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.
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:
Verification of the manufacturer and model of the item.
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.
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.
It’s true, there is safety in numbers. When neighbours pull together, the whole community becomes stronger. Every step you can take to protect your home, will also be a step in helping to protect your community. Don’t let your road become Easy Street!
Numbers matter. The number of people volunteering within a community, the number of police officers tackling crime, the number of people willing to do the right thing.
Another type of number matters too; serial numbers. They are the easiest possible way to identify an item. When police recover lost or potentially stolen items, they can enter the serial number – or any other unique identifier, for that matter – into a national database called the NMPR, to try to track down the rightful owner.
Did you know it’s completely free to add your valuables to this database? It’s quick and easy; you create an account on the Immobilise.com website and add the details of your items. Immobilise is the world’s biggest FREE ownership register, with over 35 million items already registered. If your valuable doesn’t already have a serial number or other unique identifier, you can add one by using a marking product such as a UV pen or asset label.
Registering your items doesn’t just safeguard your property and improve your chances of being reunited with them if they go missing. There are several other fantastic benefits; not just for you, but for your wider community as well:
Immobilise gives police the evidence they need to prosecute thieves; for example, when they find them in possession of valuables that aren’t registered to them.
It also stops criminals from benefiting financially from theft, by alerting stolen goods database CheckMEND if a registered item goes missing.
If you go one step further and advertise your registration efforts through window stickers or labels on items, it will help to make your home (and by extension, your neighbourhood) look like a dangerous target for criminals. Thieves and burglars are looking for an easy life – and unmarked, untraceable goods to steal and sell.
By registering your valuable items and being part of a community committed to crime prevention, you can increase the chances of recovering stolen goods and deterring criminals. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action – start protecting your property today, by registering it on immobilise.com
Founded in 2003, it’s been 20 years since the launch of Immobilise – and it’s now the world’s largest free register of possession ownership details! Over 25 million users worldwide have registered over 35 million items of property in that time.
By logging your possessions, you can increase your chances of them being returned to you if they are recovered. With close links to police and other law enforcement agencies, officers will routinely check the database to try to match recovered lost or stolen items with their rightful owners. Any updates you make – such as flagging an item as lost or stolen – are immediately available to police nationally and keeping a detailed log of your valuables can help to simplify insurance claims and police reports.
The Immobilise register is also linked with CheckMEND, the second-hand stolen property database, which can help detect stolen items and prevent them from being traded.
Marking the 20th anniversary, Les Gray, one of the founders of Immobilise, took a moment to reflect on the platform’s success.
“When we first launched Immobilise, we knew its potential. To watch it flourish over the years and become the critical tool against crime that we knew it could be, has been really quite special,” Les commented.
“We’ve achieved a lot in the past 20 years, but there’s still so much more we can do. We’re excited about the future of Immobilise and the role it can play in making our communities safer.”
Any item with a unique identifier can be registered on Immobilise – from mobile phones and laptops to bikes, jewellery and musical instruments. If your item doesn’t have a serial number, or anything else that might help to identify it, using a marking product like a UV pen or asset label could prove useful. Adding a touch of uniqueness will help to match the item back to you as the owner. A number of marking products are sold through the Immobilise online shop, but the system will accept any identifiers, from any third party.
Visibly marking items as being registered – through labels or window stickers for your home, for example – can even help to deter thieves.
We are thrilled to announce that Recipero is expanding its services to Australia with the launch of Immobilise.au – the free online property register.
All Australians can now join our extensive worldwide community, securely registering valuables such as phones, electronics, bikes, jewellery, and more.
Immobilise.au is FREE to use and is just one part of the Recipero crime reduction ecosystem. It offers a user-friendly, intuitive platform that allows you to build up a secure inventory of all of your treasured possessions. You can then notify Immobilise if your valuables are lost or stolen and download keepership certificates to help prove ownership when making insurance claims or police reports.
If your valuables are recovered after being lost or stolen, there is a far greater chance of them being returned to you.
Visit www.immobilise.au now and join the millions of people around the world who have already registered their valued items for free.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Internet safety can feel like quite an overwhelming topic at times, with an ever-changing landscape of technology and a growing number of scams and threats to avoid.
There are a number of simple and straightforward steps you can take to keep yourself safe online. Below, we’ve listed 5 things you can do right now, to start you off on the right path. Best of all, they’re all completely free.
The ‘have I been pwned?’ website is a simple and free resource that will tell you if you have been put at risk due to online accounts being compromised (“pwned”) in a data breach.
Enter your email address and it will tell you which data breaches your account was involved in and offer suggestions on what to do next. You can also subscribe to updates so you can be notified of any further breaches and quickly change your password on the affected account.
2. Set up 2-factor authentication
Even if you have strong passwords, you should turn on 2-step verification where possible – particularly important for accounts such as email, banking and online shopping, all of which store sensitive personal information.
By setting up 2-step (also known as 2-factor) authentication, you will need to enter a code, or use fingerprint or face scan technology, to prove that it’s really you. It only takes a few minutes to set up and will make you much safer online.
