Beware of buying stolen smartphones: Calgary police
Posted Feb 12, 2020 11:09 am.
Last Updated Feb 12, 2020 11:10 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – If you’re looking for a new phone be careful if you buy one online.
That’s the message from Calgary police who have seen an increase in robberies at cell phone stores with those phones later going up on different websites.
“These phones are coming into online, social media marketplaces where people are buying stolen phones that look legitimate but are being offered for a deal that looks too good to be true,” said Sgt. Mark England. “When members of the public try to activate these phones, it turns out they’re no longer legitimate and no longer functional phones.”
Calgary police are offering several tips to make sure you’re not buying a fake phone including meeting in person to make a purchase and never giving out your personal or banking information.
Sgt. England said you can also check the phone’s serial number or 15-digit IMEI code online.
“There’s a website, devicecheck.ca. If a phone has been listed as stolen or it’s been reported to police or retailers themselves, these numbers will pop up with a warning.”
England said if you have bought a stolen phone or had your phone taken, you should contact Calgary police immediately.
