PocketESN Checks To Make Sure Your Used Phone Was Not Stolen

[Craig Horlacher]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57403739-285/buying-a-used-android-phone-use-pocketesn-first/' target='_blank'>http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39...ocketesn-first/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Buying used Android phones can save you a bunch of money, but there are a few things you should check out before forking over your hard-earned cash."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/adt/auto/1332778908.usr309.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>PocketESN is an app that will let you check to make sure a phone was not stolen or anything like that.&nbsp; For free it will check the status of the phone it's installed on.&nbsp; The paid version, for $5.99, will let you check the status of as many phones as you want.&nbsp; It requires an internet connection to work but it can be over WiFi so you can do this before activating the phone and having the police come after you for buying a stolen one.&nbsp; PocketESN should work with any CDMA Android phone.</p><p>I don't usually recommend buying used phones since these days you can usually get a good new phone for free or nearly so under contract.&nbsp; Also, with a new phone you get a new battery and that alone is sometimes worth what you pay over a used phone.&nbsp; Still, there are definitely deals out there if you're willing to buy used.</p>