I'm buying a brand new, sealed Unlocked Droid Razr off a friend for $485.
He claims he has connections, but I won't be able to get a receipt.
I understand I won't be able to register for a warranty, which is fine by me...
But what are the chances that the phones are stolen, and might I get into trouble for purchasing it off him then?
P.S. He bought a Razr for himself last week as well.
Zadabest said:
I'm buying a brand new, sealed Unlocked Droid Razr off a friend for $485.
He claims he has connections, but I won't be able to get a receipt.
I understand I won't be able to register for a warranty, which is fine by me...
But what are the chances that the phones are stolen, and might I get into trouble for purchasing it off him then?
P.S. He bought a Razr for himself last week as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would steer clear of this one.. smells fishy.
and FWIW... yes, if you buy stolen property, you have technically 'received stolen property'.. which in some areas is considered a felony.
beyond registering for a warranty, you wouldn't be able to activate it if it's reported stolen.
Most likely, someone, made an insurance claim and never sent the 'bad one' back.. or claimed they never received the replacement.
Happens more frequently than you might imagine.
just my .02
Well the insurance claim would make sense, but remember that its brand new sealed in box... Not only that, but this isn't the ONLY device he has.
He could easily order more.
Zadabest said:
Well the insurance claim would make sense, but remember that its brand new sealed in box... Not only that, but this isn't the ONLY device he has.
He could easily order more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't mean they aren't stolen. Someone he knows may have got hold of a shipment of stolen razr's?
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Can't I just do an IMEI searchup to check the validity of the phone?
That would require me to unbox it though no? :/
Zadabest said:
Can't I just do an IMEI searchup to check the validity of the phone?
That would require me to unbox it though no? :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how it works where you are. For you to be even posting about it on here says that you have suspicions about the phone. Steer clear and buy legit.
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
You can call with the esn number and they can say if it is flagged or not. I thought all the numbers you need would be on the upc of the phone box unless that is missing.
He stuck in his old SIM card into his new phone, and it worked fine.
So I don't think it's locked.
that would not happen with a razr. the only thing the sim card slot is for is LTE so unless he is only in an ATT LTE area then that wouldnt work(unless you guys are not in the US). but yea, ask for the ESN and call and verify with VZW that it is not a stolen product. if it is clean then i would do it.
See if you can ask him to wait a few days. Even though it might not be flagged as stolen right now, it might in a few days. Depends on the person that sells it but it does look like a stolen device.
Me, I don't want the "hook up" on anything.
If I can't take it back to the store, I don't want it.
Are you willing to go to jail for a phone, well are you?
There are people out there who have friends in Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone or whatever carrier you choose. Those people sometimes get cheap stuff off of those friends.
My opinion is - you might want to check IMEI, but if it does not get flagged, just buy the phoen and sign a small buy/sell paper that will provide where you bought it from. When problems occur you will be safe.
Is this your friend? http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yj9yisLa4ao
ZolaSlo
LOL^ That's hilarious ;D
I don't think I'd ... go to jail even if I do buy a stolen phone...
I'd most definitely get that confiscated though :/
And I'm not from the US, I'm actually from Canada...
I think he's either buying and reselling from the internet, or knows somebody working at a mobile company here. (I hope so at least)
$499.99 on amazon.
Did he by chance get that phone when Verizon had their bogo sale a few weeks ago?
Related
I purchased a phone from craigslist didn't know that t mobile had a imei system and didn't have t mobile service at the time bought the phone with case phone looked brand new etc i activate phones not working turns out bad imei.
The good news is that i have the text from seller and a tmobile rep told me that he is a tmobile customer i asked if he could check if the phone was purchased on the account to check if it matched up and he told me he couldn't give me anymore information anyone know how i should go about this situation with the police?
Nothing you can do except using the phone as an ipod.
Sent From My Htc Amaze running rum+coke
Probably not much u can do especially if he included the words "as is" anywhere in the post, but if he didn't you can probably go to your local police station and file a police report and take the guy to small claims court......I think anyway.......you might want to ask Binary he's a cop he would know better then me.
will_69_67 said:
Probably not much u can do especially if he included the words "as is" anywhere in the post, but if he didn't you can probably go to your local police station and file a police report and take the guy to small claims court......I think anyway.......you might want to ask Binary he's a cop he would know better then me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well he can report it to his local police station but there's not much they can do. This is actually more of a civil action unless you can provide reasonable doubt that the seller is selling stolen merchandise. And if the post says "AS-IS" or anything similiar then you're SOL. You can try to contact Craigslist and report the seller for selling stolen merchandise. They might cooperate with you to take the seller to civil court.
That's about the best that you can do.
Good luck!
That's what you get for buying on craigslist. If it was ebay at least you would have been protected.
Binary100100 said:
Well he can report it to his local police station but there's not much they can do. This is actually more of a civil action unless you can provide reasonable doubt that the seller is selling stolen merchandise. And if the post says "AS-IS" or anything similiar then you're SOL. You can try to contact Craigslist and report the seller for selling stolen merchandise. They might cooperate with you to take the seller to civil court.
