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IMEI doesn't match on FindMyPhone

N

noobdoc89

Lurker
Hi guys, I've come across a problem which i can't figure out, any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I am living in Pakistan. My Samsung Note 8 was recently stolen. I had bought it brand new last year.
So today, after searching the marking i bought a second hand Samsung Note 8 again. I'm not a big fan of buying used phones but i couldn't afford a new one.

The problem i'm facing is that, the box it came in has both the IMEIs numbers mentioned on it (it's a dual sim model). The IMEIs on the box matches the one printed on the back of the phone, as well as in the "About Phone" menu, and also matches when i dial *#06#. It matches in all three places.

BUT,
When i connected my google account to it, (a new account, not the old one) and as i pull up Find My Phone, you can see an info icon or ! next to the name of the phone which gives the device's details. There, it shows a different IMEI. It's different from both printed on my phone, the box, or even inside the phone.

The other issue bugging me is, When i enter imei printed on the phone/box/inside menu, into imei.info, the SN that shows up doesn't match the Sn printed on the phone, or in the menu.

But, again, when i enter the IMEI i get from Find My Phone into imei.info, it shows the SN as the one printed on my phone. Country and region also shows different for both IMEIs.

This is still bugging me, as i've also encountered a problem in updating the phone. The phone doesn't seem to update. Software Update isn't recognizing it. This initially lead me to investigate the issue.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? what could be the reason for the difference in IMEIs? Someone please explain this to me, thanks.
 
MrJavi said:
A refurbished device that replaced the motherboard might explain the different imei's.
Click to expand...

Thank you for replying, Javi.

So this difference in the imeis definitely means the phone sas opened up and messed around with right? I mean i can't think of any other reason also.
 
yes the device has been tampered with by a 3rd party, either deliberately or illegally.

you should return the device and request a refund, explaining to the seller the reasons, or see if they will get you a replacement. or reach out to your local authorities and start a case if that is important to you.

the device is out of warranty so samsung is of no help here.

there is nothing else left to do in your case.
 
noobdoc89 said:
Thank you for replying, Javi.

So this difference in the imeis definitely means the phone sas opened up and messed around with right? I mean i can't think of any other reason also.
Click to expand...

You very welcome,

I can not say it is definitely 100% and would not wat to mislead anyone. It just a strongle indicator and the most likely explanation. If your carrier is willing to provide service then the imei is not considered "blacklisted". If your getting an error icon, try using the imei from the phone info in the settings but be aware that caution is advised. Im not sure if linking an unknown imei with Google account would be a security risk. If your already contacted to a carrier service provider than it shouldn't be a concern. but look before you leap. I always advice caution.
If your not familiar with Factory Reset Protection, I strongly recommend you look into that before you connect you device to with you Google account.
Android Forums is a great source of information, you in the right place.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ny...marter-living/buying-used-phone-tips.amp.html
 
dontpanicbobby said:
I used 'Find My Phone' once from a PC at work. It tracked my phone (left it on a bus going to work). I got it back. Never tried it from a phone.
Click to expand...

It doesnt matter where you use it from, as long as your phone is connected to google, it will show the device's information.

marctronixx said:
yes the device has been tampered with by a 3rd party, either deliberately or illegally.

you should return the device and request a refund, explaining to the seller the reasons, or see if they will get you a replacement. or reach out to your local authorities and start a case if that is important to you.

the device is out of warranty so samsung is of no help here.

there is nothing else left to do in your case.
Click to expand...

I went today, explained the reasons but the shop won't take it back. They offered an exchange. Before accepting, i cross checked the other phone's IMEI and guess what, same thing again. As it turns out, the government has its own app for IMEI checks. Launched recently due to changes in mobile imports and taxation. It an IMEI checker which also give the same imei as that of google's. So i wasn't losing my mind after all, lol.

Not sure how helpful authorities will be, but i'm gonna ask the telecommunications authority for help. Because there really are no contracts between seller and customer here. Theres no law for it and customer always gets screwed.

Ill update later when theres something. Thanks guys.

MrJavi said:
You very welcome,

I can not say it is definitely 100% and would not wat to mislead anyone. It just a strongle indicator and the most likely explanation. If your carrier is willing to provide service then the imei is not considered 'blacklisted'. If your getting an error icon, try using the imei from the phone info in the settings but be aware that caution is advised. Im not sure if linking an unknown imei with Google account would be a security risk. If your already contacted to a carrier service provider than it shouldn't be a concern. but look before you leap. I always advice caution.
If your not familiar with Factory Reset Protection, I strongly recommend you look into that before you connect you device to with you Google account.
Android Forums is a great source of information, you in the right place.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ny...marter-living/buying-used-phone-tips.amp.html
Click to expand...

Its not the carrier actually. A lot of stolen phones are still in use because up until recently there was no way to report blacklisted imeis. Recently the government has introduced a new tax on imported phones. So a database has been made for imeis. The fake imei of my new device is registered, but not the actual one. I'll go ask for help from authorities, i hope they hell.
 
noobdoc89 said:
Its not the carrier actually. A lot of stolen phones are still in use because up until recently there was no way to report blacklisted imeis. Recently the government has introduced a new tax on imported phones. So a database has been made for imeis. The fake imei of my new device is registered, but not the actual one. I'll go ask for help from authorities, i hope they hell.
Click to expand...

I wish you all the best my friend, Hope to hear good news. I also like to welcome you to Android Forums.
 
Last edited:
MrJavi said:
I wish you all the best my friend, Hope to hear good news. I also like to welcome you to Android Forums.
Click to expand...

Thank for the welcome, Javi .

So am update on the issue. I went to the government telecommunications regulatory authority with the phone, box, and receipts. I asked of my phone was registered or not. The person took my phone, dialed *#06# and the imei that came up, he entered into his pc which said registered. He tells me, its registered. So i take my phone and open their own imei checker app, click find out imei, and it shows a different, the original imei, and unregistered. He immediately says, yeah that phone has been tampered with.

They were helpful, to my surprise. Got all the information from me about the shop and said we'll take action cause the law says changing unique identity codes for electronic devices is punishable upto 3 years in jail and told me to take legal action if they don't return it.

I went back to the shop, i told them i was advised to take legal action and to report it to the police immediately. They returned the phone with full payment. I'm glad. I borrowed some cash friends and bought a brand new note9. Wasn't gonna take my chances with a used phone again lol.

Thanks for all the help guys. It would not have been possible without your knowledge and insight of the issue. Thanks Javi.
 
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