Recipero News & Press
Recipero and its portfolio of services generate noteworthy news on a frequent basis, major news and press releases concerning Recipero are listed below.
If you have press or media enquiries please contact us.
Recipero Device Crime & Fraud Prevention: 2023 In Review
26th June 2024
At Recipero, we leverage data to combat property crime and fraud globally. As a trusted partner to law enforcement, insurers, retailers, recyclers, carriers, and individual consumers, we play a vital role in safeguarding assets and protecting revenues.
The Device Crime & Fraud Prevention Infographic provides a snapshot of our impact over the past year. From preventing bad transactions to assisting in the recovery of lost or stolen items, it illustrates how our data-driven solutions contribute to safer trading and a more secure environment for all.
You can find out more about our data sets and how we help to fight fraud and prevent crime by reading about Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
Introducing CheckMEND Australia: A New Standard in Device Checks
29th January 2024
We're excited to announce the launch of CheckMEND in Australia, a comprehensive service for checking mobile phones and other used tech. Designed for both individual and business use, CheckMEND provides detailed background checks, revealing if items are known to be stolen, lost, network blocked, or other factors that could prevent you from gaining ownership.
CheckMEND saves traders significant time, money, and perhaps reputations. Additionally, being seen to buy devices safely builds trust with those you sell to and sets responsible and reputable traders apart from the rest.
CheckMEND is also ideal for high-volume, process-critical scenarios, and our API service seamlessly integrates with point-of-sale, warehouse, and other back-office logistics systems. Making it an invaluable asset for businesses of all sizes, especially those in the recycling, retail, and reverse logistics industries handling substantial inventory.
Mark Pritchard, our director of Recipero Australia, says, "Launching CheckMEND in Australia marks our dedication to enhancing trust and transparency in device transactions, safeguarding integrity for both consumers and businesses."
Visit www.checkmend.au for more information.
Loss prevention: how to stop your assets from going 'walkabouts'
6th December 2022
It's not yet known if and how the cost of living crisis will affect crime rates generally. There has understandably been plenty of speculation though; 'desperate times call for desperate measures'. They say crime doesn't pay, but there is a booming second-hand marketplace that could quite easily convince someone otherwise, particularly if they're facing financial difficulties.
There was a 21% increase in shoplifting between March 2021 and March 2022 1. Employee theft has been steadily dropping since peaking in 2003, but 5,638 offences were still reported throughout England and Wales over the last year2.
Mobile phones, laptops and portable tech have always been lucrative items to thieves, fraudsters and even dishonest employees; they're high value, they can be turned around for cash easily and the theft can potentially go unnoticed for a long period of time, making it harder for any action to be taken.
If your business is vulnerable to items going 'walkabouts' when they're out of view, you might find it useful to read through the white paper we have just released. In it, we list the basic measures you should be taking to protect your assets, while also introducing AssetWatch, a means of going above and beyond best practice in loss prevention.
1 Usdaw, July 2022 - https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2022/Jul/Worrying-21-increase-in-shoplifting-Usdaw-calls-fo
2 Statista.com, July 2022 - https://www.statista.com/statistics/303567/employee-theft-in-england-and-wales-uk-y-on-y/
Why Sitting on the "Fence" Is Better for Business
15th August 2022
Our ecosystem of product solutions is critical to tens of millions of transactions every year. In the UK alone, we prevent over £40m worth of stolen property from changing hands each month.
As our COO, Les Gray wrote in his piece for Loss Prevention Magazine recently, ‘If there is no market for stolen goods, there is simply no benefit to the thief in stealing. We will likely never eliminate that market, but with co-operation, we can significantly reduce it to benefit us all.’
Les’s article details how the ecosystem works to detect and prevent crime, providing some case studies on one of our solutions, AssetWatch which protects some of the world’s biggest companies from acquisitive crime.
You can read the rest of Les’s article on pages 28-29 of Loss Prevention magazine’s summer issue here: http://digital.thelpportal.com/43
Immobilise awarded Loss Prevention Standard 1224
31st March 2022
Immobilise is proud to have been awarded Loss Prevention Standard 1224. This is a secure asset register standard and Immobilise is the only register that supports all types of property, to hold this certification. Register bikes to blu-rays, golf clubs to games consoles at immobilise.com . Registration provides maximum protection from second-hand trade and maximum visibility to police and insurers, all working together to reduce theft.
New AssetWatch Checkmark Provides a Clear Message to Fraudsters!
28th July 2020
Recipero are delighted to announce the availability of the AssetWatch Checkmark. Millions of articles are already protected by AssetWatch and the new Checkmark provides a clear, consistent signal to fraudsters that our clients’ property is being actively prevented from unauthorised sale. Full integration of AssetWatch with police systems, responsible second-hand traders and public due-diligence services ensures the widest possible picture of an article’s movements.
Use cases include stock leakage detection, rental or finance default potential, forward and reverse logistics losses, fraudulent claims for non-delivery and even employee theft. Overt messaging with the Checkmark lets potential bad actors know that stealing an AssetWatch customer’s property is no easy way to make money.
AssetWatch can deliver benefits for all businesses who manufacture or sell serial numbered articles or supply goods to employees such as laptops and phones. No obligation AssetWatch trials are available so you can see the ROI before you commit.
If you’re an existing AssetWatch customer and would like to use the Checkmark please contact us or your service representative directly. To read more about the AssetWatch service or Checkmark please visit our AssetWatch page.
Recipero Prevents Criminals From a Gain of £35M
7th May 2020
“It’s been widely publicised that criminals have exploited the vulnerable during the pandemic and will continue to do so. When lockdown restrictions ease and we all begin adapting to the new normal, their activities will continue to exploit consumer behaviour. Recipero’s Crime Reduction Ecosystem provides accurate, efficient data to minimise and prevent theft, loss and dishonesty. We prevented criminals from a gain of £35m before lockdown and will prevent even more going forwards.”
- Andrew Kewley, Head of Policing Solutions at Recipero
Read more about Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
Secured By Design Renewal of Recipero Products
8th April 2020
Recipero are delighted to announce the renewal of our Secured By Design membership covering all of our products.
Secured By Design is an official Police security initiative that seeks to identify products and services meeting the highest standards of security and impacts on crime.
Our SBD membership page lists our wide range of Asset protection services and products.
Read more about Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
TransUnion UK Sells Recipero to Management Team
24th January 2020
TransUnion has sold its Recipero business – which operates in both the UK and US – to its current management team.
The management buyout represents a return to independence for Recipero which was established in 2000 and has enjoyed consistent success providing data solutions to detect and prevent theft and fraud in the world's mobile device communities.
“We’re very pleased to have agreed to this buyout with Recipero’s current management team, since the business no longer aligns with our global model,” said Satrajit “Satty” Saha, CEO of TransUnion UK. “With their experience in the business spanning two decades, and a track record of success, we’re confident that the company will continue to thrive. We will be working together in the future and wish them success in this exciting new chapter.”
TransUnion will continue to offer fraud and ID solutions using state-of-the-art technology, to help clients verify more customers and reduce the risks of fraud.
Recipero chief operating officer Les Gray said: “Having established a loyal client base over the years, spanning both public and private sector, we will continue to operate as we do currently, without any disruption. We welcome the opportunities that lie ahead for us as an independent business as we move into 2020.”
Steve Shepherd, Recipero’s chief technical officer added: “We’re looking forward to this exciting new start and will be developing our offerings to support crime reduction and due diligence as we embark on a new year and a new beginning.”
Recipero provides a range of solutions for both businesses and consumers for fraud prevention, crime investigation, device due diligence and more, with the management team committed to maintaining and enhancing their products and services.
Recipero starts the integration into TransUnion
12th July 2018
Now Recipero is formally part of TransUnion after being acquired by the leading global risk and information solutions provider last month (19th June), there will be a phased approach to changing our appearance which we expect to complete by the end of the year. Becoming part of TransUnion is an important step in making it easier for companies to do business with us, both domestically and internationally, by providing access to greater expertise across global markets.
What does it mean for you?
During this time of change, our priority remains on continuing to deliver the excellent level of service and insight that our customers have grown to expect.
