Frequently Asked Questions

Blacklisting works by blocking your phone’s unique number, or IMEI. If a phone is blacklisted because it is lost or stolen, it is impossible to make or receive calls or use data.

Once a phone is blocked on a mobile network it is blocked on all networks in New Zealand.

Every mobile phone or device with a built in phone or modem has a unique 15 digit International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI number. The IMEI is only used for identifying the device.

To obtain your IMEI number enter *#06# on your mobile phone. The IMEI number can also be found on the original packaging or on a white label underneath the battery of your device.

Using your phone’s unique identifying number, you can ensure your lost or stolen phone cannot be used on any network in New Zealand by requesting an IMEI block through your mobile phone service provider.

Check an IMEI number against our blacklisted database by entering the device’s IMEI number here.

Red status: this IMEI number is currently blacklisted.

Green status: this IMEI number is not currently blacklisted.

If you lose your phone or think it has been stolen, report it as soon as possible to your mobile phone service provider and they will blacklist it.

Contact your mobile phone service provider to have your phone blacklisted.

Contact your mobile phone service provider.

If the mobile phone you are using has become blacklisted, contact your mobile phone service provider Proof of phone ownership and proof of the person who requested the blacklisting, may be required.

Only the owner who reported the phone lost or stolen can request to remove an IMEI block. Proof of ownership may be required.Contact your mobile phone service provider.

If you find a phone, please hand it in at your local Police station.

If you are buying second hand, always check the status of the handset before you buy.

Things you should know about the IMEI service

Use the IMEI number check on the TCF website.

Stolen phones may be blacklisted up to 30 days after the event. Phones used in fraudulent activity may be blacklisted up to 120 days after the event as this activity may take longer to detect.

If the phone you are using has been blacklisted, first contact the seller. If you bought the device online and the seller cannot be contacted or is uncooperative report the matter to the online marketplace directly (for example TradeMe and eBay).

You can also file a complaint with the New Zealand Police.

Only the owner who reported the phone lost or stolen can request to remove an IMEI block. If the seller was not responsible for blacklisting the phone, contact your mobile phone service provider.

Handset IMEI blocking only applies to New Zealand and users must be connected to a service provider at the time of loss/theft. If you are travelling overseas and your phone is lost or stolen, New Zealand network operators cannot block it.