Avoid Buying a Stolen Phone: How MobiCHECK® SHARE Helps You Stay Safe

The Growing Concern of Stolen Phones & Mobile Fraud

The soaring prices of smartphones have fueled a surge in stolen phones and mobile fraud since their inception. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) report for England and Wales, nearly 70% of all robberies in London last year were related to stolen phones. In 2022 alone, 38,996 mobile phone thefts were reported by civilians.

Mobile phone fraud can range from robbery to SIM hijacking and consumer fraud, making it a complex issue that demands ample solutions. Hence, without the correct tools, you can never be sure if the phone you’re handling is fraudulent.

Whether you’re a business that handles second-hand devices or a consumer purchasing a second-hand or refurbished phone, buying a fraudulent device can be costly and leave you at a loss. This is where MobiCode’s invaluable MobiCHECK® tools come into play for any individual or business dealing with second-hand phones.

What To Do With A Stolen Phone

A stolen phone can quickly become unusable, as it is likely to be blocked by the network, rendering it useless for making calls or accessing data. Mobile networks implement this security measure to prevent the usage of stolen devices. Whether you are a business or an individual, here’s what you need to do if you find yourself with a stolen phone.

For Individuals:

1. Verify the Phone’s Status: If you suspect your phone is stolen, check its IMEI status using MyMobiCheck. This will confirm whether the phone has been reported stolen (if it has not been reported, you should report the stolen phone).

2. Report to the Police: File a report with the local police. Provide them with the IMEI number and any other relevant information they will request.

3. Request a Refund: If you purchased the phone from a retail outlet or online platform, contact them to explain the situation and seek a refund. For more guidance, refer to Citizens Advice.

4. Contact Your Bank: If the seller refuses to offer a refund for the stolen phone, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your bank under your consumer and credit rights.

5. Prevent Future Issues: When buying second-hand phones, always use MyMobiCheck to ensure the device is not reported stolen before making a purchase.

For Businesses:

1. Immediate Action: If your business unknowingly purchases a stolen phone, the first step is to cease any further transactions involving the device. Do not attempt to resell the phone or disassemble the device, as this is far from legal.

2. Report the Phone: Use MobiCHECK® to hot-list the device and report the stolen phone. Our software will alert law enforcement agencies and insurance companies, helping to track and possibly recover the device.

3. Contact Authorities: Report the incident to the local police and provide all necessary information, including the phone’s unique IMEI number.

4. Notify the Seller: If you purchased the phone from another business, contact them to inform them about the situation and check their refund policies.

5. Prevent Future Incidents: Implement stricter verification processes for purchasing second-hand devices. MobiCHECK® can help ensure that the phones you acquire are legitimate and safe for resale.

Our Solution to Avoiding Buying a Stolen Phone: MobiCHECK®

MobiCode has been diligently creating tools to address this ever-increasing issue. MobiCHECK® is our mobile device due diligence software, offering immediate access to our extensive data-sharing ecosystem, known as MobiCHECK® SHARE, to aid you in avoiding the purchase of stolen mobile phones.

By collecting and collating live data from four sources across our users, including—Insurance Companies, Law Enforcement Agencies, Recyclers, and Mobile Networks, MobiCHECK® is an instant live-data lookup solution. It ensures the phones you acquire have undergone thorough background checks and are suitable for re-use and resale.

These live data channels provide real-time insights into the device, guaranteeing access to the most current information on whether the device is marked as lost or stolen. Law enforcement, insurance companies, recyclers, and reputable high-street retailers trust MobiCHECK®.

Features of MobiCHECK®

1. Secure Data Sharing: GDPR-compliant secure data exchange enables the safe sharing of data to prevent crime and fraud.

2. Real-time Intelligence: Gather information on devices’ trading history within a network of online and high street recyclers.

3. Footprint Data: View details of the device’s trading history within our online and high street recyclers network.

4. Buying Data: Securely receive details of the seller of devices of interest when traded via our network of recyclers.

5. Blocklist Devices: Instantly block devices relating to insurance claims at the point of claim request.

6. Hot List Devices: Add devices of interest to a Hot List to prevent trading and obtain instant alerts.

7. Data Search Service: A simple, all-in-one upload facility that processes and outputs volume data in minutes.

8. Watch List: Add devices of interest to a silent watch list where only you will receive alerts covertly.

If you’re a business interested in joining MobiCHECK® and mitigating the high costs of purchasing fraudulent mobile phones, you can find more information here.