Buying a Phone on Facebook Marketplace? Check the IMEI First

Facebook Marketplace is full of local phone deals, but it is also full of listings for stolen, locked or misrepresented devices. An IMEI check is your fastest protection.

Get the IMEI before meeting

Ask the seller for the IMEI upfront. If they refuse, skip the deal. Once you have it, run the Full IMEI Check to verify model, blacklist and lock status before you meet.

Verify the device in person

Dial *#06# on the phone and compare the IMEI to what the seller provided. If they do not match, the listing is for a different device — walk away.

Check iCloud and carrier lock

For iPhones, confirm the iCloud Activation Lock is off. For any phone, run the GSMA Blacklist Check and a carrier lock check.

Payment safety

Meet in a safe, public place and inspect the phone before paying. If the deal is shipped, use a payment method with buyer protection. Avoid wire transfers and gift cards.

Bottom line

On Marketplace, get the IMEI early, run a full check, verify it in person, and only pay after confirming the device is clean and unlocked.