As the phased integration process continues, you will start to become familiar with TransUnion which already has a presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The company will be referred to as ‘Recipero, Now part of TransUnion’ during the initial stage, as reflected in the logo.
If you have any questions about the acquisition and integration process, please reach out to your account management team or for more information you can click here
We look forward to bringing you further news as our integration journey continues throughout the year.
How can the NMPR help with police investigations?
31st May 2018
Imagine a scenario where you’ve seized the mobile phone, tablet, laptop or other digital device in the course of your investigation. You’ve downloaded the contents or interrogated the device for evidence. With any luck, you’ve found something to assist you to seek well-earned justice for the victim in the case, but why stop there…
Tap the IMEI or serial number into the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR) which has a wealth unique data drawn from the Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem. To find the IMEI on any phone dial *#06#. Device data collected from various sources starts to form a picture of the device’s history and provides intelligence that can reveal more about the device itself than the contents of it, helping you make more of every lead.
We have helped to join the dots for a wide range of use cases and investigations ranging from all different types of crime, missing persons, organised crime, custody suite checks on property in the possession of detainees and many others.
If you are interested in finding out more about the ways the NMPR can help make you more efficient in the fight against crime then please get in touch. We recently helped North Wales Police with a week-long force-wide training roadshow which has already started to yield positive results.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to working with you soon!
Andrew Kewley
Police Business Development Manager
Data disconnect: marketers struggling to understand their customers
17th January 2018
Despite increased sophistication in how data is being collected and used, new research by Callcredit Information Group has revealed that marketers are struggling to really understand their customers' needs and expectations.
Whilst almost two-thirds (65%) of marketers believe that smart marketing has helped them outperform the competition, the 'So you think you know your customers?' report revealed that marketers may not have as clear a view of their customers as they think. In fact, 47% of marketers believe that more than half of their customers have a very high understanding of how companies use their data. But in reality, less than one in ten (9%) consumers feel this way.
The research uncovered a number of further significant differences in what marketers believe customers think and what they actually do. Three in five marketers (61%), for example, think that consumers are frustrated with the way businesses access and use their data. In truth, fewer consumers (52%), although still a large number, say they are exasperated with this.
Similarly, a majority (81%) of marketers believe customers have become more selective about whothey allow to access their data. Whilst the number of consumers (62%) who have become stricter on this is significant, it is lower than marketers think.
This disconnect is leading to missed opportunities and ineffective marketing efforts. Whilst almost half (47%) of consumers have become less likely to respond to promotions, for instance, just 30% of marketers have taken note of this trend.
Steve McNicholas, Managing Director, Credit and Marketing Data, Callcredit Information Group, commented: "With truly data driven businesses having the competitive advantage in today's digital environment, marketers must - first and foremost - ensure that they really understand their customers' data expectations. Without this insight, no matter how smart their tactics, marketing strategies will fall short of expectations."
When comparing this year's (2017) responses to those asked in Callcredit's 'The Data Dilemma' report last year, it's evident that marketers are using a growing number of data sources to inform their decisions. The use of internal sources such as CRM and marketing data, for example, has nearly doubled in usage - from 37% in 2016 to 67% this year (2017). Interestingly, one in five (21%) marketers still see providing clear directives based on customer data insights as their biggest challenge.
Steve McNicholas continued: "One of the main reasons marketers don't have as clear a picture of what their customers think, is because the growing number of data sources is making it difficult for them to determine what data is useful and what is not. There are a number of steps marketers can take to overcome this problem, including setting up a preference centre to ask customers how they want to be marketed to and figuring out what data actually improves the effectiveness of their efforts. As understanding their customers will become even more critical for businesses once the General Data Protection Regulation comes into effect later this year, the time for marketers to get smarter is now."
To find out more on Callcredit's seven tips on how marketers can get smarter and improve their understanding of customers, download your free copy of the 'So you think you know your customers?' .
200 marketing decision makers with responsibility for customer insight completed an online survey in September 2017. This was supported with an online survey amongst 2,004 UK consumers. The research was conducted by London-based research agency, Loudhouse.
For more information visit: https://www.callcredit.co.uk/campaign-marketing-report
Don't get hung up with fraud this New Year and check for warning signs when buying a second-hand phone
15th January 2018
Mobile phone fraud prevention specialist, Recipero, part of the Callcredit Information Group, is urging consumers and retailers to undertake device checks when buying a second hand phone to avoid becoming a victim of fraud during the January sales and beyond.
Recipero's CheckMEND data* reveals, that the number of device checks made on second hand iPhones has almost doubled in the last four years, highlighting the growth in the size of the second hand phone market and the increased awareness amongst some consumers and retailers of ensuring the legitimacy of second hand phones.
Last January there was a spike in the number of iPhone checks performed via the Recipero CheckMEND service. More than 1.3 million checks took place (more than 400,000 up on the month before) and Callcredit's analysts are expecting upwards of two million at the start of 2018.
Mark Harman, Managing Director of Recipero, said: "Even though our findings highlight that there has been an increase in second hand iPhone device checks, fraud is prevalent in what is a market for increasingly expensive devices. Latest ONS crime figures , compiled from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, show 401,000 mobile phones were reported as stolen in the 12 month period ending March 2017. It's important that consumers and retailers take the necessary precautions and check the history of a device."
The Recipero data also revealed a surge in the number of searches on the CheckMEND database following the introduction of new iPhone models - as it shows the number of device checks being performed increasing by over a third (36.6%)** in the period after a new release.
Mark concluded: "A check on a second hand phone includes a device life history that starts at the point of manufacture, through ownership changes, right up to it being recycled. The device is checked against IMEI, a phone's unique reference number, loss and theft reports and police crime reports in the US and UK, insurers title information and settled claims. These checks provide information which will flag up (red) in a CheckMEND report if the device is compromised, helping to protect those purchasing a second hand phone from acquiring a lost or stolen device."
Learn more about CheckMEND
For further information please contact us
*Based on CheckMEND UK data of number of checks made on iPhones each month from Jan 2014- Dec 2017 inclusive. Taken from the Recipero database which is part of the Callcredit Information Group.
**Based on the average number of CheckMEND iPhone device checks two months prior to a new iPhone launch and the average for the two months following.
Jack McArtney presents at the Wireless Repair Expo: Do IMEI checks matter? Enabling hassle free activation, maximize residual value
15 August 2017
‘The Wireless Repair Expo 2017’, the official partner of Mobile World Congress, Americas, is just around the corner!
Running from 12-14th September and offering 12,000 square feet of exhibitors showcasing best of class in wireless repair. The Wireless Repair EXPO will offer live hands-on training and business owner’s workshop sessions onsite. Learn techniques on how to support and improve your business.
On the 12th September Jack McArtney, the VP Industry Relations for Recipero and leading innovator in mobile device fraud and theft will be presenting between 4-5pm.
Jack will be discussing how to improve confidence in buying and selling smartphones by using Recipero’s ecosystem of reliable operators, resellers, consumers and law enforcement showing you how the industry could save billions and strengthen reliability of IMEI data on lost, stolen, blocked or blacklisted phones.
Then join us for a cocktail party to round up the event and network with people in the know.
The Wireless Repair Expo 2017 is being held at the Moscone Center, 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
For further information please contact us or visit the following site for additional event details: http://www.wirelessrepairexpo2017.com/
Recipero aligns with Callcredit’s new brand
17th July 2017
Since Recipero’s acqustion by Callcredit, the Group has continued its impressive growth through sales expansion and international acquisitions.
Furthering the growth and transformation of the group, Callcredit have today unveiled a fresh new brand along with a compelling strategic focus that provides a blueprint for continued development as well as a new visual identity which builds on the concept of empowering information.
Building on shared synergies, Recipero is benefiting greatly as part of the Callcredit group, working to integrate both companies’ unique solutions and accelerate growth of the group’s fraud and protection solutions.
Aligning with the group transformation Recipero has also adopted a new look that complements the new Callcredit brand reflecting the interconnected nature of the Group.
