How to Check If an Item Is Stolen

The complete guide to verifying phones, vehicles, electronics, and more before purchasing. Protect yourself from unknowingly buying stolen property.

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Why Checking Matters

Buying stolen property—even unknowingly—carries serious consequences. You could lose the item without refund when police seize it, face criminal charges for possession of stolen goods, and lose thousands of dollars. The secondhand market is filled with legitimate sellers, but criminals actively use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp to fence stolen goods.

Legal Consequences

In most states, receiving stolen property is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment—even if you had no idea the item was stolen. The only defense is proving you took reasonable steps to verify the item's legitimacy.

How to Check Different Item Types

Phones & Tablets (IMEI Check)

Every phone has a unique 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This is the most reliable way to check if a phone is stolen or blacklisted.

How to find the IMEI:

  • Dial *#06# on the phone's keypad
  • Check Settings > About Phone > IMEI
  • Look on the original box or SIM tray
  • Compare all locations—they should match exactly

What we check:

  • GSMA blacklist (global carrier database)
  • Carrier-specific blacklists (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
  • Insurance claim records
  • Law enforcement stolen property files
Check Phone IMEI

Vehicles (VIN Check)

The 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) identifies every car, truck, motorcycle, and RV. A VIN check reveals theft history, title status, and more.

Where to find the VIN:

  • Dashboard (driver's side, visible through windshield)
  • Driver's door jamb sticker
  • Vehicle title and registration
  • Insurance documents

Red flags to watch for:

  • VIN plate looks tampered with or replaced
  • VIN doesn't match on title vs. vehicle
  • Seller reluctant to provide VIN before meeting
  • Price significantly below market value
Check Vehicle VIN

Electronics & Other Items (Serial Number)

Laptops, gaming consoles, power tools, cameras, and other electronics have serial numbers that can be checked against stolen property databases.

Common serial number locations:

  • Laptops: Bottom of device, BIOS/System Information
  • Gaming consoles: Back of console, Settings menu
  • Cameras: Bottom plate, battery compartment
  • Power tools: Near motor housing, product label
  • Bicycles: Under bottom bracket, head tube

What to verify:

  • Serial number matches original packaging (if available)
  • Serial number hasn't been scratched off or altered
  • Item isn't listed in stolen property databases
Check Serial Number

5-Step Verification Process

1

Get the identifier before meeting

Ask the seller for the IMEI, VIN, or serial number via message. Legitimate sellers provide this readily. Scammers often refuse or make excuses.

2

Run the check on SafeOrStolen

Enter the identifier in our verification tool. Results show in under 3 seconds with clear Safe/Stolen status.

3

Verify identifier matches physical item

When you meet, confirm the identifier on the actual device matches what you checked. Scammers sometimes use stolen identifiers from different devices.

4

Check for physical tampering

Look for scratched-off serial numbers, replaced VIN plates, or signs the device has been opened/modified to hide its identity.

5

Request proof of purchase

Ask for original receipt, box with matching serial, or account transfer documentation. This provides additional protection and evidence of legitimate ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free to check?

Yes. SafeOrStolen offers 2 free verifications with no credit card required. Pro plans offer unlimited checks.

What if the item comes back as stolen?

Do not purchase the item. You can report the listing to the platform (Facebook, Craigslist, etc.) and optionally contact local police with the information.

Can sellers fake verification results?

Run your own check. Never trust screenshots or PDFs provided by sellers. Verification takes seconds and should always be done on your device.

What if the item isn't in any database?

A "not found" result means the item hasn't been reported stolen to the databases we check. It's a good sign, but not a guarantee. Use additional verification steps like proof of purchase.

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