Safe to give out your IMEI number?

RastaManBob · 19 Jan 2010 at 12:15

Hi there,

I have been offered a chance to beta test a program on Android. The developer however has asked me to give a few details before I join the program. One of the details he has requested is my devices IMEI.

Can anybody give any details as to whether it is safe to share this information? Is there anything bad that could happen as a result of it? Whilst I trust the developer, I am always concerned that this data will be "somewhere" (Presumably he'll be storing it)... Could it be used in a bad way in the wrong hands?

All other information he has requested is fine.. This is my only concern.

Thank you!

Chillimonster · 19 Jan 2010 at 12:18

Have you asked why he needs it.

It could be so he could 'code' the beta package so that its traceable back to you in case of 'leaks'

Columbo · 19 Jan 2010 at 12:22

I wouldnt give anybody you dont personally know any info as critical to the phones identity as your IMEI.

Amp34 · 19 Jan 2010 at 13:03

Well I would assume they could get your phone barred from UK networks or possibly clone it to make a stolen phone work (not sure on the latter).

I guess as Chilli mentioned they/he probably wants it so he can code the program to your phone (so it won't work with another).

RastaManBob · 19 Jan 2010 at 13:07

As far as I am aware, the reason he needs it is as you've brought up - Only "enabled" phones can install/run his software.

I'm not sure if I ask for any further details from him I gain any more info - If he intends to do something (Which I am positive he wouldn't) he'd not say anyway... I'm more concerned of what *could* happen.

In the past I've given my IMEI when unlocking phones from eBay sellers and never given it a second thought... But now it's my contract phone, etc, I'm a little more cautious.

Not sure what to do!

GeX · 19 Jan 2010 at 13:12

if you're not prepared to be part of the beta test program (it involves giving out the IMEI) then don't.

Simple!

Tunney · 19 Jan 2010 at 13:59

The worst thing that could happen is that a criminal could flash your IMEI number onto their phone. But even that doesn't have a huge impact on you since network identification/billing is all done through your IMSI, not your IMEI number.

Handing out your IMEI number is 99.99% safe. In fact, any app installed on your phone can grab it with or without your knowledge anyway.

And I say this as someone who writes mobile OS telephony code for a living.

evoyear · 19 Jan 2010 at 15:52

not 100% sure, but I assume the outcome will not be that bad in the worst case it happened.

Van Diemen · 19 Jan 2010 at 19:38

They probably asked for it to tie the beta to your handset.

many apps have IMEI specific activation/keys etc.

Ronaldo · 20 Jan 2010 at 10:10

Van Diemen said:
They probably asked for it to tie the beta to your handset.

many apps have IMEI specific activation/keys etc.

What he said.

Cloning phone's IMEI on phone are not that easy these days especially on nokia which is hardcoded into chips.

say 8 years back tom dick and harry could clone your IMEI but these days would take a professional with correct hardware this = upto 5 years in prison.

=VTA=MANFACE · 20 Jan 2010 at 10:16

I don't think it will be a problem.