Checking if a phone is stolen and blocked

Forums › Spark New Zealand › Checking if a phone is stolen and blocked

AllenG

441 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Topic # 85200 15-Jun-2011 21:44

Hi.

I am about to part with a reasonable amount of cash for a Samsung Galaxy S on Trademe.

The details are quite sparse and the seller was "Given" the phone, has no receipt or warranty details.
I have requested a serial number off the seller. Is there any way I check with Telecom or samsung whether it is a valid serial number, whether it has been reported as stolen and is blocked and possibly who the purchaser of the phone was before I part with my cash?

Regards Allen.

Oldhat

172 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 481646 15-Jun-2011 22:37

Rather than a serial number, I would suggest obtaining the IMEI number.

If you enter that number at http://www.telecom.co.nz/mobile/ournetwork/phonecompatibility it will indicate the model/make of device. Generally gives reasonable results for most IMEI numbers.

You could call Telecom mob faults and they may be able to tell if the device is blocked? Someone like akia might be able to give you a better idea if this is possible.

scottr

243 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Trusted

Reply # 481648 15-Jun-2011 22:40

Just get one off pricespy.co.nz. I would never by a phone off someone on trademe. I doubt it's that much more (usually I find pricespy beats trademe sellers for phones, and you can trust the ones on pricespy more).

AllenG

441 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 481659 15-Jun-2011 22:58

scottr: Just get one off pricespy.co.nz. I would never by a phone off someone on trademe. I doubt it's that much more (usually I find pricespy beats trademe sellers for phones, and you can trust the ones on pricespy more).

This is $600.

Hi. I looked at Pricespy. Vodafone models are under $600, but don't have the XT 850MHz 3G frequency. Where I am located in New Plymouth I require support for 850MHz.
The model fully compatable with XT, the I9000T is hard to find other than from Telecom. Some are offering an I9000M model but it's over $720.

If they are not forthcoming with the IEMI number I won't progress the sale.

Regards Allen.

firefuze

389 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 55

Reply # 482098 17-Jun-2011 08:19

Galaxy i9000T from Telecom is now $799. If you are spending $600 on 2nd hand unit, could be worth spending a little bit more for a New boxed unit with a warranty too.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2600
Inactive user

Reply # 482102 17-Jun-2011 08:29

just cause its not blacklisted today does not mean it won't be blacklisted in 4 weeks or 8 weeks

nzbnw

2366 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 13

Trusted

Spark

Reply # 482108 17-Jun-2011 08:51

Oldhat: Rather than a serial number, I would suggest obtaining the IMEI number.

If you enter that number at http://www.telecom.co.nz/mobile/ournetwork/phonecompatibility it will indicate the model/make of device. Generally gives reasonable results for most IMEI numbers.

You could call Telecom mob faults and they may be able to tell if the device is blocked? Someone like akia might be able to give you a better idea if this is possible.

The link above will also display if an IMEI is prevented from working on the Telecom XT network.

nzbnw

AllenG

441 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 482304 17-Jun-2011 18:19

The Telecom link finds no match. However this link says it is a valid number with a valid check digit and that it is in fact a Samsung Galaxy I9000T

http://imei-number.com/imei-lookup/

I have also matched the sellers full name and email address with with facebook and oldfriends details and have a mobile number.

They have agreed to $300 deposit and $300 after delivery.

I think I have done my due diligence now.

Thanks