CheckESNFree Aims to Increase Awareness of Cell Phone Fraud

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CheckESNFree.com is a website created to help buyers and sellers of mobile devices purchase or sell products that have a clean slate, meaning they have not been stolen, lost, or unable to be activated due to billing or contractual issues. In what has been dubbed an epidemic throughout the United States and Canada, smartphone and other mobile device theft has been on the rise. In fact, according to the FCC.gov website, on average 30-40 percent of all robberies in metropolitan areas involve cell phones and the problem is getting worse. CheckESNFree wants to get the word out about this troubling trend and offer a way for individuals to avoid fraudulent products.

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It seems the moment a cell phone or tablet hits store shelves, an even better one is lurking just around the corner. With newer and smarter technology available, everyone wants to get their hands on the latest and the greatest. This mentality has lead to a plethora of used mobile devices found on auction sites and in classified ads for a fraction of the cost of buying new. For the truly budget-conscious, buying used is tempting especially if faced with a broken phone only 1 year into a 2-year contract. Is it possible to ensure a phone or tablet is free from fraudulent activity? Yes.

CheckESNfree.com provides a free database covering phones from most cell phone providers. When buying a phone or other device, ask the seller for the ESN (electronic serial number), MEID (mobile equipment identifier), or IMEI (international mobile equipment identifier) number and the mobile provider (these numbers are typically found beneath the battery, other times like with the iPhone, go to settings >> general >> about >> then scroll to IMEI for the number). If the seller won't supply the number, move on.  If the seller provides it, then simply input the number into the designated area. Results will be 100 percent clear and simple. A clean ESN means it's a valid device, ready for activation. A bad ESN or invalid ESN means that there is an issue, whether it's a lost or stolen phone, blacklisted, or has issues from unpaid bills.

Consumer Reports estimates that 1.6 million Americans fell victim to smartphone theft in 2012 and in Canada, Metro Vancouver Transit Police say that the violent theft of electronics has shot up 31 percent. Unfortunately, the possibility of dealing with dishonest individuals happens when buying from Craigslist, Ebay, or even local classified ads. Recognizing that the problem exists and protecting personal items by writing down the model and serial number, plus the ESN, IMEI, or MEID number is essential. By having this information available in case of theft, devices can be logged into the system. Visit CheckESNFree.com and utilize the ESN, MEID or IMEI checker for all mobile devices. Share it with friends and family through Facebook, www.Facebook.com/CheckESNFree, or CheckESNFree on Twitter. Awareness is the first step in combating a very real problem. To find out more, check out the company's presentation video on YouTube.

About CheckESNFree

Operational since 2009, CheckESNFree has provided protection to wireless providers, retailers, police departments, recycling companies, and individuals in their dealings with mobile phones and tablets. With cell phone and smartphone ownership sharply rising in recent years, the comprehensive database provides a needed service to buyers and sellers throughout the United States and Canada.

For further information, please contact

Shane Lyberger
Checkesnfree.com
855-376-2432
[email protected]

SOURCE CheckESNFree