Last Updated: December 2, 2025

Stay Safe From Fraud While Buying a Second-Hand Phone in Pakistan

Buying a second-hand phone in Pakistan can save money, but the market is filled with scams, IMEI fraud, PTA-blocked devices, refurbished phones sold as new, and WhatsApp bans due to tampered hardware. This guide explains all major risks in the Pakistani used phone market and how you can protect yourself with proper checks and verification.

Why Second-Hand Phone Scams Are Increasing

The used phone business in Pakistan is extremely profitable for scammers because many buyers are unaware of IMEI registration laws, PTA rules, and signs of refurbished devices. Scammers target budget-conscious customers looking for premium phones at low prices. In many markets, sellers operate in groups or unions, making it difficult for any buyer to get justice once a dispute arises.

Common Scams in the Second-Hand Phone Market

1. IMEI-Changed or IMEI-Paired Phones

One of the most common scams is selling phones with a changed IMEI, also called IMEI cloning. These phones may work fine for a few days, but then you receive a PTA message stating that your phone will be blocked soon. Once blocked, only illegal methods can restore it—and the shopkeeper will refuse to take responsibility.

Some sellers use this trick knowingly. They offer the phone at a cheap price, and when you return after receiving the PTA message, they say:

“When it gets blocked, bring it to me. I will fix it in one hour.”

This is not a solution; it keeps you trapped in a cycle of illegal IMEI fixing, putting your money and privacy at risk.

2. Phones Not Registered With PTA

Many imported phones are sold without proper PTA registration. They work temporarily using the free 60-day trial, but once expired, the phone is permanently blocked unless you pay the full PTA tax. Buyers are not informed, and shopkeepers deny responsibility.

3. WhatsApp Blocking on Tampered Phones

This is a major issue in Pakistan. Phones with changed IMEIs or modified system files cause WhatsApp to mark the device as suspicious. What happens:

• Your WhatsApp works for a few days.
• Then your account gets banned for suspicious activity.
• Even if WhatsApp restores it after appeal, it gets banned again.

This is because the phone’s hardware identifiers do not match WhatsApp’s security standards. Millions of such "cheap but good battery phones" are sold in markets like Karachi’s Saddar, Lahore’s Hall Road, and Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar.

4. Refurbished Phones Sold as New

Many shops have access to refurbished rejected sets from Dubai or China. They change the body, apply new glass, and make it look fresh. These are sold as "almost new" or "10/10 condition" even though they have repaired motherboards, replaced batteries, and weak waterproofing.

A common red flag: if the shop has multiple units of the same model, all in similar “excellent” condition, it usually means they deal in refurbished imports.

5. Union Backing and Lack of Customer Protection

Many mobile shops in Pakistan support each other. If you argue with one shopkeeper, others will take his side. There is no receipt, no warranty, and no legal protection for buyers. Even if you catch the scam, you cannot force a return or refund.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Second-Hand Phone

1. Prefer Buying a New Phone

Given the level of fraud, the safest option is to buy a brand-new phone with official PTA approval and brand warranty. Even a slightly lower model new phone is safer than a high-end used phone full of hidden issues.

2. Check IMEI Registration (Most Important)

Before paying, check both IMEI numbers if it is a dual-SIM phone. Use:

• DRBS PTA website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
• SMS: Send IMEI to 8484
• Check inside phone settings
• Match IMEI on box, phone, and software

If even one IMEI shows “non-compliant,” do not buy the phone.

3. Check for Refurbished or Opened Phones

Inspect the phone carefully for signs of repair:

• Slight gaps between frame and screen
• Non-original screws
• Loose SIM tray
• Color mismatch on back panel
• Battery health drastically low

Also compare performance, camera quality, speaker clarity, and overall build. If anything feels off, reject it.

4. Test WhatsApp Functionality

Install WhatsApp on the phone (if possible) and use it for a few minutes. Ask the shopkeeper to allow testing. If he refuses, it is a red flag.

5. Avoid Shops With Multiple Units of One Model

If a shop has 10 pieces of the same model, in the same color, all looking “new,” it means the sets are refurbished or repaired stock.

6. Check Battery, Camera, Calls, and Mic

• Battery health should not be extremely low.
• Camera must focus properly.
• Make a test call and check ear speaker clarity.
• Check mic using voice notes.

7. Always Ask for a 24-Hour Check Warranty

Reputable sellers allow buyers to check the phone for one full day. If the shop refuses this, avoid buying.

Final Recommendation

The Pakistani used phone market is extremely risky. Unless you have strong technical knowledge and know how to fully inspect a phone, it is safer to buy a new model. If you still decide to buy used, follow all the checks listed above to avoid getting trapped in IMEI scams, WhatsApp blocking, PTA issues, and shopkeeper disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know if a phone is PTA approved?

Check using the DIRBS website or SMS 8484. Make sure both IMEIs are compliant.

Q2: Are cheap imported phones safe?

Usually no. Many of them have IMEI issues or hidden refurbishment.

Q3: Why does WhatsApp block accounts on these phones?

Because IMEI or device identifiers are tampered with, triggering WhatsApp security.

Q4: Can PTA-blocked phones be safely unblocked?

No. Only PTA can legally unblock a phone, and only after paying the required tax.

Q5: Should I trust shops offering one-hour fixing?

No. These fixes are illegal and temporary. They ruin the phone even more.

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