Comments on: National database aims to catch smartphone thieves

By: Dani

Dani — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:10:31 +0000

And what about phones who are reported lost by the owner after he sold it? The swindler benefits the buyer ends up with a useless phone. This system does not work!

By: john

john — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:14:58 +0000

will this database be strictly ‘stolen’ or will it be like current cdma ‘bad esn’ lists which are a mix of stolen, lost, suspected fraud and unpaid bills?

also will the be retroactive?

will people who have been using phones for a while suddenly have their phones shut off?

By: Kevin Fitchard

Kevin Fitchard — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:16:34 +0000

Hi Brian,

One thing you can try is asking the seller for the IMEI number of the device he’s trying to sell. It’s easy to find and if he doesn’t provide it than he’s either really lazy or trying to sell you stolen goods. Once the database is set up you can then call the operator you plan to activate the device with and ask if there is a block on the IMEI number. Hopefully they’ll make the stolen phone database public. So you can check IMEI numbers online.

By: Kevin Fitchard

Kevin Fitchard — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:12:17 +0000

Hi MS,

Well, there’s a big protection in place. By doing what you’re saying the operator would essentially be reporting your phone stolen, which would be illegal if your phone isn’t stolen.

By: BrianB

BrianB — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:00:42 +0000

This is great for the industry since it will reduce phone theft by casual thieves that steal phones for their own use.

The professional thieves that resell stolen phones online to an unsuspecting third parties will still benefit. The new buyer will be unable to activate the phone and the thief will still have the money. No real way around this situation, other than buyer beware.

By: M S

M S — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:37:52 +0000

Noble purpose, but will there be protections for the consumer so that carriers can’t disable your phone if they don’t like you?