Computers, routers, smartphones, and more all carry serial numbers identifying that individual piece of equipment. When you flip a device over, you’ll likely see several numbers and often barcodes representing those same numbers. There will be a model number that denotes the type of equipment and is the same for every unit produced, and then the unique serial number often marked with an “S/N.”
These serial numbers are for a variety of purposes. For example, they identify your hardware if you ever need to claim a warranty. Serial numbers can also help determine if the hardware is legitimate or counterfeit. While you may have to share your serial number for warranty and tech support services, there are some reasons to keep them closely protected.
Watch Out for Fraudulent Warranty Claims
In general, you don’t have to be extremely careful with serial numbers in the same way you are with something like a credit card number. With that being said, you shouldn’t be readily sharing them every chance you get. Both the serial and model numbers potentially open you up to warranty fraud.
Basically, someone with both these numbers might be able to put in a fake warranty claim. They could order replacement parts under your warranty, potentially using it up if there are limits. It’s at the very least going to be a major issue when you call in for service, and someone else has claimed the warranty with a name and address other than yours.
The chances of someone digging through your trash for boxes to steal serial numbers are low. However, if you share serial numbers online, they can absolutely end up in the hands of the few people who engage in this kind of fraud. This is particularly true if you lost track of an internal list of serial numbers that could be used en masse.
Software Serial Numbers
Hardware isn’t the only thing you have to worry about. The software also has a kind of serial number, also called a license key. Basically, it’s a code that shows that you have the license to use that particular software. If someone gets a hold of this number before you can claim the license, they’ll be able to do so before you.
With both hardware and software, it’s best to claim licenses and warranties right away. If you don’t, you might find out someone fraudulently claimed your tech before you got around to it. It’s going to be an uphill battle to establish that you’re the rightful owner, and you could find yourself out of luck.
Maintaining Proper Data Security for Your Business
When it’s time to get rid of old devices in your office, they may contain records of hardware serial numbers and software licenses, and the device itself holds this valuable information. Even after they’re wiped, experts could still be able to recover that data or pull it straight from the single device.
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FAQs
Both the serial and model numbers potentially open you up to warranty fraud. Basically, someone with both these numbers might be able to put in a fake warranty claim. They could order replacement parts under your warranty, potentially using it up if there are limits.
Should serial numbers be kept private? ›
A fraudster or counterfeiter can sell illegal items with a valid serial number. A fraudster may, for example, use someone else's photos to sell a watch he doesn't own, and a genuine serial number would make it appear more legitimate.
Is it okay to share your laptop serial number? ›
No. While someone who gains access to your device's serial number could potentially use it for fraudulent purposes like claiming warranty service under false pretenses, they wouldn't be able to use it directly to steal your personal information like passwords or financial data.
Should you share your device serial number? ›
Are there any risks associated with sharing my device's serial number online? Yes, sharing your device's serial number online could potentially put it at risk of theft or fraud if accessed by unauthorized individuals. It's best practice not to share personal information online unless absolutely necessary.
Should serial number be hidden? ›
The primary reason to cover the serial number is if the device is stolen and you don't want to take the risk that the owner will see the serial number. Covering up the serial number makes people think you have some good reason to hide the serial number.
What can hackers do with your serial number? ›
Watch Out for Fraudulent Warranty Claims
Both the serial and model numbers potentially open you up to warranty fraud. Basically, someone with both these numbers might be able to put in a fake warranty claim. They could order replacement parts under your warranty, potentially using it up if there are limits.
Why do people remove serial numbers? ›
The main reason behind a person removing a serial number on a gun is to try and prevent police from tracing the gun to previous locations or people – untraceable firearm. The serial number links the gun to the crime committed to obtain it.
Why do people ask for serial numbers with laptops? ›
Generally, a laptop's serial number is used for identifying the device for warranty service and repairs, and it's not typically sensitive information that could lead to hacking if shared with legitimate parties.
Can someone track my laptop with serial number? ›
Absolutely, Track a Stolen Laptop with Serial Number is indeed possible.
What can you tell from a serial number? ›
Serial numbers can also contain more information about the product. The encoding can vary from company to company, but you can commonly use a product's serial number to identify its model number, date of manufacture, and even manufacture location.
Serial numbers are generally used for warranty service and repairs, but not for much else. For example, if you have an Apple product, you can use a serial number to check whether a device is still within its warranty period and whether you can purchase AppleCare coverage.
Can two laptops have the same serial number? ›
What Is a Laptop Serial Number? A laptop serial number is a unique string of numbers and letters assigned to your laptop. No two laptops have the same serial number.
Is it safe to share IMEI and serial number? ›
No, you should not share your IMEI number as it will make IMEI number tracking very easy, which is unsafe. At the same time, it is challenging for somebody else to discover the code in typical circ*mstances. But if they possess a mobile device or a cell phone box, it will be possible for them to know this number.
Is it safe to share the serial number of a laptop? ›
While the serial number (or Dell Service Tag) can be used to find the correct drivers for a device, there's not much else you can do to fix an error using the serial number. I would not give it out, as it could be used for warranty fraud.
Is a serial number private? ›
is it safe to share computer serial number to potential buyers? No. People ask because they want to enter the serial number on Apple's site to see if it turns up as a legitimate number. But crooks can also use the number to claim it's their phone, it was stolen and they want the IMEI blacklisted.
Is serial number a security? ›
This apparently trivial question turns out to be extremely complex on careful examination. Serial codes are considered secure if they cannot easily imitated by counterfeiters and if they cannot get hold of lists of valid serial codes.
Should you hide serial numbers on eBay? ›
Two things I've always recommended to sellers that sell items that have serial numbers. One: have one of your pics on the listing clearly show the Serial number. Two: In the ISBs [item specific boxes] label one Serial Number and put the serial number in the box. This is helpful to the buyer and the seller.
Can a serial number be traced? ›
Electronics manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can trace defective products using serial numbers to pinpoint the particular parts that are faulty. Within electronics, it is especially important to keep track of warranty details.
Is it safe to give out a Rolex serial number? ›
Never give away the entire serial number
The serial number is one of the best ways to determine authenticity of a luxury watch. However, if you give out the serial number, replica makers can use your watch as a model for their replicas, stamping it with the correct numbers.
