Category Archives: CheckMEND

CheckMEND, eBay, Mobile Phones

Staying Safe When Selling a Second-Hand Device Online

There’s a lot to love about selling on devices you no longer need. It’s better for the environment, it can boost your bank balance and you’re giving someone else the chance to get some enjoyment out of it, extending the lifetime of the device.

Selling your device privately – rather than trading it in or sending it to a recycler – could be a better option for you financially. There are plenty of second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online for you to sell through. It might take a little bit more time though and it’s important to be savvy about who you’re selling to.

Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when selling your device through an online marketplace.

1. Is the price right?

Your price needs to be competitive, without being so low that a buyer might question the legitimacy of the item. Take a look at other listings of the same model, in a similar condition, to see what a reasonable price might be. At this point, it’s also worth seeing how much a recycling site would offer you for the device, so you know whether it’s worth the extra time you’re putting in to sell the item instead.

2. Be a responsible seller

Remember that if you misrepresent the item, your buyer will be entitled to a full refund, so make sure you’re fair in your description of the item.

  • Does the phone switch on and work as it should?
  • Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
  • Is the device still under warranty?
  • What physical condition is the item in – are there any scratches or cracks the buyer should be aware of?
  • What accessories are you including? Will you be selling it with the original charger, headphones etc?
  • Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
  • How is the item’s battery health? (Not sure how to check? There are guides for both Apple and Android).

3. Who is your buyer?

Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your buyer’s ratings or reviews.

When it comes to payment, it would be best if your buyer paid via the marketplace’s official app, or PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends).

Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or WhatsApp.

4. Offer a CheckMEND certificate

Trust is a two-way street. In the same way that you’ll be keen to sell to someone who seems trustworthy, any potential buyers will be vetting you too!

One way to build trust with potential buyers and reassure them that the item is being legitimately sold, is to display a CheckMEND certificate.

All you need in order to run a check is the IMEI number (for phones) or serial number (for all other devices).

By performing a real-time check against billions of records, the CheckMEND certificate gives a comprehensive picture of the device’s history, proving that the item is not fake or cloned, has not been reported as lost or stolen and is not subject to a settled insurance claim or being monitored by a corporation.

How to find an identifier >

Run a FREE check >

Find out more >

5. Take screenshots

Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of your listing, the buyer’s details, any message history and your transactions.

6. What to do when a sale goes wrong

If there is an issue with the sale, you should first try to resolve the problem with the buyer. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, they are within their consumer rights to ask for a refund.

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.

CheckMEND

Are you getting the full picture?

CheckMEND is the most comprehensive device history check available; the ‘gold standard’ in due diligence.

So how does it differ from other device history reports and the basic IMEI checks you can find online?

Firstly, it’s important to note that IMEI checks are just for mobile phones. CheckMEND can search not just on IMEIs, but on serial numbers too, so it will check up on the history of tablets, laptops and a whole host of other items, as well as phones.

Most device checks – including CheckMEND – will give you the following information, when you provide them with the IMEI or serial number:

  1. Verification of the manufacturer and model of the item.
  2. Whether the device is blocked (or has ever been blocked); this usually happens after it has been reported to the mobile phone network as being lost or stolen.

Whilst this basic level of information is useful, there is so much more you need to know before buying a device second-hand, whether you’re a retailer, recycler or an individual.

View a Sample CheckMEND Report >

CheckMEND, through its links with the rest of the Recipero crime reduction ecosystem, is in a unique position to paint you a much more detailed picture of a device’s history:

Whether the item has been reported lost or stolen to us

A loss could have been reported to us directly through Immobilise (the national property register) or Report My Loss. Stolen items show up in official police records via the NMPR.

Outcome: Handling of lost or stolen goods. Even if the device isn’t currently blocked, it doesn’t mean it won’t be in the near future.

Whether the item is the subject of a settled insurance claim

A red result would indicate that the item has been shared with us as the subject of a settled insurance claim, via ClaimsCheck.

Outcome: Legal title of the item belongs to the insurer, so you cannot legally own the device.

Whether the device is a suspected clone

Phone cloning is the illegal practice of copying the identification credentials a phone uses in order to connect to a network.

An amber result indicates that the serial checked appears in multiple devices. This is usually restricted to phones. Genuine phones will never share an IMEI. It is amber rather than red because there is no way to determine which of many devices with the same IMEI is the genuine one.

Outcome: Clones are fraudulent handsets with stolen credentials, often sold by criminals to generate revenue. Text messages and calls can also be intercepted.

Whether the device is a reported counterfeit

An amber result indicates that the serial being checked is reported to us as being used in counterfeit devices. It is amber rather than red because there is no way to determine which of many devices with the same IMEI is the genuine one. 

