# Refurbished Phones - Paranoid?

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/refurbished-phones-paranoid/36758
**Category:** Questions
**Tags:** please-eli5
**Created:** 2026-04-01T23:53:58Z
**Posts:** 6
**Showing post:** 2 of 6

## Post 2 by @FranklyFlawless — 2026-04-02T01:33:58Z

> [@privacylearner](#):
>
> But could my device somehow be formerly tied to criminal activity engaged in by the former user? Perhaps as identified through the IMEI?

Yes:

> **[Hardware Identifiers - Mobile Devices Privacy and Security](https://www.kicksecure.com/wiki/Mobile_Phone_Security#Hardware_Identifiers)**
>
> Various identifiers are available to uniquely identify and locate mobile devices, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). | Mobile devices security and data harvesting. Mobile...

> [@privacylearner](#):
>
> Am I just being way too paranoid here?

That depends on your threat model.

Related:

> [@How good is a factory reset for buying used or refurbished?](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/how-good-is-a-factory-reset-for-buying-used-or-refurbished/32265):
>
> I’m thinking about picking up a used Samsung device. While I know that the likelihood of tampering in order to steal my data is low, how effect is a factory reset to making sure that my device is good to go? I’ve seen folks on here talk about buying refurbished in the context of a Pixel that will get GrapheneOS, but in the context of the average person just buying a used device. Also, if you have any additional tips on things to check for when buying used, like diagnostic tools or settings to l…

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