Callcredit’s new look brings with it a set of principles which will be fundamental to our Group’s offering and continued growth:
- Relentlessly innovative: constantly delivering better ways of solving problems and serving clients
- Deeply curious: hunters and gatherers of insight
- “People” people: we strive to be easy to do business with, and know that at the start and end of every data point are people with real lives and goals
- Ironclad integrity: our business does best when it does good
To see the new Recipero branding and website visit www.recipero.com or for more information on the Callcredit Group brand visit www.callcredit.co.uk
Callcredit Information Group Acquires Recipero to Accelerate the Execution of its Fraud and Identity Protection Strategy
27th September 2016
Recipero is pleased to announce that is has been acquired by Callcredit Information Group in a deal designed to accelerate the growth of the company’s fraud and identity protection strategy.
Recipero has built one of the world’s largest proprietary databases containing detailed information of the history and ownership of mobile devices. The business delivers over 5 million reports each month that enable retailers, recyclers, insurers, traders, the public and law enforcement to make informed decisions.
Mark Harman, Recipero CEO, said:
"Becoming part of Callcredit Information Group is a perfect fit for our business and provides a unique opportunity for Recipero to build on its UK success. This also signifies a step change in our ambitions allowing us to accelerate our plans to expand our capabilities and scale the US business where we have already established a strong base.”
Recipero’s technology is used to detect and prevent mobile device theft and fraud; comply with legislation around the handling of secondary-market mobile device transactions; and assess whether a device can be activated on a particular mobile network.
Mike Gordon, CEO, Callcredit Information Group, said:
“The acquisition demonstrates our commitment to expanding our fraud and identity protection capabilities and will accelerate growth, provide the opportunity to develop unique, new offerings for our customers and support overseas expansion through Recipero’s US footprint.”
Chris Green, Chief Commercial Officer, Callcredit Information Group, said:
“The explosion in use of mobile devices for financial transactions, means mobile devices present the biggest, single point of failure for identity theft and fraud. If your phone is stolen, a criminal has everything they need to access your digital identity, including personal, sensitive and financial information.
Recipero offers a natural extension to our existing fraud and identity protection solutions and has a number of products that will be embedded into many future solutions.”
Recipero will be combined into Callcredit’s existing fraud and identity protection solutions business, where the integration of products and solutions will enable Callcredit to bring differentiated solutions to its customers. Recipero and Callcredit operate in sectors which are complementary to each other, including, mobile network operators, retailers, mobile electronics recyclers, insurers, logistics and finance companies, device repair shops, warranty providers and law enforcement agencies.
About Callcredit Information Group
www.callcredit.co.uk
Callcredit Information Group specialises in database marketing solutions, credit referencing and software analytics and fraud, and is an expert in managing consumer data for businesses across every sector. The Group is structured into four divisions, Credit Solutions, Marketing Solutions, Software, Analytics and Fraud, and Consumer Markets. Callcredit focuses on developing innovative products and services across these divisions to help businesses make smarter and informed decisions throughout the customer lifecycle.
Founded in 2000, the Group includes the UK’s second largest credit reference agency (CRA) and employs approximately 1,000 professionals across Leeds, Kent, Bath, London, Warrington and Stockport, and also has offices in Japan, China, Dubai and Lithuania and agents working across international markets. In 2014 Callcredit was acquired by private equity business, GTCR. In a first for UK consumers, in 2011 Callcredit launched Noddle (www.noddle.co.uk), the free-for-life credit reporting and scoring service with no hidden fees or 30-day trial periods, which now has more than two million customers. This service helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score and protect against fraud and identity theft.
Recipero’s online lost property service Report My Loss launches across the U.S.
04th July 2016
Recipero is pleased to announce the launch of its online Report My Loss service throughout the U.S.
July 4th means lots of celebrations, parties and events across the country – it is also a massive day for lost property.
Losing valued possessions is enough of a problem. Reporting it should not add to the inconvenience, cue Report My Loss.
Report My Loss is a simple online tool that does exactly as its name implies, enabling people to easily report all types of lost property including cellphones, jewelry, tools and more.
If you’ve ever lost something, you are all too familiar with the hassle involved in dealing with it – firstly working out when, where and how the loss happened, then trying to find out who you should report it to.
Traditionally, where reports were even possible, they’d be taken locally by police or lost property offices and that’s where they’d stay – locally. If your lost item was recovered in the next town or precinct the chances of a report being matched up with an item was very low.
As a national system, Report My Loss eliminates those historical shortcomings and seeks to join the dots between finding agencies and lost property owners.
Why does it work? The short answer – it's part of Recipero’s Crime Reduction Ecosystem which means many police and other agencies that recover property are already searching Report My Loss records as part of their property investigation processes.
What does it cost? A single report is just $5.95.
Why pay? Good question, there are ways to report losses free but you need to ask yourself some important questions like, how likely are they to help recover my valued possessions? is my data secure? will the report help prevent trade? is the report shared with police?
Report My Loss delivers on all these needs, plus many other benefits that have been well proven in the UK, where it's used thousands of time each month, dramatically increasing repatriation rates, while delivering considerable time and resource savings for the public and police.
The U.S. loss reporting site is already live at: www.reportmyloss.com
Further information:
Report My Loss website: www.reportmyloss.com
Report My Loss corporate information: Recipero Report My Loss information
Recipero’s CheckMEND goes mobile to help protect mobile device traders!
13th May 2016
Recipero are pleased to announce the global launch the new CheckMEND website. The new mobile friendly design helps CheckMEND users run real-time reports to avoid trading stolen phones and mobile devices, regardless of location or access-device.
Launched simultaneously in the US, UK and EU the new responsive site has been well received by CheckMEND’s extensive footprint of users which include national consumer electronics retailers, international recyclers, traders and the public.
CheckMEND produces real-time history reports based on comprehensive data published into Recipero’s Device Service Bureau by numerous organizations covering mobile networks, retailers, police, insurers, lease providers and the public.
Reports are delivered instantly to aid buying/selling decisions, helping CheckMEND users avoid financial loss, legal implications and hassle that’s often associated with handling devices with questionable backgrounds!
The service doesn’t stop there either; CheckMEND Status Change Alerts are a powerful feature that helps mitigate issues that can occur when a smartphone or other mobile device is reported as lost or stolen after a check is performed!
For more information about CheckMEND’s features, how it creates savings for customers, helps Police provide Safe Trader Schemes, and aids compliance with the Recyclers Code of Practice please read the corporate CheckMEND information on this site or go to: www.checkmend.com
Amtel Wireless Minimizes Device Shrink with Recipero's StockWatch
Dallas TX - April 18th, 2016
Amtel Wireless, T-Mobile's sixth largest dealer network, today announced that Recipero's StockWatch Program has produced a better than expected ROI for the Amtel Loss Prevention Group.
Recipero's StockWatch subscription service enables retailers to monitor their unsold inventory by creating custom alerts from activity from Recipero's global Device Service Bureau. Recipero's Device Service Bureau is the industry's leading provider of stolen and lost device notification, as well as device activation status and history. It manages over 5 million inquires per month from mobile operators, device traders, recyclers, mobile insurance providers and law enforcement agencies.
Amtel's participation in StockWatch creates awareness that their unsold inventory has been published in the Recipero Device Service Bureau, and is being continuously monitored, so cannot be traded or sold. This helps law enforcement to combat in-store theft, organized crime, and local gang activity.
Robert Sanchez, Director of Amtel Operations/Loss Prevention says
"StockWatch has completely changed how we look at mobile device monitoring. It has enabled us to change the culture, to enhance our "perception of control" by allowing us to be able to highlight the various tools we use to monitor and detect for theft. As we plan for future store growth, training new team members about Recipero and StockWatch will become standard operating practice. Knowing that we are actively monitoring each and every IMEI in our system has enabled us to drive home the message - think twice before taking the device. "
The StockWatch solution complements Amtel's existing Audit & Compliance program and is an early warning system. It also works to reduce the value to the fraudster in possession of the device, by reducing its value to the second-hand trader. StockWatch can be used in conjunction with and to supplement existing fraud measures of mobile device dealers.
