Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using SerialCheck to protect your valuables.
You can register any item that has a unique serial number, including musical instruments, power tools, electronics, bicycles, cameras, jewellery, and more. If it has a serial number, model number, or other unique identifier, you can add it to the registry to help protect it against theft.
No, SerialCheck is an independent community-driven registry and is not directly connected to any police or government database. We are a tool to help everyday Australians protect their property and make informed purchasing decisions. If your item is stolen, you should always report it to the police as well.
If someone searches a serial number that has been reported stolen, they will see a stolen alert with details about the item and the date it was reported. The person who registered the item will also be notified that a search matched their stolen listing, so they can take appropriate action.
Yes, your privacy is a top priority. Your personal contact details are never displayed publicly. When a match is found on a stolen item, communication is facilitated through the platform so your information stays protected. We do not sell or share your data with third parties.
If you have already registered an item on SerialCheck, simply log in, navigate to your item, and mark it as stolen. You will be asked to provide details such as the date and circumstances of the theft. We strongly recommend filing a police report as well and keeping your report number on hand.
Absolutely. Searching the SerialCheck database is completely free and does not require an account. Anyone can enter a serial number on the homepage to check whether an item has been reported stolen. You only need an account if you want to register your own items.
Yes, SerialCheck is free to use for both checking and registering serial numbers. Our goal is to make stolen property recovery accessible to all Australians. We believe that a free, community-driven registry is the most effective way to deter theft and help people recover their belongings.
The database is only as accurate as the information provided by our users. We encourage everyone to double-check serial numbers when registering items and to include clear photos where possible. SerialCheck is a community tool, and its effectiveness grows as more Australians register their valuables.
While no proof is strictly required to register, we recommend uploading a photo of the item and its serial number, as well as keeping your purchase receipt handy. Having this documentation strengthens your claim if the item is ever stolen and helps resolve any disputes that may arise.
Yes, businesses and organisations are welcome to use SerialCheck to register tools, equipment, and other assets. If you manage a fleet of items, you can register each one individually under your account. This is a practical way to keep track of company property and protect against workplace theft.
If you spot your stolen item listed for sale, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Contact the police and provide them with the listing details and your SerialCheck report. You should also report the listing to the marketplace platform. Having your item registered on SerialCheck with a police report number strengthens your case significantly.
When you sell a registered item, you can remove it from your account so the new owner can register it under theirs. This keeps the registry accurate and ensures the new owner can protect the item going forward. We recommend letting the buyer know the item is listed on SerialCheck so they can re-register it.