That's about the best that you can do.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks everyone who helped, Binary i know that normally with craigslist stuff if you get scammed its pretty much on you. But the guy told me he got the phone off a upgrade and decided to stick with his old phone therefore he is lying. I also know that the number he was using to do the business with is linked to t mobile which leaves his information for the police vulnerable. Luckily my mom works at a high school and i have access to a police officer. Since you're a police officer i was wondering if i had information showing that the phone he sold me is directly linked to his account and shows that he said the phone was stolen/lost i can report him to asurion insurance and get him in trouble for insurance fraud at least. The one thing i was wondering is if he would say i stole the phone from him but i have the box with unopened accessories and text showing we were meeting up etc.
rasstar said:
That's what you get for buying on craigslist. If it was ebay at least you would have been protected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how this is helping can keep the negative comments to yourself lol
lajuan3 said:
Thanks everyone who helped, Binary i know that normally with craigslist stuff if you get scammed its pretty much on you. But the guy told me he got the phone off a upgrade and decided to stick with his old phone therefore he is lying. I also know that the number he was using to do the business with is linked to t mobile which leaves his information for the police vulnerable. Luckily my mom works at a high school and i have access to a police officer. Since you're a police officer i was wondering if i had information showing that the phone he sold me is directly linked to his account and shows that he said the phone was stolen/lost i can report him to asurion insurance and get him in trouble for insurance fraud at least. The one thing i was wondering is if he would say i stole the phone from him but i have the box with unopened accessories and text showing we were meeting up etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually thinking that did the insurance fraud thing. He likely called Asurian to tell them that he lost the phone and would like a replacement. Asurian then puts the IMEI on a black list so it can't be activated again since it was reported "Lost/Stolen" and shipped him another. He then sold it to you. Now without a Bill Of Sale it's all on you. If you have the text message then you have his number. Contact the seller directly and inform him. Best case scenario he did not actually with full intent attempt to sell you a stolen phone. He may be able to call Asurian and say that he had found the device and they might then be able to remove it from the black list. However they will probably want the replacement back. The most that you can really do is threaten him to call the police... but this is really a civil matter. Just because you have the box and phone number doesn't mean anything. Here's an example. If you were a criminal and robbed someone's house, took their tv, computer, jewelry, phone, box for phone, etc you can also take their identity since almost everyone has bills laying around. At least mail. So they can have your name, phone number, address, IMEI, original packaging... whole nine yards. Does that still prove that you know eachother? Can he still use that to prove that the sale was legit? No way. This is a civil matter and not so much criminal so you're not going to get much assistance from the police.
My advice, contact the seller and tell him that you need ALL of his information. Name, address, contact information for his account, etc and tell him that you have to use it to get his information removed from the black list. Try to get his DL number too. Tell him that the insurance company requires a copy of it to remove it from the list. Make up something clever like that. Then use that information to file for court. It's up to you if you want to try to settle it in court or not but it's your best bet. PD has a lot more to worry about than Craigslist scams and unless the insurance company or TMobile wants to provide informatino willingly to a law enforcement official. They may or may not because they are under no legal obligation to comply unless it's ordered by the court. But again... that's really up to you.
One other option is to consult with your local prosecutor's office. Laws and procedures vary state by state, and between jurisdictions, but in Florida a lot of jurisdictions will operate some type of citizens dispute mediation program using volunteer mediators.
The idea is that by bringing both parties to the State Attorney's Office they will reach an agreement, or the more guilty party will make things right, and actually follow through on it because they believe it has a little more authority attached to whatever resolution is decided upon when in reality it may be an incident that is more civil in nature and could never be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal court.
we are talking about a $350 phone. just the court claim costs $200(at least here in IL).and there is no way you can get that guys information. the fact that he was able to sell you a bad imei phone means he is a pro, cuz not everybody can do that, you gotta have done it before. I am just curious how did you buy the phone without even trying to put a sim card on it..
What Binary said makes a lot sense otherwise not sure what else "Bad IMEI" could be implying.
If this is true, and t-mobile blacklist the phone for activation, may be you can try unlock and see if it works under other carrier such as AT&T? If works, you can try switch carrier or sell to AT&T users.
contact a subrogation service. They will scare the crap out of the guy and will get your money back...I got about 8 years ago on ebay when it wasn't so safe, someone sold me a laptop but it was just a poster of a laptop. Problem was in the description it never said laptop, it said item and it was basically a poster of laptop with its specs. so what I got was a laminated poster of a laptop for 1100 dollars. Subrogation services is a good thing. look into it.
Felinos11 said:
we are talking about a $350 phone. just the court claim costs $200(at least here in IL).and there is no way you can get that guys information. the fact that he was able to sell you a bad imei phone means he is a pro, cuz not everybody can do that, you gotta have done it before. I am just curious how did you buy the phone without even trying to put a sim card on it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i was switching from sprint to tmobile back in the day you could pop a sim in and thebphone would just work even if lost or stolen i guess things changed and i got hustled im not to worried im sure i can get it unlocked and make atleast the 330 i spent back its just that i signed a 2yr contract got scammed and want him to face some sort of consequence
lajuan3 said:
Well i was switching from sprint to tmobile back in the day you could pop a sim in and thebphone would just work even if lost or stolen i guess things changed and i got hustled im not to worried im sure i can get it unlocked and make atleast the 330 i spent back its just that i signed a 2yr contract got scammed and want him to face some sort of consequence
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can never unlock an imei blacklisted phone.
tmobile block the imei number of the phone, when the phone ever was reported stolen lost or the guy asked for an exchange and never return it, there is no way to unlock the imei number so you are screw,
i say get together with some friends find this guy a kick his ass!!
when did you sign your contact.... If you just activated you might be under buyers remorse
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk
I was informed i could unlock and use on other networks just not tmobile with a bad imei? i was planning on selling on ebay including the info that it has to be unlocked and switched to anyone besides tmobile.
