Check ESN before you buy an used mobile

ST. LOUIS, USA: CheckESNFree.com helps buyers and sellers of mobile devices purchase or sell products that have a clean slate, meaning they have not been stolen, lost, or unable to be activated due to billing or contractual issues.

In what has been dubbed an epidemic throughout the United States and Canada, smartphone and other mobile device theft has been on the rise. In fact, according to the FCC.gov website, on average 30-40 percent of all robberies in metropolitan areas involve cell phones and the problem is getting worse.

Consumer Reports estimates that 1.6 million Americans fell victim to smartphone theft in 2012 and in Canada, Metro Vancouver Transit Police say that the violent theft of electronics has shot up 31 percent. Unfortunately, the possibility of dealing with dishonest individuals happens when buying from Craigslist, Ebay, or even local classified ads.

Recognizing that the problem exists and protecting personal items by writing down the model and serial number, plus the ESN, IMEI, or MEID number is essential. By having this information available in case of theft, devices can be logged into the system.

With newer and smarter technology available, everyone wants to get their hands on the latest and the greatest. This mentality has lead to a plethora of used mobile devices found on auction sites and in classified ads for a fraction of the cost of buying new. For the truly budget-conscious, buying used is tempting.

CheckESNfree.com provides a free database covering phones from most cell phone providers. When buying a phone or other device, ask the seller for the ESN (electronic serial number), MEID (mobile equipment identifier), or IMEI (international mobile equipment identifier) number and the mobile provider (these numbers are typically found beneath the battery, or in the settings).

If the seller won't supply the number, move on. If the seller provides it, then simply input the number into the designated area. Results will be 100 percent clear and simple. A clean ESN means it's a valid device, ready for activation. A bad ESN or invalid ESN means that there is an issue, whether it's a lost or stolen phone, blacklisted, or has issues from unpaid bills.