Buying a used mobile phone can save you money and help the environment, but there are many traps to watch out for. This guide will help you avoid common scams and find a reliable second - hand phone!

 

1. Must - Check Items Before Buying

1. Verify the Phone's Identity

IMEI Check:

Dial *#06# on the keypad to get the IMEI number.

Check the activation date on the official website (Apple's official site or Samsung Member Center).

GSX Check (for iPhones only):

You can pay about $1 on Taobao to check the full repair history.

Look out for "official replacement phones" or "unlocked blacklisted phones".

2. Hardware Inspection List

✅ Screen: Check for burn - ins and dead pixels on solid - color backgrounds (test with red, green, blue, white, and black screens).
✅ Battery: Check battery health in settings (iOS) or use AccuBattery app (Android).
✅ Camera: Test both front and rear cameras for focus. Record a 5 - minute 4K video.
✅ Buttons: Press each button 20 times to check if it bounces back properly.
✅ Speaker: Play a song with different tones (high, medium, low) to test the sound.

 

2. New Scams in 2025

1. Three Types of Refurbished Phone Tricks

Fake Phones: These phones use mixed - up parts. They may show "all green" on Aisi software but often crash.

Serial Number Scams: Scammers change the serial number. Compare the numbers on the SIM tray, phone system, and invoice.

Storage Scams: They change a 128GB phone to show as 1TB. You can detect this using DiskGenius on a computer.

2. New Scamming Methods

AI - Edited Video Checks: Always ask the seller to make a live video call and dial #0#.

Fake E - invoices: The safest way is to verify them with the official customer service.

Leased Phone Scams: Check if the phone is linked to a business account.

 

3. Platforms: Good and Bad

Platform Type	Recommendation	Features
Official Refurbished	★★★★★	Comes with a 1 - year warranty (from Apple or Samsung official sites)
Zhuanzhuan Select	★★★★☆	Detailed inspection reports, 7 - day returns
Xianyu Premium	★★★☆☆	Lower prices, but you need to check the phone yourself
Physical Stores	★★☆☆☆	Risky, only for people who know what they're doing

 

4. Useful Tips for Buying

Bargaining Tricks:

"The Aisi report shows 500 charging cycles and 85% battery health. Is $200 okay?"

"I can pick it up in person right now. Can you lower the price by $30?"

Inspection Tips:

"Check, Look, Test, Bargain"

 

Check IMEI/GSX

Look at the appearance and screws

Test functions and performance

Try to lower the price by 10 - 15%

 

5. Keep Evidence for Disputes

Make sure the chat records clearly state "no repairs or changes".

Record the whole unboxing process, starting from when you get the package from the delivery person.

Check the phone within 48 hours. Most platforms won't accept claims after this time.

 

In 2025, data shows that 42% of used phone disputes are about screen problems, 28% about battery issues, and 19% about motherboard problems.

 

Have you ever been scammed when buying a used phone? Share your stories to help others! 💡