Method 6 of 7: Checking the Packaging

1

Locate the original packaging for your mobile device. Don't worry about the booklet; look for the box.

2

Locate the barcode label stuck to your box. It might have been placed over the opening to act as a seal.

3

Look for the IMEI/MEID. It should be clearly labeled and is usually listed together with the barcode and serial number.

Tips:

• Write your IMEI down before your phone gets lost or stolen.
• If your mobile phone is stolen, you can call or go to the nearest service center of your mobile network and give that IMEI number to staff to block your phone.
• Most pre-paid and non-contract phones in America don't have IMEIs; the same applies to disposable phones throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• If you are South African, you are required by law to report the theft to your service provider and to the police (either SAPS or your local Metro Police). It will be blacklisted across ALL networks so that it can't be used for criminal activities. If it is recovered, it is possible to remove from the blacklist it provided that you have proof of ownership.

Warning:

• Blocking a stolen or lost phone via the IMEI will cut off all communication between your phone and your carrier, making it impossible for the phone to be recovered via tracking. Only do this as a last resort if your phone contains sensitive information.
• Some thieves replace the IMEI numbers of phones they steal with the IMEIs of other devices. If you purchased a phone from someone or someplace you don't quite trust, try to research whether or not your supposed IMEI actually goes with that model of phone.

You have some illegal fraudulent companies that will replace your IMEI code so that the carrier like AT&T can't track it. AT&T will tell you, that's impossible but it's happening to me. They manipulate the code so it's telling AT&T it's black listed but the code is changed and can not be traced (IMEI) so even if you do put it on the block list. It will still work, It is happening as we speak