I signed the contract because i have a 14day period where i can cancel without a fee i figured i would find a way to change the imei if worse came to worse.
Last i was told by a t mobile rep that they were changing my imei and it will take around 2hours.
I thought it was as simple as putting in your sim card? I guess tmobile is getting with the times.
If the guy never used the phone asurion would never do a claim for him! They have to see the imei active for them to file a claim!
And it is possible to unblock a imei asurion can do it.
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using Tapatalk
Asurion told me it was up to T-Mobile T-Mobile said no I call again
they say they are changing it for me it will take 2hours been 2hours still no service
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Europe implemented this a LONG time ago. Now it's the USA's turn.
Find/steal a smartphone? Once it's reported stolen, it's useless.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/us-carriers-agree-to-build-stolen-phone-database-and-blacklist/
^^Original article on Engadget
Until people find a way around it
tekky610 said:
Until people find a way around it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have yet to see a real way to change IMEI number... So in the least it will be difficult.
its about time. luckily i've never had my phone stolen but this will definitely deter thieves.
As a person who holds his devices with a cobra clutch AND happens to stumble across "lost" devices regularly, how does this benefit ME?!
it doesnt "affect" us at all. its peaceful to know that the person who has your phone, now, can't use it.
SirWizzAlot said:
As a person who holds his devices with a cobra clutch AND happens to stumble across "lost" devices regularly, how does this benefit ME?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it doesn't. Maybe you could try to find the rightful owners.
Why the lost in quotation marks. sounds shady.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
As the old adage goes, finders keepers...you know the rest. The implications of this are too great! What If, unbeknownst to him, a guy buys a stolen device only to find that it doesn't work because the carrier has blacklisted his device? Its unfair to leave Joe Schmoe out in the cold! They should just stick to sim-blocking, its not like the carriers lose any money when a device is stolen.
It's a good step but it doesn't address the fact that your stolen phone can be used in a different country.
SirWizzAlot said:
As the old adage goes, finders keepers...you know the rest. The implications of this are too great! What If, unbeknownst to him, a guy buys a stolen device only to find that it doesn't work because the carrier has blacklisted his device? Its unfair to leave Joe Schmoe out in the cold! They should just stick to sim-blocking, its not like the carriers lose any money when a device is stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is largely the reason that people steal cellphones to begin with.
If it can't be used, then eventually Joe Schmoe will realize he can't just buy a stolen phone expecting it to work. If the thieves can't sell it, then it is only useful for the data contained within, which really kills the profitability of stealing it in the first place. This eventually leads to fewer stolen phones. Finders keepers? Sounds like you may be a bus or taxi driver. Taxi drivers can sell phones they "find" in their cabs for a higher price if its not wiped or locked. I know if I leave my phone somewhere or if it falls out of my pocket, I want it to be of no use to anyone else, ever. Except for dialing 911.
While I agree that the carriers should be more responsible when it comes to stolen/lost devices, I think there should be SOME sort of way to use them again. Maybe a re-activation fee after 90 days of it reported lost/stolen or something along those lines. This would be the best of both worlds as it would hopefully deter thieves as they wouldn't be able to sell the phones RIGHT AWAY, but yet the phones aren't just wasted.
SirWizzAlot said:
As the old adage goes, finders keepers...you know the rest. The implications of this are too great! What If, unbeknownst to him, a guy buys a stolen device only to find that it doesn't work because the carrier has blacklisted his device? Its unfair to leave Joe Schmoe out in the cold! They should just stick to sim-blocking, its not like the carriers lose any money when a device is stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ou812bkewl said:
This is largely the reason that people steal cellphones to begin with.
If it can't be used, then eventually Joe Schmoe will realize he can't just buy a stolen phone expecting it to work. If the thieves can't sell it, then it is only useful for the data contained within, which really kills the profitability of stealing it in the first place. This eventually leads to fewer stolen phones. Finders keepers? Sounds like you may be a bus or taxi driver. Taxi drivers can sell phones they "find" in their cabs for a higher price if its not wiped or locked. I know if I leave my phone somewhere or if it falls out of my pocket, I want it to be of no use to anyone else, ever. Except for dialing 911.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notice. He said "unbeknownst to him."
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
SirWizzAlot said:
As the old adage goes, finders keepers...you know the rest. The implications of this are too great! What If, unbeknownst to him, a guy buys a stolen device only to find that it doesn't work because the carrier has blacklisted his device? Its unfair to leave Joe Schmoe out in the cold! They should just stick to sim-blocking, its not like the carriers lose any money when a device is stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why Joe should call a phone carrier and check if the phone is black listed before buying it!
tekky610 said:
Until people find a way around it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a couple of borked flashes and voila, you have a generic IMEI
I for one am glad they are finally doing this. Had my original Captivate stolen when it was only 4 months old, right out of my purse. With cell phone companies finally attempting to stop the thieves, hopefully thefts will dwindle. I plan on adding my old Cappie's IMEI# to the database as soon as I can... Just because (even though it was stolen 16 months ago).
