USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a standard communications protocol used by cellular devices to query the device's firmware or communicate directly with carrier computers. The most critical USSD command is *#06#, which, when typed into the phone's dialer, instantly queries the modem to display the hardcoded network identity (IMEI).
Experts strongly advise using this specific shortcode to verify a device's identity during an in-person meetup rather than relying on software setting menus. Using the USSD command retrieves the data directly from the baseband hardware, ensuring you aren't being fooled by modified operating system software that spoofs the settings display.