Sanchez added
"Within the first 45 days of subscribing to StockWatch , we recovered a batch of iPhones that had been stolen from inventory. The ROI didn't just stop after the first 45 days, we are still getting information on devices monitored by StockWatch involved in other investigations. A final point, StockWatch has enabled me to broaden my networking base with other professionals that have resulted in employee dishonesty investigations and other contacts with a great team working mindset. It's been a great investment!"
David Dillard, Recipero's Managing Director of the Americas,
"We are excited that Amtel was able to quickly validate the ROI associated with their StockWatch subscription. Together with partners like Amtel, we continue to mitigate against the theft of unsold inventory."
Further information:
Amtel: http://myamtel.com
Recipero StockWatch: Recipero StockWatch
Recipero's US Cell Phone Crime Statistics in 2016 so far..
22nd March 2016
2016 has already been a busy year for Recipero resulting in our connected device fraud and theft intelligence solutions producing some very interesting statistics.
A more detailed report will be published at the end of Q1, for now though here are some significant facts you might find interesting.
A print optimized version of these stats is available here.
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In the first two months of 2016, Recipero provided intelligence on transactions involving over 10 million devices globally.
31% of devices reported stolen were NOT blocked by operators.
The Apple 6, 6s and Samsung S6 were the most stolen phones in the US in the first quarter of this year.
Day 48 is the most likely day after taking out a lease or rental contract that a user of a device will decide to sell it for cash and stop the installment payments.
7% of devices that are blocked when an insurance claim is made for loss or theft are unblocked within 30 days.
5% of devices offered for sale or trade-in at retail were reported as lost or stolen.
4% of accidental damage or breakdown warranty claims were actually made on devices that had been reported as lost or stolen.
$2,100 is the price that a stolen Apple iPhone 6 sells for in some Eastern European countries.
Through our global reach, we have seen US stolen devices turn up in some far-reaching places including; Vietnam, Poland, Denmark, Jamaica, Romania, Spain, Mexico, Italy, South Africa and Colombia.
A print optimized version of these stats is available here.
To keep up to date with future news and releases like this please sign up to our newsletter.
Recipero appoint David Dillard to accelerate development and rollout of connected-device intelligence solutions across America
18th March 2016
Recipero is delighted to announce the appointment of David Dillard as Managing Director - Americas.
David joins Recipero with a reputation for extending mobile technologies across multiple platforms with revolutionary revenue models that cover banking, media, entertainment, real estate, and retail. Over the past 20 years he has held senior positions at Verizon Wireless, Uni-Mobile, Advertising.com, Point.com, and Sprint PCS. This experience will assist Recipero’s continued development across enterprise, Government and consumer channels.
Recipero, the connected-device industry's trusted 3rd party, are device-led data experts delivering critical and timely intelligence to the wireless industry, insurance companies, law enforcement and retailers and recyclers. Solutions focus on with fraud prevention, transaction verification, device due-diligence, crime investigation and device ownership registration.
Providing a "clear title" for buyers and sellers of connected-devices, Recipero solutions work to ensure a smooth carrier re-activation experience. Consumers and enterprises have lost confidence in buying or selling a used cell phone due to the growing issue of a device being blacklisted when it has been lost or stolen or has an outstanding contract/lease against it.
Recipero provide connected-device history reports that reveals if a phone, tablet or other mobile device has been lost, stolen or is associated with an unsatisfied lease or contract.
Recipero has aggregated over over a billion data records over the past 15 years which drives over 5 million inquires per month from law enforcement, consumers and enterprise. Users include Sprint, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Brightstar, Assurant, GameStop, Gazelle and Ingram Micro.
Mark Harman, Group CEO Recipero, said:
"I am delighted to welcome David to our US team. We are excited about continuing our investment into building a carrier-grade team to service many of the US and Americas biggest businesses. David's understanding of the wireless landscape and experience working in and with carriers will be invaluable as we accelerate US growth."
David Dillard, Managing Director - Americas, said:
"I'm joining Recipero at a very exciting time as the connected device industry is starting to wake up to the increasing costs of fraud and crime. Recipero have created a powerful platform that I am looking forwarding to rapidly developing and expanding the footprint of users."
Pawnbrokers step up fight against crime with Recipero's CheckMEND
16th March 2016
The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) took another step forward in the fight against crime when it agreed to work closely with Recipero to benefit from and contribute to the Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
The NPA have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Recipero, to help facilitate provision of our CheckMEND history reporting service – enabling pawnbrokers across the UK to check that items being offered to them have not been reported lost or stolen.
National Pawnbrokers Association Chief Executive, Ray Perry, said:
"This is yet another step by pawnbrokers to help the police to crack down on crime".
"We endorse the ‘Gold Standard’ whereby pawnbrokers check for ID and use UV lights to check for forensic property marking".
"In London, we endorse the ‘Safe Seller’ scheme where pawnbrokers keep clear records so that criminals are kept away from stores. In Scotland, we are working with the police via regular meetings of our Forum to crack down on crime. Across England and Wales, we are working with the Home Office on measures to stamp out crime".
"Now – with our agreement with Recipero – NPA members can use CheckMEND to check whether any items that enter their stores have been reported as stolen".
"All this and more demonstrates clearly that 21st century pawnbroking has a zero tolerance approach towards crime".
Les Gray, Operations Director from Recipero added:
"We are delighted to be working with the NPA and their members to help them trade safely through use of CheckMEND."
"CheckMEND, as part of Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem provides risk mitigation to NPA members and by preventing the trade of stolen goods works to reduce the incentive to steal. Integration with the Police National Mobile Property Register ensures that attempts to trade stolen property are alerted to police and insurers in real-time."
LINKS:
To learn more about the NPA please go to: www.thenpa.com
Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem services now available on G-Cloud 7 Marketplace
23rd December 2015
As an accredited government supplier Recipero’s intelligence solutions are now available to be procured by public sector agencies on the newly released G-Cloud 7 Digital Marketplace.
Making Recipero solutions available though the G-Cloud 7 Digital Marketplace opens up another route for UK law enforcement and other public bodies to benefit from the Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
For more detail please contact us or visit the G-Cloud 7 Marketplace.
SaferGems' members to benefit from partnership with Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem
04th December 2015
Recipero is pleased to announce its partnership with SaferGems, a service provided by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
Focusing initially on jewellery and watch traders, the partnership is set to dramatically improve the benefits of the SaferGems Watch Register service which helps members report and be alerted to lost and stolen items.
The Watch Register is operated by SaferGems, a joint initiative established by the BSIA in partnership with a number of prominent organizations including TH March Insurance Brokers, the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) and the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA).
In 2014 alone, over £9m worth of watches was stolen from individuals and jewellery stores, often inadvertently being sold on through the UK's wide network of pawnbrokers and second-hand jewellery traders. Intelligence gathered by SaferGems shows that watches are among the items of personal property most targeted by thieves, with jewellery shops also frequently targeted by ‘smash and grab’ opportunists and organized gangs.
SaferGems are now entering into partnership with Recipero to improve the operational capabilities of the Watch Register. SaferGems' Intelligence Officer, Simon Gardner, comments:
Whilst reviewing the operational needs and costs of providing a fast and easily accessible checking service for Watch Register, it became clear that Recipero's CheckMEND service already provided a very comprehensive service that is well proven in thousands of retail premises nationwide and with a little cooperation could incorporate the Watch Register data that we already hold.
Les Gray, Recipero’s COO said:
We're delighted to be able to incorporate Watch Register into Recipero's Crime Reduction Ecosystem. This represents real value to Safer Gems and their members and of course enhances existing cooperation with UK Police.
Steve Jupp Deputy Chief Constable with the Suffolk Police Force adds:
This collaboration is another positive step forward in assisting the Police service to work more effectively with the business industry, to identify and recover stolen property. The register is an easy to use and efficient way for officers to access information; I know it will assist in the conviction of many offenders to come.
SaferGems members will further benefit through discounted use of Recipero's CheckMEND service. CheckMEND, which forms part of many Police “Safe Seller Scheme” initiatives, enables traders of second-hand items to perform history checks to help mitigate the inherent risks of handling second-hand property.
Simon Gardner concludes:
In the long-term, the Watch Register will help to reduce crimes against the jewellery industry by making it more difficult for thieves to resell stolen watches without getting caught.
