should i give out my imei code to a buyer?

stinky_5000

Hi, im selling on an unwanted upgrade and a buyer has asked can he have the phones number...to check that it is not a barred phone.
This makes me feel a bit nervous.. is it ok to give this out or could it be used for dodgy purposes??
Thanks

emlou2009

i'm pretty sure the only thing he could do with it is to bar it himself, i'm sure its ok to give out.

Tigert

It's probably safe, but, personally I wouldn't it could be used to overwrite the IMEI of a blocked phone to re-enable it.

It could also be used to block your phone.

Ivrytwr3

No, do not give it out for the above mentioned reasons. Email him back assuring him the phone is not barred, but unfortunately you cannot give the imei number to them. If they are not happy with this, then they can a) have their bid cancelled. b) bid elsewhere.

noah271007

stinky_5000 wrote: »

Hi, im selling on an unwanted upgrade and a buyer has asked can he have the phones number...to check that it is not a barred phone.
This makes me feel a bit nervous.. is it ok to give this out or could it be used for dodgy purposes??
Thanks

I don't see any reason why you cannot give the buyer phone's IMEI number. This number is unique in every handset, so he is probably just checking the IMEI number to make sure it is not dodgy ie reported stolen or blocked. Besides,you are selling an unwanted phone, so it is not a use to you when you sell it on elsewhere?

noah271007

To follow on my post above, does anyone have access to the IMEI database in the public domain? If there isn't one then i'll be suspicious. I recommend you ask the buyer where to obtain such information from.

Bettingmad

Here's a database where you can check out mobile equipment http://www.checkmend.com/uk/ I think the request is a reasonable one where a person does not want to buy equipment that has been stolen.

Cerenia

I thought to sell a phone on ebay, you HAD to give the IMEI number, as Ebay now check them to make sure they're not blacklisted before they're listed?

Buzby

It's all academic anyway - even if the IMEI is clear and it is not listed, anyone with the minimum of knowledge can get anyone one of the networks to put it on the IMEI Blackist - great for getting your own back on someone or a 'practical joke'.

I'msure the requestor is acting responsibly and that it is no more worrying than an HPI check on a car.

Ivrytwr3

Revealing your IMEI code gives access to your phone account and allows for your phone to be cloned. Never a good thing.

benbranson

Ivrytwr3 wrote: »

Revealing your IMEI code gives access to your phone account and allows for your phone to be cloned. Never a good thing.

Um, maybe if this was 1988 and we still used analogue phones.

With a GSM phone, it can't be cloned...