How do you know your phone is brand or refurbished

Have you ever purchased a cell phone online that was advertised as "Brand New"' and wondered whether the phone is actually refurbished? Or have you received a phone under your cell phone insurance company that looks like new, but are still left wondering whether the phone was previously used?

We have compiled some tips for the consumer to look for to determine whether a device you've recently purchased or are thinking about purchasing is new or refurbished.

In the case of Blackberrys, every Blackberry comes equipped with an ESN number which is unique to that specific phone.

Before purchasing any phone, especially Blackberry mobile devices, be sure to ask the seller for the phone's ESN number. This will be a string of digits which you can then take to a cell phone provider (e.g. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc) and make sure the ESN has not been previously used.

If the ESN is currently in use, your mobile device is most likely refurbished. This isn't a bad thing, however. Refurbished phones save you money and save natural resources. They are generally in a condition that is indistinguishable from New.

From the Refurbished device provider, you can also check up on the Mobile's Warranty. Refurbished Cell Phones are typically sold with a standard 90-day warranty.

Inside the phone, you will find a battery. It is common knowledge that a red striped mark on the side of the battery indicates "water damage." However, this is not necessarily true. The red striped sticker is only indicative of "use." Any type of natural moisture will turn this sticker red--and is usually nothing to worry about.

Having said this, a red stripe on the battery is an almost definitive sign of a Refurbished Cell Phone.

Naturally, if your device has been sold to you as New, but exhibits minor scratches and indentations on the surface, it is usually a sure sign of a Refurbished device. This sign, however, could be hidden by new housing around the skeleton of the phone itself. Scratches and markings on the device are a clear indication of previous ownership, but many Refurbished providers have taken initiatives to make sure their phones appear as "new" and presentable as possible.

Lastly, check if the device comes in a brand new, sealed box or has been repackaged in a similar or used Blackberry box.

Again, refurbished mobiles are nothing to be wary of--but if you are indeed in the market for a NEW device, these are some important precautions to take.

Alex Gross currently works Sales and Marketing for The Blue Dot, a company that would like to bring awareness about the impacts of cell phones and the environment. Their website offers great deals on new, used, and refurbished cell phones as well as other brand name electronics. A great place to buy a Unlocked Blackberry phones and save money?