Further information:
The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see www.bsia.co.uk
The SaferGems team, which has links to all the UK police forces; Co-ordinates data from the trade on incidents and suspicious events; Sends alerts to members of the NAG, the BJA and those insured via T H March; Co-ordinates data across police forces to improve identification and conviction of criminals. Learn more at: www.safergems.org.uk
Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem expands to the Netherlands
24th August 2015
We are pleased to announce that the full Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem is now available in the Netherlands. This will allow the public and organizations that buy and sell mobile phones to trade with confidence.
The Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem is set for a rapid rollout as part of a joint venture between Recipero and PortingXS. The joint venture named ReciperoXS is already starting to help Dutch customers avoid the costs of handling compromised devices, protecting consumers and business alike from the costs of crime.
The Dutch focus will initially be on:
- CheckMEND (aka TelefoonCheck)
- ClaimsCheck
- The Police NMPR system and
- Immobilise Property Register
In the UK and the US, these services have proven to be highly effective in identifying and reducing mobile device crime.
PortingXS headquartered in the Netherlands, is a well respected provider of IT and Telecoms solutions throughout the world. Like Recipero, PortingXS has been established for 15 years and so brings a wealth of experience and connections that will help benefit both existing and new users.
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero said;
The expansion of our Ecosystem to the Netherlands is a great step for Recipero. The speed of rollout has been testament to the great synergies between Recipero and PortingXS. This has enabled our teams to translate and adapt our solutions to benefit Dutch consumers, businesses and law-enforcement.
Ronald Vlasman, CEO of PortingXS said;
The platform, consisting of valuable information about mobile phones and other electronic devices, will be the link between consumers, retailers, police, insurers, banks and recyclers.
Links to Dutch websites:
ReciperoXS company website (NL)
Immobilise Property Register website (NL)
Recipero Announces Partnership with Carolina West Wireless to Guard Against Theft and Trade of Stolen Devices
19th August 2015
Recipero, a partnering member of Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), has announced that it is collaborating with Carolina West Wireless, the premier wireless carrier serving western North Carolina, to help prevent the trade and sale of stolen smartphones, including Carolina West Wireless devices.
Carolina West Wireless, a CCA carrier member, has signed on to deploy Recipero’s CheckMEND, StockWatch and FraudWatch solutions, part of Recipero’s powerful Crime Reduction Ecosystem that helps detect mobile devices that have been lost or stolen.
The use of Recipero’s CheckMEND solution will help safeguard both customers and employees from criminal activity, StockWatch monitors retail and logistics environments providing early indication inventory theft, while FraudWatch targets the growing problem of contract fraud /credit muling – helping to reduce the personal and commercial impact of crime.
In addition, consumers and law enforcement officials alike will have access to Carolina West Wireless data on lost or stolen devices through Recipero’s CheckMEND and Police NMPR solutions.
Show more...CheckMEND is the most complete international listing of lost and stolen mobile devices available, comprised of data from major wireless carriers and law-enforcement entities globally. Using the CheckMEND tool, Carolina West Wireless can more effectively identify smartphones that have been lost or stolen and prevent them from being accepted into its buyback program.
I am pleased that Carolina West Wireless and Recipero have formed a strategic partnership to protect Carolina West’s subscribers and their property
said Steven K. Berry, CCA President & CEO.
Protecting subscribers’ investments in their devices is a priority for CCA’s members, and I am delighted that Recipero is providing our carriers a solution to reduce mobile device theft and resale. As the Federal Communications Commission and state regulators continue to think about the problem of mobile device theft, I hope they will look at the example that Carolina West and Recipero are setting for the industry through this solution that allows the carrier to build loyalty and protect its customers.
Greg Post, Recipero’s President, North America said,
Our partnership with Carolina West Wireless and CCA, is a significant step in addressing the issue of cell phone fraud and theft. Carolina West Wireless will see the benefits or our crime reduction ecosystem, which we expect to rollout to other CCA members soon.
Slayton Stewart, CEO of Carolina West Wireless, said:
We recognize the growing negative impact of device theft and fraud in our industry
We are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect our customers’ against the potentially harmful financial impact of this type of activity. By deploying the solutions from our new partnership with Recipero, we will minimize this risk while protecting our customers’ financial interests.
About Carolina West Wireless
Carolina West Wireless was formed in 1991 and is owned by a partnership consisting of Skyline Telephone, Surry Telephone and Wilkes Telecommunications. Headquartered in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Carolina West Wireless provides its customers in ten (10) western NC counties with innovative technology including data and mobile services, the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide national coverage. For more information, visit www.carolinawest.com.
About CCA
CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s more than 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.competitivecarriers.org.
Jack Wraith MBE, appointed as Recipero's UK Government & Regulatory Affairs Adviser
11th May 2015
We are pleased to welcome Jack Wraith MBE to Recipero as Government and Regulatory Affairs Adviser. As people familiar with the telecoms industry will know, Jack has extensive experience in the area of telecommunications fraud and risk and has held several lead roles most recently as CEO of TUFF (the Telecommunications United Kingdom Fraud Forum).
Jack has also served as Chair of The Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum (MICAF), and former Executive Secretary to the Communications Crime Strategy Group (CCSG). In tandem with these roles Jack has also acted as Chairman to a number of fraud and crime related committees within the UK, including Joint Chairmanship of the ACPO Telecommunications Data Communications Group.
Show more...Jack’s role at Recipero is to lead liaison with Government, regulators, law enforcement and mobile operators to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to mobile device fraud and criminality is adopted and maintained.
Mark Harman, CEO Recipero said:
Our on-going liaison with law enforcement and Government continues to be a fundamental part of our business in the UK, US, and other jurisdictions in which we operate.
Jack’s experience and his joining us in this important role will be integral to those on-going partnerships and reinforces Recipero’s commitment to deliver the best fraud and crime reduction solutions to the industry.
Links:
Recipero partners with CCA to help carriers identify and prevent trade of stolen devices
Denver, CO. – January 28, 2015
Recipero are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Competitive Carriers Association to help prevent the trade and sale of stolen consumer electronics, including smartphones.
Recipero CheckMEND is the most complete international listing of lost and stolen mobile devices available, comprised of data from major wireless carriers and law-enforcement entities globally. Using the CheckMEND tool, CCA members will have the ability to identify lost or stolen devices and prevent these devices from entering the carrier’s buyback programs.
In addition, CCA can help eliminate trafficking in stolen mobile devices in the U.S. and abroad by submitting the respective identification numbers of all devices that have been reported as lost or stolen into Recipero's CheckMEND database. The CheckMEND database can also be used by consumers and law-enforcement agencies to verify that a pre-owned CCA member smartphone has not been reported lost or stolen.
Show more...Consumer safety is a priority for our members, and I am delighted that CCA and Recipero have formed a strategic partnership to help preserve the safety of our members' customers
said CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry.
Giving carriers the tools they need to identify stolen or lost devices will certainly help protect their customers and build loyalty, while at the same time proactively reduce mobile-device theft and the sale of stolen smartphones in the U.S. and abroad. The CCA/Recipero effort is a practical, common-sense business solution to solve a real problem for consumers.
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero said:
CCA’s collaboration with Recipero marks a significant step in helping the industry address cellphone crime. The availability of CCA members lost and stolen device data alongside our existing datasets reinforces Recipero's reputation for delivering solutions that aim to help socially whilst providing clear commercial benefits.
Recipero's 2014 Mobile Device Crime Facts and Figures
19th January 2015
2014 was a busy year for Recipero with our customers checking over $4 Billion worth of devices using our solutions.
We have pulled a few more more facts and figures from our Crime Reduction Ecosystem that are summarised in the attached infographic "2014 Mobile Device Crime Facts and Figures”.
FCC issue clear, focused, actionable guidance to tackle phone crime.
8th December 2014
At the FCC’s Technical Advisory Committee meeting on December 4th ( FCC video – view from 39 minutes ) Chairman Wheeler shared what he will be asking industry to do to reduce levels of mobile device theft.
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Ensure that the lock/erase/restore functionalities built into many phones today is enabled by default.