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Simba501 said:
Notice. He said "unbeknownst to him."
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So? Stolen property is stolen property. You get in trouble with receiving other stolen goods, there is no reason why this should be different. If my phone gets stolen, i want it deader than a doornail; NO ONE else should have the right to use it again.
As it is, it takes all of two min to call the carrier, and verify the IMEI before buying; anyone who won't give it to you before hand should not be purchased from.
Divine_Madcat said:
As it is, it takes all of two min to call the carrier, and verify the IMEI before buying; anyone who won't give it to you before hand should not be purchased from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good point. Take the battery out of the phone you want to purchase and call the cell carier and have them run the IMEI to make sure its not stolen.
Well played.
What stops one from be-n a prick and selling u a phone then calling it stolen? Guess u will now want a bill of sale when buying a phone. Me I just always buy brand new and never have to worry. I do like the idea of someone not able to use a stolen device,incase I ever lose line.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
chvybeatsford said:
What stops one from be-n a prick and selling u a phone then calling it stolen? Guess u will now want a bill of sale when buying a phone. Me I just always buy brand new and never have to worry. I do like the idea of someone not able to use a stolen device,incase I ever lose line.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty far fetched, maybe if someone really hated you they'd do that but why would you buy from that guy anyway, their is nothing to gain for the seller in reporting a sold phone as stolen, and in cases like ebay etc would only lead to bad feedback, it's not a big issue.
I'd just like to see them make the database internet searchable, so I don't have to call and wait on hold to check an IMEI, I buy and sell used phones regularly.
I'll be honest it was nice and easy to buy used AT&T and T-mobile phones without this, Verizon and Sprint always had this with ESN's and you have to be more careful purchasing them used.
But reducing cellphone theft is worth the hassle.
movielover76 said:
That's pretty far fetched, maybe if someone really hated you they'd do that but why would you buy from that guy anyway, their is nothing to gain for the seller in reporting a sold phone as stolen, and in cases like ebay etc would only lead to bad feedback, it's not a big issue.
I'd just like to see them make the database internet searchable, so I don't have to call and wait on hold to check an IMEI, I buy used phones regularly.
I'll be honest it was nice and easy to buy used AT&T and T-mobile phones without this, Verizon and Sprint always had this with ESN's and you have to be more careful purchasing them used.
But reducing cellphone theft is worth the hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly its not that far fetched. The world a live has allot of people doing stupid things..
If one was to sell phone he can easily call it in stolen to police and possible get it back..then re sell once again..double his/her profits.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I got a bad imei phone from craigslist. What can i do with it? can i sell it on ebay? So many dishonest people on craigslist. a lesson learn for me.
dealkk said:
I got a bad imei phone from craigslist. What can i do with it? can i sell it on ebay? So many dishonest people on craigslist. a lesson learn for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell it as is
Or unlock it
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
dealkk said:
I got a bad imei phone from craigslist. What can i do with it? can i sell it on ebay? So many dishonest people on craigslist. a lesson learn for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just curious- what do you mean by a bad IMEI? what makes it bad?
saucyross said:
just curious- what do you mean by a bad IMEI? what makes it bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's when someone reports phone lost or stolen.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
nanobutter said:
It's when someone reports phone lost or stolen.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or doesn't pay their EIP on it or says they didn't receive it and sells it. There's many ways T-Mobile phones can be blacklisted.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Basically it's junk use it on WIFI or be just as dishonest as the person who sold it to you. Or be honest & maybe someone will but it to use on WIFI. But blacklisted it's a brick. No amount of flashing or roms can change an imei. It still does everything the phone can do, but it will never have cellular service.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I feel for you, man. I got my One just a few days ago and seriously considered buying secondhand because I wanted to buy the phone outright and used phones run a couple hundred less. Ultimately I decided there was too much risk and it was worth the peace of mind to buy a new phone directly from TMO. You can't even trust buying a sealed phone still in the package from a third party, since people can steal them in transit or from the store and when the store does inventory and finds the phone missing it goes dead.
Contacting the police and filing a police report is about all you can do. Depending on how stupid the seller was, how much information you got and how motivated the cops are to follow up on your case, you may get your money back. As for the phone, it will not work on any of the US carriers or their MVNOs. About the only option is selling it on eBay to someone overseas. You can sell them on eBay as long as you disclose it has a bad IMEI.
Hesster said:
I feel for you, man. I got my One just a few days ago and seriously considered buying secondhand because I wanted to buy the phone outright and used phones run a couple hundred less. Ultimately I decided there was too much risk and it was worth the peace of mind to buy a new phone directly from TMO. You can't even trust buying a sealed phone still in the package from a third party, since people can steal them in transit or from the store and when the store does inventory and finds the phone missing it goes dead.
