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TruOwn

For buyers

Buying second-hand without the risk

A few minutes of checking can save you a lot of money, and keeps stolen goods from changing hands.

The checklist

Buying a phone

  1. 1Dial *#06# on the phone. Make sure the IMEI shown matches the box and Settings → About phone.
  2. 2Run a TruOwn check on that IMEI. Walk away from Stolen, Lost or Disputed.
  3. 3Ask the seller to start a TruOwn transfer to your account, and confirm it with the code sent to your phone.
  4. 4Check that the phone has been signed out of the seller's Google or Apple account after a reset. A locked phone is useless to you.
  5. 5Test the screen, buttons, cameras, charging port and battery health before paying.

Buying a car

  1. 1Find the VIN on the dashboard (through the windscreen), the driver's door frame and the papers. They must all match.
  2. 2Run a TruOwn check on the VIN or chassis number. Walk away from Stolen, Lost or Disputed.
  3. 3Compare the engine and chassis numbers on the vehicle with its documents.
  4. 4Ask the seller to transfer it to you on TruOwn before you pay.
  5. 5Have a mechanic inspect anything more than a quick look, especially older vehicles.

Buying a laptop

  1. 1Find the serial number on the label underneath and in the system settings. They must match.
  2. 2Ask the seller to show you the laptop's TruOwn record from their account, and to transfer it to you.
  3. 3Make sure the seller has signed out of their accounts and removed any device lock (such as Find My or BIOS passwords).
  4. 4Check the battery, keyboard, screen and ports before paying.

When you pay

  • Meet somewhere public and busy, in daylight if you can. Bring someone with you for anything expensive.
  • Pay only after the TruOwn transfer is confirmed on your phone. Keep the purchase certificate it gives you.
  • Keep a receipt or written note of the sale, with the identifier on it.

Pressure is a warning sign

A seller who refuses a check, rushes you, or won't transfer the item on TruOwn is a reason to walk away.

TruOwn records registrations and transfers but isn't a legal title authority. It doesn't replace the police or the courts. Read more.