This is important progress for consumers, many of whom choose not to enable such mechanisms. In future it is hoped they will have to actively choose to disable them. Consumer choice will not be restricted – but they will be protected by default. In the area of theft from consumers, such functionality is having an effect already. Changing the default configuration will ensure more consumers are protected.
Secure the unique device identifiers by ensuring they cannot be changed.
This is absolutely crucial to both the good operation of cellular networks and in the fight against crime. The practice of reprogramming is already outlawed in several countries but enforcement is virtually impossible. Making identifiers immutable at a hardware level will make circumvention uneconomical for criminals. At the same time it will ensure that existing tools such as cross-operator blocking continue to effectively contribute to the fight against device crime.
Improve use of data to stop the resale of stolen devices.
This request has three components and is the most significant recommendation. Data sharing is already used to reduce wider crimes involving corporate theft and contract fraud that blocking or ‘kill switch’ functions do not address but there are gaps that need to be addressed.
Some existing databases are slow and cumbersome
Industry needs to use the “best of breed” databases to share information.
Current systems have limitations at odds with the fast-paced world of wireless. It is clear that there is no technological barrier to having real-time data sharing between networks, law enforcement and traders. In Malaysia the Communications and Multimedia Commission has successfully implemented and will soon launch real-time blocking and information sharing between networks and other parties. The attentions of the FCC in this area should raise awareness with industry.
Industry must support law enforcement agencies in its actions
The Chairman sets the challenge “There must be an app for that!” Well, there is, of course, and it can be accessed by law enforcement officers from any smartphone, tablet or web browser at www.nmpr.com. This web application brings together databases old and new in one place that officers can use very simply. The global NMPR is used by over 80,000 police officers and staff in the UK and 75 agencies in the US are currently trialing its use. We anticipate that the FCC’s attention in this area will encourage all law enforcement agencies to explore this powerful tool.
Industry must take steps to verify that a device is not stolen when it is offered to them in trade
Some industry leaders including Sprint, Gamestop and Gazelle adopted such practices up to two years ago. They recognized that simply checking whether a phone is blocked by another network is not enough. Less than 50% ¹ of phones that are not in the hands of the rightful owner are reported to networks. Those subject to insurance claims, corporate theft, supply chain leakage, contract and rental fraud account for a massive amount of thefts that do not result in network blocking or kill switch activation. These can only be addressed by both data sharing from industry and appropriate due-diligence at the point of trade.
The Chairman’s requests to industry are clear, focused and actionable. The solutions to each challenge are available and cost effective. The wireless industry and law enforcement would do well to look closely at those solutions.
¹ As at 8th Dec 2014 US blocked phones accounts for 48.9% of the total US stolen phones that Recipero holds records of.
FCC: www.fcc.gov/events/technological-advisory-council-meeting-december-4th-2014
Gazelle: https://www.gazelle.com/press-releases?page=2
Recipero NMPR: the No.1 resource for device-led data investigation in law enforcement (video)
3rd October 2014
To help explain why the NMPR (National Mobile Property Register) is so powerful a short video presentation has been created detailing how it provides valuable, actionable intelligence as part of the Recipero Crime Reduction Ecosystem.
Show more...The Recipero NMPR provides a single location for an investigating officer to obtain an immediate history report about an item of serial numbered property.
A simple search from a smartphone, tablet or computer gives law enforcement staff real-time visibility of a mobile device’s life-history. The search results provide actionable information, speeding intelligence gathering whilst reducing the resources required for the investigation of cell phone and mobile device related crimes.
Please take a few minutes to view the Recipero NMPR information video.
For more information please go to the NMPR solution page.
Recipero, mobile device-led data and intelligence specialists, appoint Greg Post as President, North America.
16th July 2014
DENVER, CO. – July 16, 2014 – Recipero is delighted to announce the appointment of Greg Post as President, North America and at the same time the opening of new offices in Denver, Colorado.
Show more...Recipero specializes in device-led data solutions. This includes delivering critical intelligence to many organizations helping with fraud prevention, crime investigation, transaction verification, device due-diligence and registry building.
The business’ solutions include CheckMEND that is used for checking the authenticity of ownership of devices by many US retailers, cellular operators and recyclers. These include Sprint, GameStop, Gazelle and Ingram Micro.
The Patriot insurance fraud investigation tool is used by cell phone and consumer electronics insurers in the US and UK.
Recipero has a long-standing relationship with US law enforcement and has recently been invited to join the FCC’s Mobile Device Theft Working Group. Many organizations see Recipero’s solutions as key to reducing handset crime in the same way they have been used by UK police for the past ten years to great effect.
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero, said, “This is a very exciting stage of the business’ development at a time when our data solutions have a critical role to play in helping all stakeholders reduce device crime in its various forms. In Greg we have joined forces with a well-known and highly respected telecom professional who will help spearhead our development over the coming years”.
As President, North America Greg Post is responsible for overseeing the growth, operations, and business development with wireless carriers, recyclers and retailers, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies in North America.
Greg has over 20 years executive experience of telecommunications and general management experience with Fortune 100 companies and venture-backed start-ups. He has held significant and varied positions in international and domestic wireless operations, business development, marketing and sales. This experience includes executive positions with T-Mobile, Cricket, Sprint Nextel, Nextel International and AT&T.
Greg Post’s view is “I’m excited to join Recipero as they expand their operations into North America. The company offers a very important solution for wireless carriers, insurance companies and law enforcement to reduce fraud, theft and track the status of cell phones and electronics for their customers”. The company has created a valuable ecosystem in the UK that will be equally compelling in the US.”
The FCC invite Recipero to contribute to industry workshop on "Prevention of Mobile Device Theft"
17th June 2014
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have invited Recipero to contribute to the workshop on "Prevention of Mobile Device Theft" in Washington this month alongside other stakeholders such as law-enforcement agencies, manufacturers, retailers and recyclers.
Show more...Our COO, Les Gray, has been invited to discuss critical data-driven solutions alongside city police departments, the FBI, Apple, Samsung, eBay, Gazelle and the GSMA.
If you are interested in learning more please register to view the live webcast (details below). We will of course be updating our CheckMEND customers, Patriot users and other contacts after the workshop.
FCC Resources
FCC website, link to agenda and registration information:
www.fcc.gov/document/revised-agenda-workshop-prevention-mobile-device-theft
Recipero Announces Collaboration with Sprint to Help Prevent the Trade and Sale of Stolen Smartphones
20th March 2014
Carrier adds its lost and stolen device data to Recipero’s CheckMEND international stolen-property tool to create a robust device-checking process
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 20, 2014 – Recipero has announced that it is teaming up with Sprint (NYSE: S) to help prevent the trade and sale of stolen consumer electronics, including Sprint smartphones.
Show more...
All Sprint retail buyback portals now employ Recipero’s CheckMEND online intelligence tool to help identify mobile devices that have been reported lost and stolen. The agreement will also provide consumers and law enforcement greater access to Sprint data on lost and stolen phones through Recipero’s CheckMEND and law enforcement solutions.
CheckMEND is the most complete international listing of lost and stolen mobile devices available, comprised of data from major wireless carriers and law-enforcement entities globally. By evaluating all devices using the CheckMEND tool, Sprint can help further prevent smartphones that have been reported lost or stolen from being accepted into its buyback programs.
In addition, Sprint is helping to eliminate trafficking in stolen mobile devices in the U.S. and abroad by submitting the respective identification numbers of all devices that have been reported to Sprint as lost or stolen into Recipero’s CheckMEND database.
Because the CheckMEND database is available to consumers and law-enforcement agencies, consumers are now able to verify that a pre-owned Sprint smartphone has not been reported lost or stolen by running a CheckMEND report before purchasing the device. Similarly law enforcement is now able to verify the status of a Sprint mobile device using Recipero’s online tool for law enforcement.
“Preserving the safety of our customers, and preventing mobile-device-related crime by eliminating the ability to trade in stolen devices is consistent with Sprint’s mission of providing unmatched customer service,” said Jeff Auman, Sprint vice president-Product Operations. “We’re proud to enter into a new relationship with Recipero and build on our extensive work in curbing mobile-device theft and the sale of stolen smartphones in the United States and abroad.”
