How to check that used phone wasn't lost or stolen

Posted on 6th Aug 2019 00:09:16 in How to -

Thousands of phones are for sale from Gumtree to Facebook Marketplace,

how do you check if the phone is not lost or stolen and resulting in been blocked by australian networks.


If you're thinking of buying a second-hand phone, first you should check that it hasn't been registered as lost or stolen, Resulting in taking it home, putting your SIM card in and finding that you can not make or receive calls.


Why does this happen?

Once a person has his phone stolen or lost, they are able to have AMTA block the IMEI, thus all 3 Australian networks will Not allow the device to make and receive calls from their networks.


What devices can be block?

Mobile phones with Imei numbers. iPads and other mobile devices that do not have an IMEI can not be blocked at the network level.


What happens if i use a blocked phone?

There have been many reports over the years, that blocked phones can randomly be used to make and receive calls , but you will find that one day it will be working and without notice there will be days that you will get an announcement “ This phone has been block “

We have also had reports of police using the phones GPS triangulation to track people down and prosecute then for handling stolen goods.

We have also had reports of latest model phones been blocked 2-3 months after they were purchased, from what we have asked AMTA these phones and original owners were involved in insurance fraud.


AMTA Block is only blocked on Australian Networks.


iCloud lock? 

This is a different type of lock and is on Apple devices. 

It is a feature that's designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch if it's ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is enabled automatically when you turn on Find My iPhone.

This is a world wide lock. And only the original owner is able to unlock the device.


Google Lock

This lock is on all Andriod phones, phones that use the Google operating system

Known as FRP lock it works the same as Apple’s iCloud, but with a few back door hacks to disable the lock.


Here are a few steps to make sure you do not buy a stolen phone or cloud locked.


How to find the imei? 

Here are a few different ways to find the number: 

  1. Dial *#06# on the phone

  2. Look it up in the device's Settings menu

  3. Check the code on the back of the phone, but not recommended

Never use the imei number from the original packaging. It can be reprinted 


Or even better Watch this video by Cashaphone How to find my device


Now check the imei with Cashaphone’s Lookup page: mobile phone lookup

You will be able to look up :

model of phone, capacity, country 1st activated,  icloud lock, and AUST STOLEN lookup