How to spot a stolen phone by its IMEI

What is the IMEI and why it matters

The IMEI is the unique 15-digit number that identifies every mobile phone, like a car’s licence plate. Dial *#06# on any phone and it shows on screen.

For a shop that buys and sells second-hand handsets, the IMEI is your best tool to stay out of trouble.

Why check it before buying

Unknowingly buying a stolen phone can cost you the money you paid, the device itself and, in the worst case, legal trouble. An IMEI can be blocked for theft, for unpaid financing or reported lost.

Spending 30 seconds checking the IMEI before accepting a device saves you a world of problems.

How to check an IMEI

• Ask for the device powered on and dial *#06# to see the real IMEI.
• Compare it with the box and with the phone’s Settings.
• Look it up on an IMEI blacklist (national or international).
• Record the IMEI and the seller’s details in your trade-in contract.

Protect your shop with GoPOS

GoPOS includes an IMEI blacklist: when you enter an IMEI on a trade-in contract, the system instantly warns you if that handset is flagged as stolen or problematic.

On top of that, every second-hand purchase is recorded with a digital signature and the seller’s ID document. See all the features.