How to detect if a cell phone sold as new is actually in use

Within the mobile phone category, the second-hand market is increasingly prosperous. The downside arises when they are sold as new cell phones that they really are fake, stolen or refurbished. On this note, what tools does the buyer have to carry out the deception.

Beyond the state of the screen and the proper functioning of the charging port, this is important turn on the equipment to verify that everything is working properly.

There is no test that is considered conclusive, so it is important Pay attention to the details.

If something is unconvincing or you become suspicious, it’s best to do it step aside. The main signs are:

check the box

We will have to beware of phones that do not come perfectly packed in their original packaging. How if the seller does not include the packagingit was probably stolen.

Also, the boxes must contain all accessories which must accompany the terminal, including battery charger – if sold with it – case and headphones.

Check the IMEI code

IMEI is a 15-digit code pre-registered by the manufacturer to identify each mobile phone globally. It consists of a brand and model identification code granted to manufacturers by the GSMA (Global System Mobile Association).

Its raison d’etre appears when the owner loses his phone or someone steals it. This numerical combination allows you to locate it and lock the terminal remotely. To find out the IMEI number, enter * # 06 # on your phone.

The reported and irregular teams are blocked to address the problem of theft and related crimes. Also, to disable your traffic on national and international networks.

The block is applied to the last mobile device associated with the reported cell line, once reported to * 910 or through the provider’s company.

Therefore, when the IMEI is invalid, i.e. it has not been internationally approved by the GSMA or is detected as a duplicate, the line is immediately out of service.

Analyze the components

The internal components of the mobile can be a good indication of its origin. To verify this information, you can install the application CPU-Zwhich is able to analyze the official components (GPU, screen density, RAM memory and other parameters) and compare them with those of a factory terminal with official brand specifications.

Ask about the warranty

If the equipment is new, suspect if the warranty is about to expire or has already expired. Surely they are trying to sell a stolen or refurbished cell phone as new. Fortunately, you can check your warranty status in various ways depending on the make and model of your phone.

The ideal in most cases is to enter Contact Customer Service and provide your phone serial number to your technical support. However, if you have an iPhone it’s even easier and you can go through the whole process from this page.

Speaking of iPhones, a good way to know if the phone you just got is new or refurbished is by looking at the model number. To know this essential information, go to Settings and check the “General” and “Information” sections. There you will see the combination of letters and numbers that identify the device and you should look at the letter that is at the head of that combination.

If that letter is M, it’s a new terminal. However, the F indicates that it is refurbished, the N, that you are in front of a replaced phone, before a terminal that has been changed by Apple’s technical service because the first one did not work. If you find a P it means that the phone has been modified.

With information from La Vanguardia.

SL