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero said “Sprint’s collaboration with Recipero marks a significant step in helping the industry address cellphone crime. The availability of Sprint lost and stolen device data alongside our existing datasets reinforces Recipero’s reputation for delivering solutions that aim to help socially whilst providing clear commercial benefits.”
Sprint has always maintained an internal database of lost and stolen consumer phones, and participates in an industry-wide database that tracks lost and stolen LTE devices. If a Sprint device is reported lost or stolen, Sprint will immediately disable all voice, text and data service for that device. If someone later attempts to activate that stolen phone on the Sprint network, Sprint will reject the phone as invalid.
About Recipero
Recipero is trusted by thousands of clients and data providers to securely aggregate, analyze and interrogate data. Forming part of millions of decision-making processes and transactions every month, Recipero's device-led data and intelligence solutions are provided online, in real-time, and are used globally by law enforcement, wireless carriers, insurers, recyclers, retailers and consumers. Learn more and visit Recipero at www.recipero.com or www.facebook.com/recipero or http://www.twitter.com/recipero
About Sprint
Sprint (NYSE: S) offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, during the last five years. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DSJI) North America in 2011, 2012 and 2013. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
Recipero launches US CheckMEND Charter to cut cell phone crime
10th January 2014
Recipero, the global experts in device-led data and analytics solutions, today have announced the launch of the US CheckMEND Charter.
Show more...
The CheckMEND Charter was created as a means of establishing an industry-led set of best practices to prevent trading of stolen consumer electronics. In addition to protecting consumers and helping to avoid confusion and frustration, Charter participants pledge to actively help law enforcement agencies combat theft and fraud related to consumer electronics. Several of the US's biggest consumer electronics retail, reCommerce and recycling companies are already operating in accordance with its principles, including the leading trade-in site Gazelle.
Gazelle was the first US consumer electronics trade-in site to deploy CheckMEND and continue to demonstrate their commitment to the consumer and industry through their involvement with the Charter and its creation.
Israel Ganot, CEO, Gazelle.
"When we first entered into a partnership with Recipero to leverage the CheckMEND tool, our goal was quite simple: to prevent thieves from benefiting from stolen consumer electronics, the new CheckMEND Charter takes this a step further, not only ensuring that Gazelle will never pay a consumer for a device that has been reported as lost or stolen, but to also ensure law enforcement agencies can more effectively combat consumer electronic device theft.
The CheckMEND Charter is a voluntary scheme, open to trade users of CheckMEND who agree to abide by its principles. In support of the Charter and its members, Recipero's experienced CheckMEND team act as a trusted third party to help troubleshoot any issues that consumers may encounter with devices that are rejected.
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero, commented:
"The adoption of the US Charter is something we have been working toward for several months. Our experience of the implementation of similar schemes in the UK has demonstrated that voluntary codes of practice such as this Charter have a measurable impact on mobile device related crime, results that we believe can be replicated in the US."
More details on the requirements for Charter members is available online: www.checkmend.com/us/charter.
CheckMEND is delivered online in real-time and is a cutting-edge analytics tool used to more accurately detect lost and stolen consumer electronics. The database is the most complete listing of devices available, comprised of data from major wireless carriers and law enforcement entities globally.
The CheckMEND service assists everyone from eBay users to mega retailers and recyclers like Gazelle to avoid lost, blocked and stolen devices.
About Recipero
Recipero (www.recipero.com) is trusted by thousands of clients and data providers to securely aggregate, analyze and interrogate data. Forming part of millions of decision making processes and transactions every month, Recipero's device-led data and analytics solutions are provided online, in real-time, and are used globally by law enforcement, wireless carriers, insurers, recyclers, retailers and consumers.
About Gazelle
Gazelle is the nation’s leading consumer electronics trade-in site, providing an easy, fast and safe way for consumers to get cash for their unwanted devices. For more information on Gazelle and its participation in the CheckMEND Charter, visit: www.gazelle.com
CheckMEND celebrates its 5th Anniversary in the US
11th December 2013
Recipero is proud to be celebrating CheckMEND's 5th year of providing North America's most reputable cell phone and mobile device history checking service.
Show more...
The past 5 years have seen a great deal of change in global recommerce markets. This incredible growth has being driven by continual consumer demand for the latest and greatest mobile devices, which in turn has led to an ever-increasing number of second-hand devices being traded.
Environmental factors and regulatory issues have also been key drivers in how the market has developed for providers of trade-in and recycling programmes, all of which have resulted in soaring demand for CheckMEND.
CheckMEND's commitment to the market has earned its reputation as a trusted third party and its service has become an embedded part of millions of transactions each year.
- For retailers, recyclers, and other businesses handling second-hand devices, use of CheckMEND helps traders avoid lost, blocked and stolen devices, ensures compliance, and has a record of strong ROI.
- For consumers using eBay, Craigslist or any other re-sale marketplace, a CheckMEND report can not only indicate a device's current status, it also reports on other factors that can influence its value.
- For Police and law-enforcement agencies, working with CheckMEND can cut investigation time, reduce costs, and contribute to the reduction of personal property crime.
Gazelle, a leader in consumer electronics trade-in was CheckMEND's first U.S. customer. Matt Rowe, VP General Counsel at Gazelle said:
"Gazelle has experienced greater than 100 percent growth in volume for the past several years. With increased volume comes an increase in attempts to trade stolen devices. CheckMEND helps protect our business from that risk and better serve our customers."
Mark Harman, CEO of Recipero the provider of CheckMEND, commented:
"The U.S. is currently our largest and fastest-growing market. To meet this need 12 months ago we committed investment in all areas of the service particularly in hardware infrastructure, software architecture, and support systems. Our investment ensures CheckMEND is extremely well placed to meet the high-volume, high availability needs of our U.S. clients today and in the future. It is fantastic that this has already been recognised by some of the U.S.'s largest organisations"
Today CheckMEND assists everyone from eBay users to mega retailers and recyclers like GameStop and Gazelle avoid lost, blocked and stolen devices.
GameStop has more than 4,200 U.S. stores, all of which have an active smartphone trade-in program. CheckMEND is a key part of their in-store process where speed and reliability is critical.
Sean Cleland, Director of Recommerce at GameStop said:
"Integrating the Recipero CheckMEND technology with our POS systems and refurbishment facilities was simple and efficient. Their product is an integral part of our efforts to protect our customers and be in full compliance with local regulations."
Notes for Editors
CheckMEND is provided by Recipero, a company trusted by thousands of data providers to securely aggregate, analyse and interrogate data. Recipero's data and analytics are used globally by law enforcement agencies, wireless carriers, insurers, recyclers, retailers and consumers.
Links:
CheckMEND: www.checkmend.com
Recipero: www.recipero.com
GameStop: www.gamestop.com
Gazelle: www.gazelle.com
Recipero's Report My Loss service now available Nationally
October 2013
We are pleased to announce that Report My Loss has recently been expanded to encompass the whole of the UK. This will help the public and Police more effectively address the issue of recording and repatriating lost property.
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The reportMyloss service was launched a few years ago to help Avon & Somerset Constabulary more effectively handle how lost property was dealt with. The service integrates directly and in real-time with the Police’s National Mobile Property Register (www.theNMPR.com) ensuring the owners of recovered property can be quickly be identified and repatriated with their possessions.
The service successfully replaces the often paper based recording processes that still exist in many property offices. The benefits of this are numerous and significant for all parties:
- A paper based report will likely be sat in a book at the property office – Report My Loss is an online National system ensuring the items details can be searched by any UK Police force regardless of location.
- Getting to a Police station to make a report, can be a time consuming and costly process – Report My Loss is based entirely online, allowing low cost reporting at your convenience day or night.
- Many lost items need to be reported for insurance purposes – Report My Loss provides standardised and verifiable loss report numbers that insurers may accept and/or require to process a claim.
- For the Police the benefits are significant and measurable. Forming part of the National NMPR system, use of Report My Loss makes it far more likely the owner can be identified. This not only helps clear property rooms and reduces storage costs. Also importantly it removes the burden of taking the loss report from the Police force. These savings free up Police resources that can then be targeted on more important Policing duties.
