[nishantgandhi]

Was just curious - is there some kind of online IMEI databse where in I can feed the IMEI number and get details of whether its a geniune handset? Theoretically, it would be similar to a VIN database.

Otherwise, what other method(s) exist to check if the phone that I am buying from someone is not stolen/refurbished etc.?

[Spitfire]

I did a search for this through google sometime back. Have it in my favourites list. Never got time to look through it though.

Load IMEI DB

I dont think all the major operators in India are registered on there.

[nishantgandhi]

Originally Posted by Spitfire

I did a search for this through google sometime back. Have it in my favourites list. Never got time to look through it though.

Load IMEI DB

I dont think all the major operators in India are registered on there.

From the website:
Access to the IMEI Database, for querying individual IMEI black-list status, is available to qualified industry parties and law enforcement agencies, subject to a formal application process. You shall have to supply letters of sponsorship (Template available in Download section) from Mobile Network Operators that already use the system and be required to confirm to confidentiality and usage agreements supplied during your application process.

Is there any database that can be used by a layman like us?

[Spitfire]

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

Is there any database that can be used by a layman like us?

Wouldnt that be a security issue?

[HellwratH]

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

Is there any database that can be used by a layman like us?

You might not be allowed to access such a database, but if you want to make sure you are buying the original phone (and not a duplicate) you can check this site for the manufacturer details for a particular IMEI.

International Numbering Plans

[nishantgandhi]

Originally Posted by HellwratH

You might not be allowed to access such a database, but if you want to make sure you are buying the original phone (and not a duplicate) you can check this site for the manufacturer details for a particular IMEI.

International Numbering Plans

Useful, but greek to me.

Can anyone help in decoding this screenshot? (I have masked the IMEI number)

I mean this doesnt tell me much, other than what I already know! Does it tell whether the phone is a fake/stolen piece?

[HellwratH]

You can identify a fake phone using this (It is possible to change the IMEI of a phone, so the fake ones might just pass through this test as well). But, this site won't tell you if the phone is a stolen one or not.

If you need more details on how to identify a fake phone, let me know as I had done a bit of research on this. I could help you out with that.

[nishantgandhi]

Please share the details over PM?