Common Phone Scams in Pakistan
1. The Fake IMEI Scam
Scammer shows a screenshot of PTA-approved status, but it's for a different phone. The actual phone you receive is Non-PTA or blocked. Always verify the IMEI yourself. Dial *#06# and check against the listing.
2. Stolen Phone Scam
Phones stolen and sold at below-market prices. These phones can be IMEI-blocked later by the original owner, leaving you with an expensive paperweight. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Bait-and-Switch
Seller shows photos of an A-grade phone but ships a scratched, damaged, or different model. Common on social media marketplaces with no buyer protection.
4. Advance Payment Scam
Seller asks for full or partial payment upfront via bank transfer, then disappears. Never send money directly to a stranger's bank account.
5. Fake Refurbished as New
Refurbished or repaired phones sold as brand new. Check for signs: mismatched screws, screen lifting, battery health below 90%, missing original accessories.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the seller: Only buy from CNIC-verified sellers
- Use escrow: Never pay directly to a seller's bank account
- Check IMEI yourself: Dial *#06# and verify PTA status independently
- Record unboxing: Always record a video when opening the package
- Check battery health: iPhone → Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Should be 80%+ for used phones
- Test everything: Screen, speakers, cameras, charging, buttons, SIM slots
Why Yaqeen Eliminates These Scams
On Yaqeen, every seller verifies their identity with CNIC. Payments go through escrow, so the seller never touches your money until you confirm. PTA status is verified on listings. And if anything goes wrong, you raise a dispute and our team resolves it. That's why Yaqeen is built so scams can't happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common phone scams in Pakistan?
The most common phone scams in Pakistan are the fake IMEI scam (a PTA-approved screenshot for a different phone), stolen phones sold cheap and later IMEI-blocked, bait-and-switch (photos of an A-grade phone but a damaged one shipped), advance-payment scams where the seller vanishes, and refurbished phones sold as new.
How can I avoid getting scammed when buying a phone online?
Only buy from CNIC-verified sellers, never pay directly to a seller's bank account, verify the IMEI yourself by dialling *#06# and checking PTA status, record an unboxing video, and check battery health and all functions before confirming payment. Using an escrow platform removes most of these risks.
How do I know if a used phone is stolen?
Be cautious of prices far below market value, sellers who avoid showing the IMEI, and phones with no proof of original purchase. A stolen phone can be IMEI-blocked by its original owner at any time, so buy only from verified sellers through a protected platform.
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