guitarist28
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2008
- Messages
- 109
Hi guys,
A number of people have asked how they can check if that used phone they're interested in buying is the real deal or not.
So, herewith some pointers for those interested. It's not 100% foolproof, but may just reveal some things:
1. Always ask the seller for the IMEI number of the phone. This can be obtained from 3 places: On the original box, a sticker below the battery, or by dialing *#06# . A good idea may also be to ask the seller to send you a clear picture of the sticker below the battery containing the IMEI number.
2. Click over to http://www.imei.info/ and submit the supplied IMEI number (without dashes or slashes). It should bring up the details of the handset make, model and specs associated with that IMEI number.
If the seller is selling a Samsung, but the above check's result reflects as something else, smell a rat!
The site also has a mobile app that acts as a barcode scanner for IMEI barcodes. Very handy.
3. If everything checks out and you decide to pull the trigger, verify the IMEI details you've received against the info on the physical handset you intend on buying again before handing over the cash.
Thats it.
Another option is to meet the seller at one of the many cell provider stores and ask them to check the phone for authenticity. Anyone selling a fake would not dare take that risk.
Some other things to look out for in general:
* If the pictures in the ad show the phone's box without stickers on it, chances are very high it's a fake. The IMEI stickers are stuck on the outside of the boxes, often used as security seals.
* Take your time with the purchase. Dont rush. If anything appears to be "off", move on.
* If a friend has a similar phone, ask to have a proper look at it. Look at finishes, screen quality, the way the phone is constructed and branding applied.. It's a standard. Fakes often have small "tells" that's not easy to pick up if you're not familiar with the devices.
* When you go to do the deal, double check spellings of brand names on stickers etc.
If anyone has more pointers, feel free to add...
A number of people have asked how they can check if that used phone they're interested in buying is the real deal or not.
So, herewith some pointers for those interested. It's not 100% foolproof, but may just reveal some things:
1. Always ask the seller for the IMEI number of the phone. This can be obtained from 3 places: On the original box, a sticker below the battery, or by dialing *#06# . A good idea may also be to ask the seller to send you a clear picture of the sticker below the battery containing the IMEI number.
2. Click over to http://www.imei.info/ and submit the supplied IMEI number (without dashes or slashes). It should bring up the details of the handset make, model and specs associated with that IMEI number.
If the seller is selling a Samsung, but the above check's result reflects as something else, smell a rat!
The site also has a mobile app that acts as a barcode scanner for IMEI barcodes. Very handy.
3. If everything checks out and you decide to pull the trigger, verify the IMEI details you've received against the info on the physical handset you intend on buying again before handing over the cash.
Thats it.
Another option is to meet the seller at one of the many cell provider stores and ask them to check the phone for authenticity. Anyone selling a fake would not dare take that risk.
Some other things to look out for in general:
* If the pictures in the ad show the phone's box without stickers on it, chances are very high it's a fake. The IMEI stickers are stuck on the outside of the boxes, often used as security seals.
* Take your time with the purchase. Dont rush. If anything appears to be "off", move on.
* If a friend has a similar phone, ask to have a proper look at it. Look at finishes, screen quality, the way the phone is constructed and branding applied.. It's a standard. Fakes often have small "tells" that's not easy to pick up if you're not familiar with the devices.
* When you go to do the deal, double check spellings of brand names on stickers etc.
If anyone has more pointers, feel free to add...
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