A red flag is not always proof of fraud, but it is a reason to stop and resolve the uncertainty before paying. Several unresolved warnings together are a strong reason to choose another phone.
| Red flag | What it may indicate | Required response |
|---|---|---|
| Seller refuses account removal | Activation Lock, Factory Reset Protection or lack of control | Do not buy |
| Identifiers do not match | Replacement device, wrong box, error or substitution | Demand documentary explanation |
| Price is far below comparable phones | Damage, fraud, lock or counterfeit risk | Increase verification; do not rush |
| Phone is already reset before any test | Useful condition and parts evidence may be hidden | Complete setup and full functional checks |
| Payment moves off-platform | Loss of protection or phishing | Keep the official route or walk away |
| Organisation-management message | Employer or school control | Require removal by the organisation |
Condition warnings
- screen or back lifting from the frame;
- heat during light use;
- camera fogging or liquid indicators;
- touch dead zones, flicker or biometric failure;
- charging that works only at one angle;
- parts or repair messages not disclosed in the listing.
Seller-behaviour warnings
Be cautious when the seller changes meeting place repeatedly, sends a courier instead of appearing, will not provide a written bill of sale, uses a third party’s bank account or creates a story that prevents a normal test. A genuine explanation should be capable of verification.
One clean check does not cancel another warning
A clear IMEI result does not resolve account lock, damage or ownership evidence. A working camera does not resolve battery swelling. Evaluate the whole transaction.
Related guidance: This check sits within Buying a Phone. The Complete Phone Buying Guide covers the broader decision from start to finish.
Sources checked
Information checked on 26 July 2026. Manufacturer and platform processes can change, so confirm the current instructions for the exact device before acting.
