What does the "Console Check" page do on enforcement.xbox.com?

Question

On enforcement.xbox.com there is a page called Console Check, but it doesn't have a description. I blindly assumed it was a service that I could use to see if a console was banned on Xbox live.

When I try it out with a serial number that I have access to it merely says that I have to connect that console to the internet / Live in order to see its status using this service. At this point I'm afraid I don't see the point of the service, or that I have somehow misunderstood it. I certainly can't make any checks from a distance if it requires physical access to the hardware.

I understand that it would give no guarantees, but it would've been better than nothing if I had received a report saying "not currently banned" or something.

What is this service used for?

Update: I only read the Swedish FAQ which did not mention Console Check.

Answer 1

The main purpose of this tool is to check if a console is banned. This may be handy if you were to attempt to purchase a second hand console. Their FAQ page states this:

If you have purchased or intend to purchase a second-hand Xbox 360, you can check its current ban status by entering its serial number into the Console Check Tool. Please note that the current absence of a ban does not preclude the possibility of future enforcement action.

Lets say you were going to buy an Xbox 360 off Ebay. You have no way of knowing if the console is banned without using this tool. The seller may tell you that it isn't, but they could be dishonest with you. If the seller were to provide the serial number (preferably via picture), you could check if the console is banned or not before purchasing it.