SECURITY PROCEDURE
Q: What do you do to a device when you receive it?
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We follow a thorough inspection process when we receive a device. First, we record the device’s electronic serial number (ESN/IMEI). We then run the device through an industry-leading device status tool (called CheckMEND) to ensure the item has not been reported lost or stolen. If it’s cleared, we verify the device, erase all data and pay the customer.
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Q. How do you determine whether a device has been reported lost or stolen?
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We use CheckMEND, a state-of-the-art tool that includes information from carriers, law enforcement and insurance companies to identify whether a device has been reported either lost or stolen. CheckMEND is a cutting-edge tool designed to more accurately detect potentially stolen goods, including smartphones, tablets and computers. Developed by Recipero, the largest U.S. consumer electronics background report service, CheckMEND compiles data from major wireless carriers, law enforcement and insurance companies across the country (including the FBI) to provide the most complete database of lost or stolen devices. Gazelle was the first consumer electronics trade-in site to deploy CheckMEND in the United States.
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Q. If a consumer loses a device or has something stolen, what should they do?
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Consumers should call their carrier if a phone or tablet is lost or stolen. We also recommend that consumers file a police report. Additionally, For Apple products specifically, iCloud allows remote data wipe of those devices and, soon, the new iOS 7 will allow users to remotely block their device if lost or stolen.
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Q. What are you doing to clearly communicate your policy regarding no acceptance of lost or stolen items?
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As part of our online process, each of our customers are required to contractually confirm the device is in fact theirs to sell and has not been reported as lost or stolen. We also remind customers at several points in the process that we do not accept items that have been reported lost or stolen.
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