How Cops Track IMEI number | IMEI numbers explained.
About this article
In this article, we will be discussing IMEI numbers and how IMEI tracking actually works and the reality behind IMEI tracking of stolen or lost phones in India.IMEI Number :
Before starting with the article, let's discuss IMEI numbers. Every phone or mobile broadband device has a unique 15 digit code, called an IMEI number. You might need to find your IMEI number if you want to unlock the device to use with other networks, or for some insurance policies. In simple terms, IMEI number is actually something that identifies the device once it is connected to any cellular network.How to find IMEI number
IMEI numbers are usually printed behind the phone and you can also find them in your phone's settings or by entering *#06# on your phone's call screen. IMEI number of dongles are printed inside the dongle or on your mobile broadband dashboard.How to track stolen or lost phones:
Let's divide it into few sections. Depending on the type of device, you can proceed further. So usually people have smartphones like Android and iOS devices and then there are featured phones something like Nokia 1250.
Featured Phone is Stolen:
How Cops Track IMEI number:
I have personally worked with cops and Let's discuss ways via which cops track your smartphone's using IMEI number. Usually, whenever you do a complaint, your complaint is taken by a writer who then forwards the complaint and IMEI number to his senior who is usually a Senior Police Inspector of the police station. This complaint is then forwarded to the zonal head or the DCP of the zone where the complaint is launched. The DCP forwards the complaint with the IMEI number to nodal officer of service providers. Service providers like Vodafone and Airtel put the IMEI numbers in surveillance mode and whenever your someone inserts a SIM in the phone, the respected police station is notified about the mobile number and the SIM owners details. Later these details are used to track the phone back.Chances of Getting The Phone Back:
There are almost 0 to 80 % chances that it might work depending on the whole circle or chain to work properly and honestly. In reality, we all know that this won't work and you should consider that you won't find your phone back.Smartphone is Stolen:
Smartphones can be tracked if they are protected before losing them or before they are stolen. There are applications in both Android and iOS which allow you to track them once they are lost but for them to work, you actually have to enable them before losing them. We have a sperate article on them and further details will be updated soon.