Outcome: Typically, counterfeit goods are of inferior quality to the genuine article. They may not be fit for purpose and fake electrical goods can even be a safety risk. Buying counterfeit goods can be damaging to the economy and the sale proceeds are often used to fund more sinister organised crime.

Whether there are one or more previous owners registered

An amber result indicates that the item has been registered under at least one other previous owner, via Immobilise (the national property register).

Outcome: This would only be a concern if the item is being sold as new.

Whether the device belongs to – and is being monitored by – a corporation

A red result indicates that the device being checked is being monitored by Recipero’s AssetWatch service.

Outcome: The device is owned by a corporation, so while an individual may possess it, they may not have the right to legally sell it.

With any of these additional datasets that are checked against, if a red flag is returned then the item poses a risk to any potential buyer.

In most cases, the item cannot legally be sold on. And if you can’t legally own the item, this could pose real issues for you in the future, either during your use of the device or later down the line, if you try to sell it.

If you are selling an item and a CheckMEND search flags an issue with it that you believe to be incorrect, we are here to help. We are happy to look into records that are disputed and where possible resolve the issue, or advise on the source of a record and what action needs to be taken in order to resolve it. Please contact support@checkmend.com with the details of your search and we will investigate the issue. 

Please note: Specific traders in niche markets or geographies may be configured to include more or fewer data sources. Data sources may also vary with the class of items being checked. For enquiries please contact support.

CheckMEND, Mobile Phones

Staying safe when buying a second-hand device online

Buying privately can save you more money than buying refurbished, but here are the things you need to check before buying a phone or device from an online marketplace or auction site.

Is it worth it?

Buying a device or mobile phone second-hand often works out much cheaper than buying brand new and it’s becoming a far more popular option for consumers looking to keep costs down. It’s also a much more environmentally-friendly purchase than buying new. Buying second-hand helps to keep e-waste down and considerably lengthens the lifetime of the device. It all helps to build a more sustainable, circular economy.

You can buy refurbished devices from retailers, or you can buy from an individual through one of the many second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online.

Buying a refurbished device direct from a retailer can be the more straightforward option. The device will usually go through thorough checks before being offered for sale and come with a 12-month warranty period to cover any technical issues.

However, buying privately can often save you a lot more money than buying refurbished, particularly if you’re buying on an auction site and the bidding starts low.

The best time to buy is usually following the release of a newer model, as the second-hand marketplace suddenly floods with older versions, some of which would only have been released in the previous year!

Know before you buy

Consumer rights are different when you buy from a private seller – they don’t have to disclose any faults, but they aren’t allowed to misrepresent the item either. If they did, you would be entitled to a full refund.

Given this, it’s really important to do your research and check that the device is exactly what you’re looking for, to avoid disappointment when it arrives. You need to know exactly what you’re getting! Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions if there’s anything not covered in the item description.

Here are some things to bear in mind before you press the ‘Buy’ button.

  1. Check the phone’s condition:
    • Does the phone switch on and work as it should? (This is an obvious one, but it’s worth checking, just in case!)
    • Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
    • Is the device still under warranty?
    • What physical condition is the item in – are there scratches on the device or any cracks in the screen? Ask for photos of any damage.
    • What accessories are included? Does the device come with the original charger, headphones etc?
    • Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
  1. Check the battery health

Like all rechargeable batteries, phone batteries become less effective as the device gets older. The good news is your seller can check the device to tell you how effective the battery is, so you don’t get a nasty surprise when it arrives.

Replacement phone batteries vary in price with some being fairly inexpensive, so you may still decide to go ahead with the purchase if the battery capacity isn’t optimal, but you will at least be forewarned.

  1. Will the device receive updates?

Over time, smartphones can get ‘left behind’ by the manufacturer, when they no longer support the model with updates. Once a phone stops receiving crucial security updates, it can leave it open to hackers, so this is something to consider when buying an older handset, whether that’s through a private sale or through a second-hand retailer.

Which? has an online tool that lets you check whether a smartphone model is still receiving updates and even estimates when it may stop being supported.

  1. Research prices for similar second-hand devices online

If the price listed is much cheaper than others in a similar condition, it may well be too good to be true, so approach with caution.

  1. Who is the seller?

Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your seller’s ratings or reviews before buying from them.

When it comes to payment, avoid bank transfers as they offer you limited protection. Instead, you should:

  • Send the money via the marketplace’s official app, or
  • Use PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends), or
  • As a last resort, use your debit or credit card.

Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or whatsapp.

  1. Take screenshots

Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of the listing, seller’s details, any message history and your transactions.

  1. Is the item legitimate?

Before parting with your hard-earned cash, you need to check that the item is genuine – that it is actually the model you’re looking for and not a fake, or cloned, device.

