Risk level: medium. Can you change it: no. Found in 2 breaches in this directory.
What this data is
The International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique number that identifies your phone handset on mobile networks. You can see yours by dialling *#06#.
The risk on its own
An IMEI cannot unlock your phone, read your data or take over your number. It identifies the handset, which carriers use to block stolen phones. In the wrong hands it can be used to report your phone as stolen or to make a stolen phone look like yours.
The risk combined with other data
With your name, phone number and carrier, the IMEI gives a caller a convincing detail when posing as you, for example to report the phone lost and ask for a new SIM. It can also be used to give a stolen or blocked handset a clean-looking identity, which is illegal in many countries.
How criminals use it
A fraudster rings your carrier with your IMEI and account details, reports the phone stolen and asks for a replacement SIM.
Someone falsely reports your IMEI as stolen, and your handset is blocked from mobile networks.
A stolen phone is reprogrammed with your IMEI to hide that it has been blocked.
A support scammer quotes your IMEI to convince you they are from your carrier.
What to do now
Record your IMEI somewhere safe and keep your proof of purchase, so you can prove ownership if a dispute arises.
Set a port out PIN or number lock with your carrier, and ask for extra verification before any SIM change.
If your phone suddenly cannot connect to any network, call your carrier from another phone and ask whether a block or SIM change was requested.
Turn on Find My on iPhone or Find My Device on Android so a lost phone can be located and locked.
Never confirm account details to someone who calls you about your phone, even if they know the IMEI.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone hack my phone with my IMEI?
No. The IMEI identifies the handset. It gives no access to your data, apps or messages.
Can someone track my location with my IMEI?
Not ordinary criminals. Carriers and law enforcement can link an IMEI to network activity, but that needs access to carrier systems.
What if my phone gets blocked because of a false report?
Contact your carrier with your proof of purchase and ID, and ask for the handset to be removed from the stolen device register.
Breaches that exposed this data
ai.type: 2017-12-05, 21M accounts, Address book contacts, Apps installed on devices, Cellular network names, Dates of birth, Device information, Email addresses
Breach data sourced from Have I Been Pwned, used under CC BY 4.0. Additional breach metadata provided by XposedOrNot. DataExposed is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either.