CheckESNFree Protects Cell Phone Buyers and Sellers from Fraud

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CheckESNFree.com is a website designed to help buyers and sellers of used cell phones and other mobile devices, protect themselves from theft and other fraudulent activity, by providing a free database to validate ESN, MEID, and IMEI numbers. This database covers phones from most major wireless carriers and also includes devices on the new US and Canadian IMEI Blacklist, (all lost and stolen GSM and LTE phones are added to this list). By using the website, customers will be able to see if a cell phone is "clean" or if it has been registered as stolen, lost, or compromised, due to billing issues.

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"With newer and better technology on the rise, so too is the amount of cell phone thefts and other fraudulent activity," a CheckESNFree.com representative said. "We help protect you when it comes to buying and selling used cellular phones, especially when using EBAY, Craigslist or your local classified ads."

As of December 1, 2013, Sprint and Verizon are reporting lost and stolen device IMEIs into the GSMA's IMEI Blacklist Database. This effort will help prevent stolen phones from being used between all the wireless carriers in the USA.

As new technology rapidly expands, the types of devices available multiplies quickly. That means that there are a lot of older models available for sale on auction sites like EBAY or in classified ads. Sure it would be nice to own a newer phone and not have to pay the retail price for it, but with smart phone theft on the rise, it is important to investigate whether a device is valid or not, before making a purchase.

To check a device's legitimacy, buyers or sellers must ask for the ESN (electronic serial number) and the mobile provider. For some equipment, an IMEI (international mobile equipment identifier) or MEID (mobile equipment identifier) number is used instead. If buying a phone from an auction site, ask the seller for the required information (a "Help" section on the CheckESNFree.com website gives an excellent tutorial in finding these numbers). If the seller will not provide needed numbers, it is best to move on. Next, go to the CheckESNFree.com home screen and plug in the information. Results will indicate cleanESN (the device is legitimate and ready to be activated), or show that there is an issue with the ESN. A full definition list can be found under the "Help" section on the website.

Most CheckESNFree.com users will find that the free, 30 checks per day, per visitor limit is more than plenty. However, there are situations that require more than that. In effort to help businesses or individuals who need increased access to the site, paid subscriptions are available. Business and business premium subscribers will gain access to the mass checker that enables users to check up to 25 devices at once. This ability has proven a great time saver.

In addition, the website allows visitors to save the results of the ESN check in a
"Save Report" option. This tool allows the user to save a PDF document, which can then be shared. A unique id is assigned to the device, which allows it to be validated at any time at www.CheckESNFree.com/verify. This convenience is especially useful when creating listings on EBAY or Craigslist, making it perfect for sellers who want to show that they understand the frustration buyers face when purchasing used devices. By taking a proactive stance regarding the validity of the items they sell, sellers will enable buyers to trust them.

CheckESNFree wants people to understand the risks involved when purchasing used phones and tablets and extends an invitation to utilize the tools available on CheckESNFree.com. Also, a short video describing services offered can be viewed on Youtube and shared with friends and family.

About CheckESNFree

CheckESNFree has provided protection to buyers and sellers of used mobile devices throughout the United States and Canada, since the company's founding in 2009.  For more information call 855-376-2432 or email [email protected].

Contact:
Shane Lyberger
CheckESNFree.com
855-376-2432
[email protected]

SOURCE CheckESNFree