Contacting the police and filing a police report is about all you can do. Depending on how stupid the seller was, how much information you got and how motivated the cops are to follow up on your case, you may get your money back. As for the phone, it will not work on any of the US carriers or their MVNOs. About the only option is selling it on eBay to someone overseas. You can sell them on eBay as long as you disclose it has a bad IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones with bad imei can be used overseas? do you have something that confirms it? I would like to know since I was considering in purchasing one.
cristian.daniel23 said:
Phones with bad imei can be used overseas? do you have something that confirms it? I would like to know since I was considering in purchasing one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He isn't saying they work, he's saying that he should do to others the same thing that happened to him..
dealkk said:
I got a bad imei phone from craigslist. What can i do with it? can i sell it on ebay? So many dishonest people on craigslist. a lesson learn for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, don't sell it on ebay. When selling it on ebay you have to wait at least 2 or 3 days for the buyer to confirm whether or not the phone is working or not under some circumstances. The buyer can easily file a complaint using the resolution center thus resulting in the money that the buyer gave to you being locked until the problem is resolved. It's best to do it through craigslist since ebay and paypal have all those fees anyways.
cristian.daniel23 said:
Phones with bad imei can be used overseas? do you have something that confirms it? I would like to know since I was considering in purchasing one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the US, so I've never tested it myself but I've heard from others on this board and elsewhere they bought bad IMEI phones for use in foreign countries and the phones worked. There is actually a huge international black market in stolen phones run by organized crime just for that purpose.
saucyross said:
He isn't saying they work, he's saying that he should do to others the same thing that happened to him..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, no. That's not what I'm saying at all. I am absolutely against selling a phone and not disclosing it has a bad IMEI. For some users, bad IMEIs don't matter. They either don't apply in the person's country, or the buyer is equipped to swap the motherboard with one from a damaged phone with a good IMEI. Those are the people you want to sell to.
bad imei
This happened to me as well. I bought an s4 from a guy he had changed the imei. I checked back of phone it in fact did not match the actual phone imei. Yet it worked fine. Anyway if u get a bad imei phone if u sim unlock it u can use it on any network but tmobile as long as its a gsm network. U can sell it to someone who intends to use it on att
Radsolutionz said:
This happened to me as well. I bought an s4 from a guy he had changed the imei. I checked back of phone it in fact did not match the actual phone imei. Yet it worked fine. Anyway if u get a bad imei phone if u sim unlock it u can use it on any network but tmobile as long as its a gsm network. U can sell it to someone who intends to use it on att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesnt at&t and t-mobile share their blacklists now? if so it can not be activated on either network.
dealkk said:
I got a bad imei phone from craigslist. What can i do with it? can i sell it on ebay? So many dishonest people on craigslist. a lesson learn for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pm message me. i have someone you can get in contact witth that can clean it out for you!
So here's the story, i bought a HTC one M8 AT&T version on CL. I had the phone for a few days during which time i have unlocked bootloader, rooted and S-Off the phone. Well the douche i bought the phone from must have reported it lost or stolen because its blacklisted. I've searched google and numerous forums regarding a solution so i can continue to use this phone on either the same carrier or another. IIf ANYONE has a legal solution that i can go with, PLEASE inbox me so im not stuck with a very expensive brick.
MOD EDIT
Red_Devil6 said:
So here's the story, i bought a HTC one M8 AT&T version on CL. I had the phone for a few days during which time i have unlocked bootloader, rooted and S-Off the phone. Well the douche i bought the phone from must have reported it lost or stolen because its blacklisted. I've searched google and numerous forums regarding a solution so i can continue to use this phone on either the same carrier or another. IIf ANYONE has a legal solution that i can go with, PLEASE inbox me so im not stuck with a very expensive brick.
MOD EDIT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well..do you have any sort of proof that you purchased this item from said person? If so, it might be wise to bring law enforcement into it. I am not an expert on this, nor do I know law, but if you provide them with proof of the sale, and explain to them what happened, they might..MIGHT, go after the person who screwed you over, and maybe you can recover your money. If you have no "receipt", then I dont know what to tell ya, except for you might have just learned a very expensive lesson. There is also a strong possibility that the phone itself was stolen, and sold to you by said scumbag.
Another reason I do not deal with Craigslist!
It was likely stolen. Try working with the seller to get it resolved, but if he was the thief you might be SOL.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Red_Devil6 said:
So here's the story, i bought a HTC one M8 AT&T version on CL. I had the phone for a few days during which time i have unlocked bootloader, rooted and S-Off the phone. Well the douche i bought the phone from must have reported it lost or stolen because its blacklisted. I've searched google and numerous forums regarding a solution so i can continue to use this phone on either the same carrier or another. I know most here wont engage in this discussion in detail as it violates forum policy, BUT if ANYONE has a legit solution that i can go with PLEASE inbox me so im not stuck with a very expensive brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You gotta call AT&T Customer Service from another phone, you'll get the automated service...
enter your phone number, they'll ask if your calling about your suspended line, or something of that sort... dial whatever for yes, then they'll ask if you want to re activate the sim for the original device, again dial whatever for yes, then they'll redirect you to an operator, when the phone starts ringing just hang up... then turn airplane mode on then off, and it should start working again.
Happened to me with the M7, it was reported stolen... so i had to go through this procedure 2,3,4 times a day, sometimes it would stay connected for weeks if i got lucky. But yea, that was my solution, hopefully it works for your M8, and if it does then it probably works for any phone thats blacklisted on AT&T... i wonder if anyone knows about this
just joined. claims they bought the phone. asking about how to bypass the IMEI being reported stolen...
im going out on a limb here and assuming this guy is the thief and is hoping to still use the phone after the real owner reported it stolen.
