When you buy a second-hand iPhone from somewhere, there’s always a lingering doubt about its history. What if it was stolen and belonged to someone else originally? Apple initially offered a tool which helped customers ascertain if an iPhone belonged to someone else. However, it’s no longer available and has mysteriously disappeared. So what are your options now?

CTIA has now set up an online tool which works using the GSMA Device Check service. This helps you ascertain whether a device is stolen or legit with the help of the IMEI number. This is printed on the back of some iPhones and can also be found by heading over to Settings – General – About – IMEI.

In addition to finding the status of a particular device, the CTIA page also offers suggestions on how to avoid device theft and keeping your device secure. Apple currently offers protection in the form of its default “Find My iPhone” app, which recently helped recover nearly 100 stolen iPhones.

The service provides the wireless industry with the definitive, single source of real-time lost or stolen mobile device data. Using multiple source databases, the Stolen Phone Checker helps consumers, commercial organizations and law enforcement agencies in the US to know if a mobile device has been reported lost or stolen. This information is useful to anyone thinking of buying a used mobile device; simply check before you buy at www.stolenphonechecker.org.