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SINGAPORE: From October 27, buyers of second-hand phones will be able to send a Short Message Service (SMS) to check if they are stolen.
An online mobile phone screening service, The Handphone IMEI Tracing System (HITS), was developed and launched in 2006 to deter thieves from selling off stolen mobile phones to second-hand dealers and the public.
The system uses each mobile phone's unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to identify mobile phones which have been reported stolen.
The service has been available via the internet at http://www.spf.gov.sg/epc/index.htm.
But from Tuesday, members of the public and second-hand dealers can also use SMS to check if the second-hand phones they are about to purchase have been reported stolen or lost.
For Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, Employment Pass and Work Permit holders, an SMS screening can be performed by sending "SPFHITS (space) NRIC No./FIN No. (space) IMEI No" to 74688.
For others, simply send "SPFHITS (space) Identity No. (space) O (space) IMEI No" to 74688. Normal SMS charges apply.
If the screening result is "WANTED", members of the public are advised to proceed to any Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) or Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) to lodge a Police report immediately.
Members of the public are also advised that it is an offence to retain a mobile phone that has been reported stolen or lost.
Members of the public are strongly urged to screen the IMEI number before purchasing any second-hand phones and play their part to deter crime. - CNA/de
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