CraigP17 said:
just joined. claims they bought the phone. asking about how to bypass the IMEI being reported stolen...
im going out on a limb here and assuming this guy is the thief and is hoping to still use the phone after the real owner reported it stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not a fair assumption. I alot of people lurk until they need to ask a question.
edit: you post on an average of 7 posts a year since you joined so I'd think you'd understand
rquinn19 said:
That's not a fair assumption. I alot of people lurk until they need to ask a question.
edit: you post on an average of 7 posts a year since you joined so I'd think you'd understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree. Hell ive been around here since 2008 and I have a low post count lol.. Guess im not one of those who chime in..just to chime in lol. I ask questions...answer when I can (which is rarely), and lurk quite abit lol. Regardless, I wont buy anything off Craigslist, heard too many bad stories from people I know in person...Either use Ebay or Swappa. The only thing is, the IMEI could be clean when the initial check is made, then reported stolen after (does swappa check on a regular basis or is it one and done...hrm)
Tower1972 said:
100% agree. Hell ive been around here since 2008 and I have a low post count lol.. Guess im not one of those who chime in..just to chime in lol. I ask questions...answer when I can (which is rarely), and lurk quite abit lol. Regardless, I wont buy anything off Craigslist, heard too many bad stories from people I know in person...Either use Ebay or Swappa. The only thing is, the IMEI could be clean when the initial check is made, then reported stolen after (does swappa check on a regular basis or is it one and done...hrm)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there's any sure fire safe way anymore. With lost/stolen and now the next program.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Your only options is to buy a new MB and replace it on your current device.
Before i buy any phone on CL, i check swappa to make sure the IMEI isnt blacklisted prior. Getting a name & receipt doesnt do you any good, as they can just fake everything.
aer0zer0 said:
Before i buy any phone on CL, i check swappa to make sure the IMEI isnt blacklisted prior. Getting a name & receipt doesnt do you any good, as they can just fake everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What good does checking Swappa do if it's reported stolen once you complete the transaction?
rquinn19 said:
What good does checking Swappa do if it's reported stolen once you complete the transaction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I don't know how well this would work out for me if I was in that situation, but I was burned on CL before. Lost $900. So now, if I'm not totally sure about the seller, I'll ask for a driver's license picture along with a signature on a written receipt.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Its unfortunate the OP got scammed. But just my opinion, the risks of buying something like a smartphone from Craigslist outweigh the benefits. Not just risk of a blacklist, but damage to the item, or just a hardware failure that is no fault of the seller. I prefer to buy from a source with a reliable means of return and refund/exchange, even if its cost a bit more. And if its more than a "bit" of a difference, as they say: if a deal seems too good to be true, its because it is.
MOD EDIT
redpoint73 said:
Its unfortunate the OP got scammed. But just my opinion, the risks of buying something like a smartphone from Craigslist outweigh the benefits. Not just risk of a blacklist, but damage to the item, or just a hardware failure that is no fault of the seller. I prefer to buy from a source with a reliable means of return and refund/exchange, even if its cost a bit more. And if its more than a "bit" of a difference, as they say: if a deal seems too good to be true, its because it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I stick with ebay/paypal for buying used phones for that very reason...if something is wrong I have a means by which to get my money back. And even there you still have to exercise some due diligence.
Thread Closed.
While there is nothing wrong with asking for a legal and legitimate means to getting a phone to work again who's IMEI has been blacklisted, it opens up discussion for alternate illegal means to getting the device to work.
My suggestion to you is to contact the Service Provided that has blacklisted the device's IMEI and notify them that you'd purchased it on-line, and try to convince them to allow you to use it on their network under your currently paying service.
The chances that they will do this for you however are very slim.
Best of luck,
Neo
Forum Moderator
Hey all,
I did some searching so it makes me suspect this isn't possible yet, but does anyone have a method to change the IMEI or MEID of the LG V30+ (Sprint, if that matters)? I need to change it and not just mask it.
The short story is I bought on on eBay but it was already tied to someone's account. The seller won't give me that person's contact info, Sprint won't tell me if there's a finance balance on it and if I can pay it off, and Sprint won't give me that person's contact info either. eBay declined my request for a refund, so now I'm just trying to see if I can make this thing usable at all.
Thanks!
Changing IMEI is illegal you know?
t1mman said:
Changing IMEI is illegal you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done some research and can't find anything that says it is illegal in the United States, which is where I live. I do believe it's illegal in Europe but I don't intend to use the phone there so I'm not really concerned about that.
The way I see it I legally bought a phone. I was mislead a little bit, but the phone is not reported stolen so that means the original owner sold it legally to someone else who bought it. That original owner still owes Sprint money, but that should have nothing to do with the phone itself. So I'd just like to use the phone I paid for. I have an IMEI from an older phone that went into the toilet, so I don't really see the problem with swapping the IMEI of this one out for that one.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2249666&p=40723213
Is it google account lock ? Did you do a imei check ?
