Buying a Used Smartphone? 8 Essential Checks to Avoid Scams

Buying a used smartphone can save you a lot of money, but it also comes with risks. Counterfeit models, stolen phones, faulty batteries… scammers have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

In this article, I’ll show you 8 essential steps to check a used iPhone or Samsung smartphone before you buy. Don’t get scammed!

📌 1️⃣ Check the IMEI to Avoid a Stolen or Fake Phone

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every phone. It helps identify the device and check if it's blacklisted.

🔎 How to Check the IMEI?

1️⃣ Dial *#06# on the phone’s keypad.
2️⃣ Go to IMEI.info or CheckMEND to verify if the phone is blacklisted or reported stolen.

💡 Common Scam: The "Ghost Phone" 📵
Some sellers give you a fake IMEI before meeting. Everything looks fine, but once you’re there, they hand you a different device, often stolen. Always check the IMEI in person!

📌 2️⃣ Check the Model Number and Device Origin

The model number reveals if the phone is genuine and whether it’s meant for your region.

📲 On iPhone:

• Settings > General > About > Model Number

• A new iPhone starts with M, a refurbished one with F, and a replacement model with N.

📲 On Samsung:

• Settings > About Phone > Model Number

• Dial *#1234# to check the CSC (region of origin).

💡 Common Scam: The Fake Flagship 👀
Some sellers take older phones and modify them to look like new models. Always compare the specs and check the CSC!

📌 3️⃣ Test the Battery and Health Status

A failing battery can make a phone nearly useless.

📲 On iPhone:

• Settings > Battery > Battery Health

• Below 80%? The battery needs replacement soon.

📲 On Samsung:

• Dial *#0228# or use the AccuBattery app.

💡 Common Scam: The "Magic Battery" 🔌
Some sellers keep the phone plugged in during testing to hide battery issues. Always test it on battery power!

📌 4️⃣ Check If the Screen Is Original

📲 On iPhone:

• Settings > General > About > Parts & Service History

• If you see "Unknown Part," the screen has been replaced with a non-official one.

📲 On Samsung:

• Dial #0# to run a display test.

💡 Common Scam: Cheap Refurbished Screens 🎨
A replaced screen may be less bright, less responsive, and sometimes disable Face ID or fingerprint sensors.

📌 5️⃣ Test the Network and Connectivity

• Turn WiFi, Bluetooth, and 4G/5G on and off 📡.

• Insert your own SIM card to check if the phone connects properly.

💡 Common Scam: The Blacklisted Phone 📶
Some phones stolen abroad may work fine on WiFi, but won’t connect to mobile networks because they are blacklisted.

📌 6️⃣ Test the Sound and Buttons

• Try all physical buttons (Power, Volume, Mute) 🎵.

• Make a phone call to check the microphone and speaker 🎙.

📌 7️⃣ Check for FRP Lock (Google Lock or iCloud Lock)

📲 On Samsung and Android:

• Settings > Accounts > Google

• If an account is still linked after a factory reset, the phone is FRP locked.

📲 On iPhone:

• Settings > [Your Name] > Find My iPhone

• If "Find My iPhone" is active, the phone is still linked to someone’s Apple ID.

💡 Common Scam: The Locked Phone Trap 🔒
Some sellers reset the phone in front of you, but once you get home, it asks for an unknown email and password—making it unusable. Always check before buying!

📌 Conclusion

💡 Summary of Key Checks Before Buying a Used Phone:
✅ Check the IMEI to avoid stolen devices
✅ Verify the model number and region
✅ Test the battery, screen, and connectivity
✅ Ensure it’s not Google or iCloud locked

📢 Have you ever experienced a phone scam? Share your story in the comments! 🗨️

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