Knowing how to check if a phone is stolen can protect you from inadvertently buying or receiving stolen property and potentially save you from legal troubles or a hefty financial loss. There are several methods to verify a phone’s status, including checking its IMEI number, using a device-tracking app, or contacting the carrier associated with the phone.
Checking the IMEI number is a reliable way to determine if a phone has been reported stolen. The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. You can find the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone’s keypad. Once you have the IMEI, you can check it against databases of stolen phones maintained by organizations like the National Equipment Registry or the CTIA.