If its google account lock some sites provide service to bypass that
Imei check status - will tell you about just that the status. Could say clean , unpaid bills anything other than clean you may have to pay to get rid of that bad status aince sprint aint helping u
Another thing when you try to activate it on your sprint account they will remind you that you will be taking over unpaid payments left by previous owner. All the times i activated sprint phones a d the rep tells me that means ill be takong over payments. And on some phones wherr the rep doesnt say anything about taking over payments means phone is paid off by previous owner.
nizmoboy98 said:
Is it google account lock ? Did you do a imei check ?
If its google account lock some sites provide service to bypass that
Imei check status - will tell you about just that the status. Could say clean , unpaid bills anything other than clean you may have to pay to get rid of that bad status aince sprint aint helping u
Another thing when you try to activate it on your sprint account they will remind you that you will be taking over unpaid payments left by previous owner. All the times i activated sprint phones a d the rep tells me that means ill be takong over payments. And on some phones wherr the rep doesnt say anything about taking over payments means phone is paid off by previous owner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I put the IMEI into swappa's IMEI checker it says "Financial Eligibility - Device is not eligible for resale (financed)." When I talk to Sprint (Which I've done over a few calls and trips to the store) they tell me it can't be put on my account because it's still attached to another account, but they don't tell me why at all. They've never told me if I could just take over payments for the phone, which is interesting since I've asked specifically about that. I wonder if something else is blocking this IMEI? So far I haven't been able to reach anyone at Sprint that can tell me anything about the phone's previous owner or any financial obligations on the phone.
Do you happen to know of a different IMEI checker I should try that might give me more information?
Imei checker by cavallo enterprise
I tried that on my insuranced replacement lg v30 and it gave me unpaid balance on mines
cjshrader said:
The way I see it I legally bought a phone. I was mislead a little bit, but the phone is not reported stolen so that means the original owner sold it legally to someone else who bought it. That original owner still owes Sprint money, but that should have nothing to do with the phone itself.
So I'd just like to use the phone I paid for. I have an IMEI from an older phone that went into the toilet, so I don't really see the problem with swapping the IMEI of this one out for that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry you are out the money....
But the flaw in your logic is that 2017 $800-$900 LG V30 phone still belongs to Sprint, until paid off. The person who "sold" it to you had no right to sell property they do not own (unless they used the money to pay off the balance). So, technically, they are stealing it. The only reason it's not been "reported" stolen is Sprint is probably taking care of this in civil proceedings as opposed to criminal proceedings? They are probably getting a judgement against the person. In which case, Sprint doesn't want to deal with you because that just complicates the case.
IF the person you bought it from had used that money to immediately pay of the balance, then everything would be OK. But they probably sold for lot less than owed to Sprint. (Sprint wants customers with recurring monthly payments, they don't want to be Best Buy. The financial price of the contract is probably a LOT more than the hardware cost of the phone.)
This phone was released in October. The user probably didn't make any payments, to be honest. So you would be out not only what you paid them, but probably the full amount they owe Sprint for up to two years?
Sprint also had deals where you would get a phone, get free first year service, but then be obligated to pay for 2nd year of service. People signed a legal contract. To get out of the contract they had to pay the value of what was still left. The amount owed on this phone might not be just the cost of the phone, but a year or two of Sprint service charges. I haven't seen the contract, I really couldn't care less about Sprint --- I've helped many friends escape Sprint -- I'm just speculating why Sprint isn't being helpful with you. It seems it's more than just the phone?
One Sprint deal was to LEASE TWO PHONES. LEASE one phone, get one for free:
http://newsroom.sprint.com/lg-v30-a...e-get-one-on-us-just-38-per-month-for-two.htm
In which case, they weren't even buying the phone from Sprint over two years, they were renting it.
I see this a lot with new Sprint phones sold on Craigslist and eBay -- lots of drama for some reason. Earlier this year was lots of posts for help in unlocking Sprint Galaxy S8/S8+. It's not that those model phones cannot be unlocked, it's that money was owed on them still. People were getting new Sprint phones for "free", then turning around and selling them on eBay, Craigslist. But they weren't free. They had signed a contract, and until the terms were fulfilled it was still Sprint's phones. So, it was really a scam.
In many countries, changing IMEI numbers is like changing VIN on a car. It's against the law, because either the car is stolen or some other bad intent is happening.
Sent from my carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
cjshrader said:
I've done some research and can't find anything that says it is illegal in the United States, which is where I live. I do believe it's illegal in Europe but I don't intend to use the phone there so I'm not really concerned about that.
The way I see it I legally bought a phone. I was mislead a little bit, but the phone is not reported stolen so that means the original owner sold it legally to someone else who bought it. That original owner still owes Sprint money, but that should have nothing to do with the phone itself. So I'd just like to use the phone I paid for. I have an IMEI from an older phone that went into the toilet, so I don't really see the problem with swapping the IMEI of this one out for that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_cloning#Effectiveness_and_legislation
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-fraud
Contact your seller, explain the situation, and if the description didn't state the IMEI issue, or didn't state the item was AS-IS, contact paypal/ebay and open a dispute.
If it was stated, well, you knew what you where getting into!
Good luck!
I appreciate all the comments from everyone. Although I'm not sure that simply changing your IMEI is specifically illegal, I can see 100% how someone could use that information to do something illegal and therefore this forum wouldn't want to discuss it.
I'm going to continue to try to use the resources nizmoboy98 provided to me to see if I can learn any more (They haven't been working so far and have me a little nervous that they are also some form of scam...but I'll give the benefit of the doubt).
