Safety & Scam-Education Guide
Read this before you buy or sell a used phone in Pakistan.
Sellers: reset your phone before handing it over
Back up your data, then sign out of iCloud/Google and factory-reset the device before the meetup. It builds buyer trust and avoids disputes later.
Always verify PTA status yourself
Send the IMEI to 8484 or use the PTA/IMEI check page before agreeing to buy. Non-PTA or blocked phones are worth far less — don't rely on the seller's word.
Avoid advance-payment scams
- Never send money before seeing and testing the actual phone.
- Always meet in person and inspect the device thoroughly.
- Meet in a busy, public place — see suggested spots below.
- Follow the iCloud/FRP lock checklist — watch the seller reset the phone in front of you.
- Check the condition card on the listing matches the phone in hand — mismatches are a red flag.
Suggested safe meetup spots by city
Karachi: Dolmen Mall Clifton, Lucky One Mall, Saddar Hafeez Centre (daytime, with a friend)
Lahore: Packages Mall, Emporium Mall, Hall Road (daytime, busy area)
Islamabad: Centaurus Mall, Giga Mall, Safa Gold Mall
Rawalpindi: Al-Hafeez Mall, Mall of Raja Bazaar area (daytime)
Faisalabad: Kohinoor Mall, D Ground commercial area
Not in this list? Pick a busy mall food court or bank branch in your area — avoid isolated locations.