest place to buy a pre-owned phone is usually a well-known high street retailer. Businesses such as CeX or Game sell refurbished devices that customers expect to have been processed correctly. That usually means they have already carried out checks designed to reduce the risk of handling stolen goods.

In these settings, IMEI checks and blacklist lookups are usually completed before the phone reaches the shelf. Buyers can also expect the device to have been wiped of data and restored to a usable condition.

Do Your Checks Before You Buy

Most buyers can protect themselves by learning the warning signs and carrying out a few simple checks. The most important step is to do your research and make sure you trust the seller before you buy.

If you are a retailer and need a secure, proven lookup process to help confirm that the devices you handle are genuine, speak to the MobiCode team. We can offer expert advice and help you process devices more safely.