If that doesn't give me any additional worthwhile information, then I'll have to sell it for parts on eBay and be much more upfront than the seller was to me. I won't make all my money back but maybe I can make some. (The seller did say the phone was as-is but also said the only problem with it was it was "Activated on someone else's account" which didn't mean the same thing to me as it did to him) I've learned a valuable and expensive lesson about checking IMEIs in the future.
cjshrader said:
I appreciate all the comments from everyone. Although I'm not sure that simply changing your IMEI is specifically illegal, I can see 100% how someone could use that information to do something illegal and therefore this forum wouldn't want to discuss it.
I'm going to continue to try to use the resources nizmoboy98 provided to me to see if I can learn any more (They haven't been working so far and have me a little nervous that they are also some form of scam...but I'll give the benefit of the doubt).
If that doesn't give me any additional worthwhile information, then I'll have to sell it for parts on eBay and be much more upfront than the seller was to me. I won't make all my money back but maybe I can make some. (The seller did say the phone was as-is but also said the only problem with it was it was "Activated on someone else's account" which didn't mean the same thing to me as it did to him) I've learned a valuable and expensive lesson about checking IMEIs in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you paid by CC, just dispute the charges with your CC company and they'll give you your money back. (Chargeback) now if the seller indeed showed it was not usable, you're outta luck.
cjshrader said:
I appreciate all the comments from everyone. Although I'm not sure that simply changing your IMEI is specifically illegal, I can see 100% how someone could use that information to do something illegal and therefore this forum wouldn't want to discuss it.
I'm going to continue to try to use the resources nizmoboy98 provided to me to see if I can learn any more (They haven't been working so far and have me a little nervous that they are also some form of scam...but I'll give the benefit of the doubt).
If that doesn't give me any additional worthwhile information, then I'll have to sell it for parts on eBay and be much more upfront than the seller was to me. I won't make all my money back but maybe I can make some. (The seller did say the phone was as-is but also said the only problem with it was it was "Activated on someone else's account" which didn't mean the same thing to me as it did to him) I've learned a valuable and expensive lesson about checking IMEIs in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really sorry for what seems like a loss. The phone is a great phone. I hope something positive and inexpensive works in your favor.
Sent from my LG-H931 using XDA Labs
Just use some of the online services to sim unlock the phone. Screw the provider, they are all assholes.
That's if I understood correctly what you meant by "locked to another persons account"
Mr CATFISH said:
Really sorry for what seems like a loss. The phone is a great phone. I hope something positive and inexpensive works in your favor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate that, and even though I'm paying extra for one I'm definitely thinking it's going to be the next phone I get. I've been on a Note 4 for a long time and it's on its last legs.
adsubzero said:
Just use some of the online services to sim unlock the phone. Screw the provider, they are all assholes.
That's if I understood correctly what you meant by "locked to another persons account"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMEI is tied to that account, I don't think the SIM card would affect anything.
Josh McGrath said:
If you paid by CC, just dispute the charges with your CC company and they'll give you your money back. (Chargeback) now if the seller indeed showed it was not usable, you're outta luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The purchase was through Paypal, and since eBay and Paypal are generally in lock step together. That being said, I should still take a shot, it wouldn't hurt. This is effectively a bad IMEI phone, and the seller said the problem with it was it was "activated on someone else's account." Those two things don't mean the same to me.
cjshrader said:
The IMEI is tied to that account, I don't think the SIM card would affect anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's saying there are other providers who don't care that it's a blacklisted phone. That IF you get the phone carrier unlocked through an unlock code perhaps you can then use it with another service provider.
My understanding is there's a U.S. carrier blacklist covering all four major carriers. Whether there are loopholes, I don't know. Like maybe since is not actually been reported lost/stolen?
But there's also tons of U.S. MVNOs who may or may not suscribe to that list. Those MVNOs use the major carriers, like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, but provide their own SIM cards.
I'm just explaining what the other person meant. What you do is your own decision.
Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
Try and search ebay for the this seller and message the seller any questions you have. Ask seller if you will get refund if it does not work . im guessing sites that provide this service knows someone that works at sprint and maybe pays them under the table to change status of imei
Hey all,
Just to close this topic I called eBay just to give it one more shot (I'd already opened a case and had it denied, even after appeal). After speaking with them, they told me it's against eBay policy to sell a phone with a bad IMEI so they will actually go through with the refund. I immediately bought another version of this phone on swappa, so basically I think this is the happiest possible ending (except for the seller on eBay, who is about to have their phone back).
Once again thanks for all the comments, I appreciate it.
cjshrader said:
Hey all,
Just to close this topic I called eBay just to give it one more shot (I'd already opened a case and had it denied, even after appeal). After speaking with them, they told me it's against eBay policy to sell a phone with a bad IMEI so they will actually go through with the refund. I immediately bought another version of this phone on swappa, so basically I think this is the happiest possible ending (except for the seller on eBay, who is about to have their phone back).
Once again thanks for all the comments, I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sent the seller back a bad phone?
MicroMod777 said:
You sent the seller back a bad phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, with the refund it's now eBay seller's property (again)...
He can sell it to someone outside the U.S. and it will work.
MicroMod777 said:
You sent the seller back a bad phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a year old thread ?