3. Track your devices
Setting up ‘Find My’ tracking for your Apple or Android device will allow you to locate it if it’s ever misplaced. In the worst-case scenario where the item lands into the wrong hands, you can also erase your Apple device remotely, limiting the amount of damage done.
4. Tighten your online social circles
How well do you really know Linda? The woman you met on holiday in 2015 and haven’t spoken to since? Now might be a good time to go through your social contacts and make everything a little more ‘slimline’.
Keep your accounts private where possible, think carefully about what you post and don’t share your holiday photos from the sun lounger. Wait until you’re back, so as not to advertise your empty home.
5. Register your portable tech
Immobilise is the world’s largest FREE register of possession ownership details. It can be used by members of the public and businesses to register valued possessions or company assets. Ownership details are then viewable on the police national property database, available to 40,000+ police officers up and down the country, when they are looking to reunite recovered items with their rightful owners.
Updates are immediately available to the police nationally and you can easily manage your account online, adding or removing items or flagging them as lost or stolen. It can help to simplify claims and police reports with certificates of ownership and could even stop the sale of stolen valuables by alerting sister database CheckMEND if an item goes missing.
All you need to register your tech is the make, model and any unique identifier, such as a serial number.
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.
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).
Whilst most see the festive period as a time for goodwill to all men, unfortunately – as anyone who has watched ‘Home Alone’ will know – thieves don’t take annual leave. In fact, long winter nights, festive distractions and busier social calendars can offer burglars more opportunities than any other time of year.
Luckily, there are lots of precautions you can take, without going to the same lengths as Kevin McCallister.
1. Light up your entrances
Twinkling fairy lights don’t need to be just for decoration! Any form of outdoor lighting – from a motion sensor security light to dressed-up evergreens – can help protect your home by lighting up the exterior and removing the cover of darkness that thieves love. It makes approaching your home too conspicuous for a burglar.
However, many enthusiastic festive house dressers’ common mistake is feeding extension cables through partially open windows; criminals know to look for this vulnerability. When it comes to outdoor lighting, if you don’t have an external plug outlet, opt for solar or battery-operated lights instead.
Light up your entrances.
2.Be strategic with your recycling
Bin collections over the Christmas and New Year period are normally at different times. If you can’t take packaging to a recycling centre, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before the collection and do your best to fold boxes inside-out so that they don’t advertise any new contents of your home to thieves.
Be strategic with your recycling.
3.Don’t advertise your plans
For thieves, social media can be used to scout potential targets. If you usually publish your whereabouts during the holiday season – including any plans to be away from home – do think twice before posting this year, as you could be giving a potential burglar knowledge of when your house is going to be empty. Uploaded photos of pricey Christmas gifts can also be a problem. It’s always worth double-checking your privacy settings on social channels and, where possible, keeping your profile private.
Don’t advertise your plans.
4.Check doors and windows for weak spots
The Office for National Statistics reported in 2020 that windows were used to gain access in 30% of burglaries, so installing a few deadbolts and new window hinges could increase the security of your home. 1 in 7 burglars also walked straight through an unlocked door; where possible, it’s worth keeping your doors locked even when you’re at home.
Check doors and windows for weak spots.
5.Keep your curtains and blinds closed at night
If you’re going out for the evening, you could use a plug timer on your lights to give the illusion of someone being at home or go one step further and invest in a Fake TV device.
You should also always ensure valuable items are out of sight.
Keep your curtains and blinds closed at night.
6.Deterring would-be criminals is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention
Using window stickers to highlight the fact that your possessions are security marked and registered on Immobilise is a savvy move. It warns thieves that your goods are traceable and not worth the risk of stealing. If you have a security camera, a dog or are a member of a Neighbourhood Watch area, these are also good things to advertise to any unwelcome visitors!
Deterring would-be criminals is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention.
7.Away over Christmas? Plan ahead!
Be sure to cancel any deliveries. Arrange for a trusted neighbour to park on the driveway to help create the impression someone is at home. As mentioned above, make use of light timers and devices like Fake TVs.
Away over Christmas? Plan ahead!
8.Secure garages and sheds
Make sure that garden tools or ladders are not left lying around or accessible from an unlocked garden shed; they could be used to force entry into your home. Garages are often targets for burglars looking for tools, bikes and gardening equipment – if you have a garage, make sure it is locked and items such as bikes or tools are secured. Make sure that anything portable or valuable is recorded on Immobilise.
Secure garages and sheds.
9.Don’t hide keys, and use alarms if you have them
Burglars know all of the best hiding places for spare keys, so don’t put them under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead, give the spare key to family or a trusted neighbour. Many houses now have alarms; make sure yours is on and protecting your home when you are away or out for the evening, where possible.
Don’t hide keys,and use alarms if you have them.
10.And lastly, don’t forget to protect your gifts on Immobilise.com!
Most electricals have a unique code, such as a serial number which can be used to register the item. Mobile phones have an IMEI number, which can be easily found by dialling *#06#.
If your gift doesn’t have a unique identifier, there are several affordable marking kits available from the Immobilise store allowing the police to easily identify the owners of items they recover.
Don’t forget to protect your gifts on Immobilise.com.
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