You will also want to know as much about the device history as possible – you don’t want to buy a phone that has been reported as stolen, or has had an insurance claim made on it, for example. If your seller doesn’t actually own the item, they can’t legitimately sell it and you can therefore never legally own the device, either.

So you’re looking for proof that the item is what the seller says it is and that they can legally sell it. This is where CheckMEND comes in, the world’s most comprehensive device check.

You can ask your seller for a CheckMEND certificate; they should be able to give you an ID for you to verify for yourself online. Or you can ask the seller for the IMEI* or serial number of the device; that’s all you need to check the item’s device history yourself.

A free check is available for all new users (£1.99 thereafter).

*The IMEI number is the phone’s unique identifier. It can be found by typing *#06# into the phone.

When your item arrives…

After all of your research and effort, hopefully you’ve bagged yourself a bargain and you’ll be very happy with your new device. It’s worth giving it a thorough check when it first arrives to make sure it’s everything you were hoping for and that it hasn’t been mis-sold to you.

  • Is the item as described?
  • Are all the accessories that were promised included?
  • Is everything in good working order?
  • Is the device charging properly? Charging ports can build up with dirt or lint which affects the connection, but they can usually be easily cleaned.

What to do when a sale goes wrong

If the item is different to what you were expecting in any way, you should first try to resolve the issue with the seller. Contact them as soon as you can after receiving the device and give them a deadline to respond to you. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, you are within your rights to ask for a refund.

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a consumer problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.

You can also contact Citizens Advice if you need to report a trader who is selling fake or counterfeit goods to Trading Standards.

CheckMEND

CheckMEND: 2022 in Review

As we waved goodbye to 2022, we also took a look back at some of the headline figures from the year.

It’s incredible to think that over 4.7 million users may have bought a compromised device if they hadn’t thought to run a check on it first! 

You can find out more about our data sets and how we help to fight fraud and prevent crime by reading about Recipero’s Crime Reduction Ecosystem.

CheckMEND 2022 infographic - year in review
CheckMEND

How to Sell Your Old Devices

There are many benefits to selling phones, devices and electronics you no longer need.

Why?

Aside from the obvious perk of a boost to your bank balance, there’s more to it than just money. Fuelled by demand and short product lifecycles, e-waste (anything with a plug or battery) is one of the world’s most complex and fastest-growing waste streams.

These items could be given a second lease of life by finding them a new owner. Or the valuable materials within them can be reused and recycled, promoting a circular economy. Either way, you’ll be helping to reduce e-waste and its impact on the environment.

Where?

There are many routes to market now available for selling your pre-loved gadgets.

  • Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay etc
  • Specialist websites that buy and sell used electronics – there are too many for us to list here, but a quick Google search will give you the main players. MoneySavingExpert.com also has an excellent guide if you’re thinking of selling your mobile phone this way
  • Or alternatively, you could sell privately to friends or family

If an item isn’t in good, working condition, some websites will offer you a lower amount for it. Otherwise, the manufacturer or retailer may have a recycling programme in place, or you might even be able to put it in your household recycling (check first, though).

There’s an excellent tool on the Recycle Now website that will help you to find the right place to correctly dispose of an item.

Getting Started

As mentioned above, if you’re selling a device second-hand, it’s important that your item is in good, working condition and any damage or issues are outlined to the buyer from the outset.

As the owner, it’s your responsibility to delete any data from the device before you sell or recycle it. If you’re unsure how to, Recycle Your Electricals have put together a handy guide.

It’s worth shopping around, to ensure you get the best price you can for your item. If you’re listing it on an online auction site, or even selling to someone you know, make sure you do your research to ensure your pricing is fair.

How can CheckMEND help?

With CheckMEND, you can run the world’s most comprehensive device check, with real-time checks against billions of records. It allows you to unlock an item’s history, checking that it has not been recorded as stolen, lost, blacklisted/blocked, or had insurance claims made against it.

As a seller, by providing a CheckMEND certificate, you can verify the item isn’t compromised and is eligible for sale. This helps to build trust between you and your buyer and to ultimately achieve your best price.

There is a FREE check available for all new users (£1.99 thereafter).

AssetWatch, CheckMEND, Fraud, Mobile Phones

Beware of ‘Geeks’ Bearing Gifts – A New Type of Fraud

By Les Gray, COO of Recipero

Ok, so not everyone looking to part with valuable used consumer electronics is a ‘Geek’.  The proverb shamelessly mangled for this post’s title does neatly sum up a note of caution though – not everyone trying to sell you an item is acting honestly.

Mobile phones are undergoing a massive increase in fraudulent sales, reflecting a wide-ranging change in the marketplace for how phones reach consumers. Many companies are now providing new or refurbished phones on rental agreements. These are attractive propositions, enabling the consumer to obtain a cheaper handset for a lower monthly cost than the traditional network-subsidised model and the ability to upgrade or cancel almost at will.