For more information please see the Report My Loss Website: http://www.reportmyloss.com
Recipero recieves the prestigious ACPO Secured by Design award
June 2013
Recipero is pleased to announce that it recently received the highly regarded Secured by Design (SBD) Award for its services and products, including the Immobilise National Property Register service & products, plus linked services including the Police NMPR service, CheckMEND and Report My Loss, all of which are aimed a helping identify, investigate and deter crime and associated criminality.
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The Secured by Design Award is the culmination of many months of work that also saw Recipero become both ISO9001 (Quality Management) and ISO27001 (Information Security Management) certified.
Secured by Design is the initiative from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) that aims to reduce crime and calls for the use of services or installation of security solutions that meet police-approved standards. Businesses whose services and/or products have been certified by an accredited testing body to the specified standards, can apply for SBD membership and license to utilise the scheme's logo.
The SBD logo is the only symbol that guarantees national Police approval of a product or service, providing customers with reassurance that the solution provides a proven level of resistance to criminal attack.
Utilising SBD-accredited services and security products is a quick and simple way to ensure compliance with new guidelines. Consumers and specifiers are also recognising that SBD provides an easy route to help identify which of the many technical standards indicates a service or product is an effective crime prevention measure.
Neil Stewart, Recipero's Director of Corporate Services said:
"Gaining SBD approval for our services is a significant achievement, and demonstrates Recipero's commitment to data security and product quality. It also serves to provide Recipero's valued customers with reassurance that we continue to meet the high standards we have reputation for delivering."
For more information please see:
Secured by Design: www.securedbydesign.com
Details of ISO9001: www.british-assessment.co.uk/services/iso-certification/iso-9001-certification/
Details of ISO27001: www.british-assessment.co.uk/services/iso-certification/iso-27001-certification/
ACPO:www.acpo.police.uk
Sims Recycling Solutions integrates CheckMEND as they expand into Mobile Devices
May 2013
Sims Recycling Solutions, a global leader in electronics reuse and recycling, has announced it that it has expanded its U.S. asset management services to include mobile devices, such as feature phones, smartphones and tablets.
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Based on the most recent numbers from International Data Corp., it's clear that mobile devices, especially smartphones, have continued to erode personal computer sales. Worldwide PC shipments totaled only 76.3 million units in the first quarter of 2013, while worldwide smartphone shipments totaled 216.2 million units. Sims realises this technology shift is changing asset management practices, so the company has invested in the resources necessary to successfully manage the unique challenges associated with mobile devices.
As an extension of our existing asset management services, we have added new ones that simplify the task of managing mobile devices; stated Steve Skurnac, president, Sims Recycling Solutions, Americas.
By using our established global infrastructure, technical expertise and strategic partnerships, Sims is able to fully support the needs of those customers with broken, end-of-life or surplus devices. Our customers can be confident that the same secure, certified and environmentally sound procedures we use to process other electronics will be used to refurbish, remarket and recycle their mobile devices.
To protect its customers from two problems that plague the used mobile device market—stolen devices and fluctuating prices – Sims has signed an agreement with CheckMEND, the world's largest source of information about used electronics and developed a proprietary system called Price Base.
Through its partnership with CheckMEND, Sims can perform the due diligence necessary to assure customers that the devices the company offers for resale are legitimate. Sims has integrated the CheckMEND application into its inventory management system to automatically check cellphones and tablets when they arrive at a Sims facility. Items with negative report results will be flagged and dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The Price Base system gives Sims the ability to research every available mobile device and know its current value so Sims can competitively price used devices.
Sim Recycling Solutions: www.simsrecycling.com
CheckMEND and GameStop Partner to Strengthen Electronic Trade-in Program
May 2013
CheckMEND the world's leading due diligence service for used consumer electronics today announced it has secured an agreement with GameStop to deploy its software in all GameStop's US stores to identify devices that are not eligible for trade.
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Developed by UK-based Recipero, CheckMEND is a unique, cutting edge system that allows retailers and recyclers to proactively identify unacceptable devices and stop them from entering the supply chain.
Using data that is aggregated from over 20,000 data sources (including the FBI) CheckMEND provides access to its service to both enterprise and consumers. GameStop is the first major retailer in the US to integrate its application at point of sale. With a data warehouse containing over 150 billion records of information that is relevant to any buyer of used consumer electronics, CheckMEND is fast becoming the "go-to" data provider for this type of information.
Consumers are becoming more aware of the value that exists in their old electronics. That precipitates a need for reliable data and methods to ensure that retailers are protecting consumers. GameStop is leading the way for other retailers to follow suit.
"We are delighted that GameStop has stepped up to the forefront of consumer protection" said Adrian Portlock Founder of CheckMEND. "Our product allows GameStop to protect their customers, their associates in store and their reputable brand by deterring unwanted activity. GameStop has set the bar for other responsible retailers."
"GameStop will continue to invest in technology solutions that offer our customers the best and safest choice to buy, sell or trade video games, consoles and electronics" said Joe Gorman Vice President of Mobile at GameStop. "Working with CheckMEND, we have further enhanced our process, and we are already reaping the benefits of the service in our stores and our state of the art refurbishment center."
West Midlands Police sign up to Code of Practice to stop sale of stolen goods
January 2013
West Midlands Police are one of the first forces in the country to fully embrace a new code of practice aimed at slamming the door in the face of thieves trying to sell stolen goods.
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A Home Office Code of Practice encourages forces to get second hand stores signed up to a scheme where they check all items offered up for sale against the CheckMEND database which logs if goods have been recorded as lost or stolen.
The force have hundreds of stores such as Cash Converters, Cash Generator, Cex and other independent second hand stores signed up to the scheme and are launching it in style on 23 January with an Impact Activation Day.
On the day officers across the force will be at second hand stores, schools and shopping centres registering goods onto the immobilise database for free.
Each of the stores who have signed up check items offered for sale against the CheckMEND site. Each search generates a unique certificate number. This can be issued to a potential buyer to prove that at the time of purchase the item was not reported lost or stolen and no adverse information was recorded against it.
David Bursey from Byte size Solutions in Kings Heath, Birmingham said: "Now we can use CheckMEND we can buy items from people who come in off the street. We have been dubious about doing that in the past because we have not been able to trace the history of the item. This has opened up new possibilities in how we can conduct our business that is of real benefit to us and our customers. The more the public register their goods on immobilise, the more effective the system will be."
YouTube video explaining how the system works:
Gazelle – Leading USA consumer electronics reseller deploys CheckMEND to help identify fraud
November 2012
Gazelle, one of the USA's leading high-end consumer trade-in sites, today announced it has deployed CheckMEND, a cutting-edge tool, designed to more accurately detect potentially stolen goods, including smart phones, tablets and computers.
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Developed by Recipero, the largest Worlds largest consumer electronics background report service, the tool compiles data from all major wireless carriers and law enforcement entities across the USA, providing the most complete database of devices available. Gazelle is the first consumer electronics trade-in site to deploy CheckMend and collaborated with Recipero to tailor the product to help address the growing incidences of consumer electronics theft.
For Gazelle the introduction of CheckMEND comes at a good time with the proliferation of high-end consumer electronics theft. In fact, New York City's police commissioner recently reported that Apple products now represent more than 40 percent of stolen property in the city and San Francisco police report that nearly half of all robberies in the city in the past year have been cell phone related.
"We are dedicated to providing the best customer experience possible, and part of that promise is to protect each customer's personal data," said Israel Ganot, CEO, Gazelle.
"We always take security very seriously. With the CheckMEND deployment, we're taking this to a new level, committing not only to the protection of a customer's personal data when we receive the device, but also going the extra mile to ensure that any devices we accept are being sold by the rightful owner and to discourage and prevent theft of consumer electronics."
Recipero makes it possible to do a more thorough screening by checking a vast set of carrier and law enforcement sources for a much broader set of consumer electronics. CheckMEND is capable of comparing each inquiry against more than 150 billion records of information, including more than 50 billion items.
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