Imei #

[StevnJ9971]

Hey all,

I just sold an iPhone 4 on eBay. The buyer sent me a message requesting the IMEI# of the phone before I ship it because "I am planning to get it factory unlocked as well by the time USPS delivers the phone." I know you need the IMEI# to unlock, but is there anything else he could do with that number that I should avoid? Or is it okay for me to give him the number?

I'm just trying to protect myself from any potential scams, so any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jeep92]

Hey all,

I just sold an iPhone 4 on eBay. The buyer sent me a message requesting the IMEI# of the phone before I ship it because "I am planning to get it factory unlocked as well by the time USPS delivers the phone." I know you need the IMEI# to unlock, but is there anything else he could do with that number that I should avoid? Or is it okay for me to give him the number?

I'm just trying to protect myself from any potential scams, so any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Once he pays I'd say its safe to give him the IMEI. He probably just wants the phone unlocked for when he gets it in the mail.

 

[Chopstick217]

Hey all,

I just sold an iPhone 4 on eBay. The buyer sent me a message requesting the IMEI# of the phone before I ship it because "I am planning to get it factory unlocked as well by the time USPS delivers the phone." I know you need the IMEI# to unlock, but is there anything else he could do with that number that I should avoid? Or is it okay for me to give him the number?

I'm just trying to protect myself from any potential scams, so any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I honestly do not think there is anything he can really do with the IMEI number except for unlocking it through AT&T or and eBay seller.

 

[harrelmusic]

Hey all,

I just sold an iPhone 4 on eBay. The buyer sent me a message requesting the IMEI# of the phone before I ship it because "I am planning to get it factory unlocked as well by the time USPS delivers the phone." I know you need the IMEI# to unlock, but is there anything else he could do with that number that I should avoid? Or is it okay for me to give him the number?

I'm just trying to protect myself from any potential scams, so any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I've had the exact same scenario -- I'm not 100% comfortable giving the imei# because I'm not 100% sure what it means when I do give it to him.

How does it work? Should I just wait until he pays? He's asked for the number before paying... If I can get it easily, he can too, right?

 

[madsci954]

I would just give him the number. Think about from the buyer's perspective, the IMEI not only tells if the phone is or can be unlock but also if it's a stolen phone. I would want to make sure the phone isn't listed as stolen first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're selling a legitimate phone but buyers can be scammed just the same as sellers.

 

[mattopotamus]

I would just give him the number. Think about from the buyer's perspective, the IMEI not only tells if the phone is or can be unlock but also if it's a stolen phone. I would want to make sure the phone isn't listed as stolen first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're selling a legitimate phone but buyers can be scammed just the same as sellers.

agreed. I have given it out when selling my phone b.c that is really one of the few ways to tell if it is stolen.

 

[harrelmusic]

agreed. I have given it out when selling my phone b.c that is really one of the few ways to tell if it is stolen.

thanks for the input, guys. He's also asked for the AT&T phone number -- which isn't even something anymore since it's not on contract. The old phone number, of course, is my current phone number. I'm guessing I can safely leave info that out.

 

[mattopotamus]

thanks for the input, guys. He's also asked for the AT&T phone number -- which isn't even something anymore since it's not on contract. The old phone number, of course, is my current phone number. I'm guessing I can safely leave info that out.

well, I usually text people when selling a phone on craigslist so they would have my phone number. That is a weird thing to request though. I feel like with your name, phone number, and IMEI he may be able to report the phone stolen. Of course that has zero benefit to him and you could easily get that fixed.

 

[Outrigger]

if the buyer has already paid and the funds are clear, technically, its already theirs. I would provide that info only after the funds clear.