The problem for traders with this market shift is the number of phones being fraudulently sold or offered as collateral for pawn or buy-back transactions is increasing rapidly.

The seller of such devices does not have legal title, so the trader cannot acquire legal title. The trader’s perceived security in the device is worthless.

Many traders check whether a phone is blocked on mobile networks. This check identifies a small subset of stolen phones reported to the networks. However, it amounts to shutting their eyes to the presence of loss and theft reports from police, insurers, the public and corporate owners.

Only CheckMEND has access to Recipero’s Crime Reduction Ecosystem, a massive collection of devices (not just phones) that are stolen or will become so if sold. Millions of devices are rightfully in possession of consumers but not owned by them, and they have no right to sell. The shift in market conditions has recently grown this class of phones by 10% month-on-month during 2022 and is accelerating, widening the already significant gap between network-blocked phones and stolen phones.

An analysis of 30,000 phones from one recent month’s trade, found over 1,000 stolen items valued at almost £200,000. Not a single phone was network blocked when offered for sale. Pawn or buy-back transactions may feel more secure as the customer often redeems the phone. However, 40% become blocked up to eight weeks after the transaction; plenty of time for the careless trader to resell the phone, only to have a disgruntled customer return when it stops working. Perhaps worse, that customer tries to sell their phone only to fail because of the stolen record—double trouble and cost for the unfortunate trader.  

CheckMEND is the only due diligence system compliant with the UK Recycler’s Code of Best Practice, and the above should clarify why. The world’s biggest companies that create markets for mobile phones trust us to track their property and detect and prevent its theft. Their trust in us is why CheckMEND’s due diligence service is both unrivalled and growing at an increasing rate.

Are you buying phones without running CheckMEND checks? Are you confident that you are doing enough? Contact us for a free, no-obligation analysis of historical transactions. Every stolen phone we identify that you’ve missed will have the corresponding information provided so you can take action on it to reduce the risk you’ve previously assumed.

Remember, network block checking is not the same as avoiding buying stolen property.

CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, Crime, eBay, Fraud, Mobile Phones, Police

CheckMEND’s New Look

We thought it was about time CheckMEND had a revamp – we really like it and hope you do too!

The Recipero team have been working away on the new look behind the scenes for the last few months. The CheckMEND service remains the same as users are familiar with, while the design of the report has been simplified to make it easier to understand.

New users can claim a free device check report by registering an account, perfect for instances where someone is planning on buying a second-hand piece of tech and the seller doesn’t already have a CheckMEND certificate.

visit the checkmend site

We’re also really interested to hear about existing users’ past experiences with CheckMEND and have a survey open to all users, to help us to improve the service we offer.

Users who complete the 2-minute survey will be given 25% off checks until Friday 29th August 2022.

Take Survey
AssetWatch, Bicycles, CheckMEND, ClaimsCheck, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

14.5 Million Bikes Bought Since Lockdowns Began!

Incredibly, around 14.5 million bikes worth £5 billion have been purchased since lockdowns began. Weekly cycling miles in the UK are estimated at more than one billion! It goes to show how accustomed we’ve become to two wheels for travel, leisure and exercise. What more can we do to protect one of our favourite possessions? Here is a must-read article for bike owners:

https://www.directline.com/cycling-insurance/magazine/how-to-prevent-your-bike-from-being-stolen

City Cyclist

#TooHotToHandle #StolenBikes #ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking #UKPolice

Bicycles, CheckMEND, ClaimsCheck, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, Immobilize, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Students, Uncategorized

45 Bikes Stolen Every Hour!

 A recent study shows a fifth of the UK public considers their bicycles the most important possession they own, with 16% of purchases now costing over £500! While according to a leading insurer, 45 bikes are stolen every hour in the UK. If you haven’t managed to register yours on Immobilise.com yet, it would be wise and be sure to add the frame number, including any other marks you can find; it’s entirely free and only takes a few minutes.

45 bikes stolen every hour in the UK

#TooHotToHandle #StolenBikes #ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking

Bicycles, CheckMEND, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, Immobilize, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

Register New Gifts To Protect Them

Don’t forget to register any new gifts straight on to Immobilise.com.
Unfortunately, theft and burglaries tend to increase around the festive period. Logging your treasured items on immobilise.com creates a unique record of your ownership, meaning responsible traders will avoid them. At the same time, should police encounter your property, they will be able to identify it, giving you the best possible chance of getting your valuables back should the worst happen.

Register new gifts to protect them

#BeatTheBurglar #Christmas21 #PropertyMarking #ImmobiliseCrime #CrimePrevention #UKPolice