Check phone

Cheap imports and gray-market deals make it hard to trust a seller. Use these IMEI-driven checks before handing over your money.

Check phone
Always review the seller, the paperwork, and the IMEI before you pay.

Basic authenticity rules

  • Avoid street deals or anonymous passers-by, even if the price is tempting.
  • Buy only from reputable stores or carriers that provide receipts.
  • Research the official specs and compare them with the device in front of you.

Use the IMEI as proof

Every device ships with a unique IMEI. The first six digits show the series, two digits highlight the production country, and the last digit validates the checksum. Remove the back cover or check the box to confirm the IMEI matches what the seller provided. Run it through Check IMEI before paying.

Before you finalize the deal

  • Dial *#06# and confirm the number matches the sticker or box.
  • Capture proof of purchase so you can defend ownership if something goes wrong.
  • Ask the seller to stay nearby until you confirm the phone works with your SIM.

Impostors rely on rushed buyers. Slow down, verify each data point, and you will avoid fake or stolen phones.

Connect the dots before and after the deal

Unsure how the identifier works? Review what an IMEI number is so you can translate those 15 digits into confidence. When you need full transparency, check the seller’s entry in Check IMEI and monitor any follow-up discussions inside the IMEI Tracker.

If you ever misplace a newly purchased phone, the same IMEI should go straight into Phone Finder so we can warn buyers on your behalf. Authenticity and recovery use the same dataset—the earlier you log it, the easier it is to defend ownership.