Category Archives: Mobile Phones

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 >

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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.

Immobilise, Lost Property, Mobile Phones

Festival Security: 5 Ways to Protect Your Valuables

37% of people have had a valuable item lost or stolen at a UK festival, costing an average of £146.35

– ComparetheMarket.com, 2022

1. Before you go, protect your belongings by registering them on Immobilise.com, improving your chances of getting them back if they’re lost or stolen.

2. Leave unnecessary valuables at home where possible. Some people even buy a cheap phone to take to festivals, leaving their more expensive handset safely back at home.

3. Keep your wits about you, especially when you’re in a crowd. Consider using a bumbag or money belt, instead of using a rucksack or keeping valuables in your pockets. If you do use a rucksack, wear it around your front in crowds.

4. Never leave valuable items in your tent when you’re not there. It’s worth checking whether there are secure lockers available to use instead. When you’re sleeping, keep valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

5. Check in advance whether traders will take card payments or whether the festival you’re going to is running a cashless scheme, where you can load your wristband with credit beforehand. This way, you’ll avoid the need to carry cash.

For more handy festival tips, particularly if you’re a first-time festival-goer, visit https://www.festivalsafe.com/information/

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.

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

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

1 in 5 Students fall victim to property crime

It may surprise you that according to the National Union of Students, as many as one in five students fall victim to property crime whilst at college or university. 

Thieves know that student residences are full of expensive gear; laptops, tablets, phones, bikes and cameras provide rich pickings. In fact, the average break-in costs £900 to repair the damage and replace belongings.

A lot of theft is opportunistic – a few simple steps can be enough to make thieves think twice and move on. 

  • When you go out, make sure all windows and doors are locked. It’s an obvious one but double-check!
  • Check windows for vulnerabilities. Make sure they’re robust, secure and fitted with locks. If they’re not, speak to your landlord or letting agent. 
  • Don’t advertise your valuables to thieves. Ensure your valuables are not visible through windows. 
  • Register your possessions at Immobilise.com. It’s FREE and provides the simplest way to return your property if found after loss or theft. 
  • Keep your gate shut and bolted at all times. Ensure bins don’t make it easy for burglars to climb over walls or fences. 
  • Simulate occupancy with light timers or products like a FakeTV. 
  • Get insurance. It is tempting to save money, but it’s a false economy. Make sure it covers all your stuff. 
  • Bikes should be kept in the school’s designated areas and secured with a D-lock to an immovable object such as a ground-mounted loop. Don’t forget to register the bike at Immobilise.com

Registering your property at Immobilise.com is FREE. You can register property irrespective of any 3rd party labelling used; it’s all accepted!

For 20% off all Immobilise marking products, including TV Simulators and Bike Security Tags at shop.immobilise.com, use code BACKTOSCHOOL22 at the checkout. Discount valid until 31st October 2022.

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
Immobilise, Mobile Phones

Festival Season: Police Advice to Glastonbury Fans

As festival-goers cheer the much-anticipated return of Glastonbury this week, Avon and Somerset Police have issued the following advice on personal property:

If you are bringing a phone, tablet or other electronic device to the festival, you are advised to protect it.

Anti-theft apps give us the best chance to find stolen electronics and most are free to download and quick to install.

We advise people to record the make and model of their valuables, if it’s a phone then note down the IMEI number and the account username and password of any tracking app.

You can also register your property (phone, tablet, camera, etc) on the Immobilise database. It takes only a few minutes and it’s free.

Festival-goers are reminded to be discreet with their valuables. Keep it out of sight such as in a front pocket if possible or in one of our free phone pouches, or leave it at the free property lock-ups. Keep it safe, keep it hidden.

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2022/06/information-and-advice-ahead-of-glastonbury-festival/

Glastonbury Festival, one of Europe’s largest music and arts festivals, takes place between June 22 and June 26, 2022. With more than 200,000 people on site each day at Worthy Farm in rural Somerset, the policing operation to help people stay safe at the festival is the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s calendar.

Festival-goers can stay up to date with news, photos and crime prevention advice on social media by following @policeatglasto on Twitter or Instagram.

Bicycles, Crime, Immobilise, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Police, Students, Uncategorized

Police Want To Reunite Recovered Property With Owners

Over 40,000 police officers search for recovered property items via control centres, handheld devices, and computer systems thousands of times each day but still struggle to return items to their rightful owners because there is no means to identify the owner. Help the police to help you get your property back by recording serials and marks on immobilise.com
Read the full article here: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19916637.police-struggle-items-recovering-stolen-bikes-garden-tools/


Police want to reunite recovered property with owners

#ImmobiliseCrime #PropertyMarking #UKPolice

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

Immobilise, Immobilize, ImmobiTag, Mobile Phones, NMPR, Police, Students, Uncategorized

Prepare To Stay Safe Across The Festive Season

As Christmas day fast approaches, we’d like to share a few crime prevention tips that are known to be effective at this time of year. Much is well-trodden advice, but following a few simple rules will always be the best way to ensure a crime-free Christmas for your home and family!

Prepare to stay safe across the festive season

  • Be secure with festive lighting check for vulnerabilities such as feeding cables through open windows.
  • Create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away, especially at night. Use inexpensive light timers or a TV simulator to deter would-be thieves.
  • Dispose of gift packaging carefully – Don’t advertise expensive gifts or purchases.
  • Away over Christmas? Ask a neighbour to park on the driveway, and be sure to cancel or redirect any deliveries.
  • Be cyber aware and careful not to advertise your new gifts or trips away on social media!
  • Store spare keys securely and always use alarms if you have them.

To read the complete list of tips, visit: https://www.immobilise.com/articles/crime-prevention-at-christmas

#PropertyMarking #CrimePrevention #ImmobiliseCrime #BeatTheBurglar