After my phone was stolen, I was desperate to recover it and fell for an IMEI tracking scam that cost me $50 and exposed my personal information. I wish I had known these scams existed before I became a victim.
As mobile phones become increasingly valuable, scammers have developed sophisticated schemes involving IMEI numbers to defraud unsuspecting users. Being aware of these scams is your first line of defense against becoming a victim.
The IMEI "Unblocking" Scam
One of the most common scams targets people who have purchased a blacklisted phone:
- Scammers advertise services claiming to "unblock" or "clean" blacklisted IMEIs
- They charge fees ranging from $20 to $100+ for this supposed service
- In reality, they cannot remove a device from carrier blacklists
The "Verify Your IMEI" Phishing Scam
This sophisticated phishing attempt works as follows:
- You receive a text message claiming your device has been compromised
- The message instructs you to "verify your IMEI" by clicking a link
- The link leads to a convincing but fake website that asks for personal information
How to Protect Yourself
Follow these guidelines to avoid becoming a victim:
- Never share your IMEI with unknown individuals or suspicious websites
- Be skeptical of services claiming to "unblock" or "clean" blacklisted IMEIs
- Don't click on links in unsolicited messages about your device
- Use only official carrier websites or reputable services to check IMEI status
Conclusion
Knowledge is your best defense against IMEI-related scams. By understanding how these scams work and the technical limitations of what can legitimately be done with an IMEI, you can protect yourself from fraudsters looking to exploit your lack of technical knowledge.