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steelhauler34

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 23, 2019
345
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I am selling an iPhone 6s for really cheap on Craigslist. Couldn’t list it on swappa as the battery is at 77%. An interested party wants the imei number. I always remember hearing that is a really bad idea. Is that true? Should I not do that? Is only a scammer going to ask for it?
 
They just want to see if it's been black listed. I have given it to people who were interested in phones I was selling without any issues. I wouldn't give the serial number though.
 
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Same thoughts here, imei is usually used to look up if the device is blacklisted somewhere.
 
Ok I decided on a compromise. I emailed them back and said I am totally willing to let you look up the status in person before you pay as I would feel better doing that then just giving it out over email. I figure if he shows up in person he is definitely a serious buyer. Does that sound reasonable to you guys?
 
Ok I decided on a compromise. I emailed them back and said I am totally willing to let you look up the status in person before you pay as I would feel better doing that then just giving it out over email. I figure if he shows up in person he is definitely a serious buyer. Does that sound reasonable to you guys?
What are you worried about by providing the IMEI?
 
I am selling an iPhone 6s for really cheap on Craigslist. Couldn’t list it on swappa as the battery is at 77%. An interested party wants the imei number. I always remember hearing that is a really bad idea. Is that true? Should I not do that? Is only a scammer going to ask for it?

You could also just run it through the IMEI check at Swappa at: https://swappa.com/imei

There is a limit to the number of free checks you can do without listing a phone for sale but if it’s just a one-off sale then it should not be an issue.

If I remember correctly you will get a link that you can forward showing that it is clean.
 
What are you worried about by providing the IMEI?

I googled it and it says people can get your location and get into and listen to your calls with that info. I know swappa immediately deletes photos showing imei numbers and I figure it’s for a reason.

If it isn’t reasonable for them I will just move on. Can throw it in a drawer and keep for a spare. 60 or 70 bucks is hardly worth the trouble of doing this in the first place lol.
 
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