Bought a s3 that as been blocked - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I bought a s3 a few weeks ago that at first worked great then a few days later i started getting emergency calls only. Found out today the frigging thing as been blocked and after speaking to o2 they cant unblock it without the original owner which i haven't got as the little **** as closed his account. Am guessing theres fuk all i can do but i thought i would at least try

It's illegal to override a block in the UK. I'm guessing it's an insurance job where they've reported it as stolen to make a claim. Where did you purchase the phone from? Was it eBay as you may have some protection with Paypal if you report it within the time limit?

don't ask questions in General
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Report to police with all available documentation and details
Service provided by #XDAcrimedepartment

Glebun said:
don't ask questions in General
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reported for unhelpful spam.
Back on topic, OP first take the phone to the police with any emails and invoices to prove you bought it legitimately, O2 should have an audit trail and if it was an insurance job the police should be able to find out who owned it and potentially arrest them for fraud, they are also the only people who could give concrete advice.
If you bought it via paypal you can open a dispute with the seller, and ultimately get your money back.
What ever you do, don't look into getting the imei changed or look at any ways to overwrite the block, this is illegal and it would make you look bad.

delsus said:
Reported for unhelpful spam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting, why didn't you report the thread?
and it is helpful.

If you paid with a credit card you will have some protection too.

Glebun said:
interesting, why didn't you report the thread?
and it is helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it helpful? Helpful is offering advice, then saying "next time please post questions in Q&A" it makes you look better, gives you some thanks and stops the community hating you.

Wish it was as simple as that i bought it from facebook and the little sh1t as closed his account. A friend was on facebook saw it and knew i was after a new phone

freddy0000 said:
Wish it was as simple as that i bought it from facebook and the little sh1t as closed his account. A friend was on facebook saw it and knew i was after a new phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No recollection of the name from facebook, any messages? I would say take it to the police though, they would be the only ones that could get the phone unblocked legally if it's possible.

You bought a phone from Facebook? What were you thinking of?

joooe said:
You bought a phone from Facebook? What were you thinking of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't... was cheap though.................According to o2 the only way to get it unblocked is to find the thief and say please sir could you go to the person you robbed it off and kindly asked them to ring o2 with there details and ask them to get it unblocked

krs360 said:
If you paid with a credit card you will have some protection too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally true.
Anyway, if you can, try to locate the person who sold you the phone to return the money you pay for it, bring a few friends with you
Good luck!

I would happily let him keep the money if i could kick his head everywhere

If you do get any details on the seller/original owner I could check to see if there have been any insurance claims via household insurance etc.
Alternatively, do you have a rough idea of when it may have been stolen, can at least try to narrow it down (then possibly locate the owner via imei etc if we've had their claim).
Couldn't give confidential information out, but could generic.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

realwillow said:
If you do get any details on the seller/original owner I could check to see if there have been any insurance claims via household insurance etc.
Alternatively, do you have a rough idea of when it may have been stolen, can at least try to narrow it down (then possibly locate the owner via imei etc if we've had their claim).
Couldn't give confidential information out, but could generic.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Al i have is it was bocked by: O2 (UK) Limited and i think by Insurance company: Lifestyle Group i did a onine imei check
SERIAL NUMBER:
Mobile Phone Network Block
Blocking Network: O2 (UK) Limited.
Date of blocking: Fri 22nd March 2013
Insurance claim
Insurance company: Lifestyle Group

Give me a rough idea of what area of the UK its from, approx how old an last 4 digits of the imei, I'll check tomorrow see If anything comes up. No harm in trying.
Failing that I could find out how much we sell components for (thinking motherboard from screen damaged claim).
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

realwillow said:
Give me a rough idea of what area of the UK its from, approx how old an last 4 digits of the imei, I'll check tomorrow see If anything comes up. No harm in trying.
Failing that I could find out how much we sell components for (thinking motherboard from screen damaged claim).
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it of someone near Pwllheli North Wales around the end of March but if it was stolen it doesn't mean its from around there as you get a lot of holiday makes. IMEI 2885

Hi, this may be a long shot, but when are you going abroad next? Or if a friend is going abroad, take the phone with you/them, try it out of the UK. If it works, then I might have it off you!! I am emmigrating to OZ next year, so I don't care if it doesn't work in the UK, as long as it works overseas, it's fine.
What color is it? Blue or white?

CharleyNokia said:
Hi, this may be a long shot, but when are you going abroad next? Or if a friend is going abroad, take the phone with you/them, try it out of the UK. If it works, then I might have it off you!! I am emmigrating to OZ next year, so I don't care if it doesn't work in the UK, as long as it works overseas, it's fine.
What color is it? Blue or white?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue with a union flag cover. i dont know anyone going away mate

Related

Ensquared: Screen burn IS covered but buy soon!

just got this from a rep:
Thanks for your inquiry and the useful information. Screen burns are covered by our insurance. We should inform you that shortly the device Samsung Galaxy Note may be moved over to the iPhone insurance arena (more costly, higher deductibles) as its replacement is very expensive. Currently it is still available under Smartphones so I recommend you make application ASAP.
Thanks
Regards
LiquidArrogance said:
just got this from a rep:
Thanks for your inquiry and the useful information. Screen burns are covered by our insurance. We should inform you that shortly the device Samsung Galaxy Note may be moved over to the iPhone insurance arena (more costly, higher deductibles) as its replacement is very expensive. Currently it is still available under Smartphones so I recommend you make application ASAP.
Thanks
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that! Glad I have it (Ensquared) on my GNote!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Anyone has experience with Ensquared? How reliable are they?
I still cannot decide which one to get, bestbuy black tie or ensquared
kanate said:
Anyone has experience with Ensquared? How reliable are they?
I still cannot decide which one to get, bestbuy black tie or ensquared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not personally. I bought it for my GNote because I have a friend who had it and had a claim and they handled it very quickly and smoothly. Cost was 58 for a year.
I do not think best buy covers lost or stolen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
I don't really care much about lost/stolen.
Does Ensquared send you a refurb phone or new one?
kanate said:
I don't really care much about lost/stolen.
Does Ensquared send you a refurb phone or new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. Probably refurbished. Hope to never find out...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
If anyone is wanting to go Ensquared, you can actually purchase the insurance now since I don't know when the price hike will take place. My order just went through fine. I just listed the phone model as "AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717."
There is a final step to activate the insurance where you need to put in the phone's IMEI number, but the order can be finalized and paid for without that step -- the plan just won't be active until you put in the IMEI.
LiquidArrogance said:
If anyone is wanting to go Ensquared, you can actually purchase the insurance now since I don't know when the price hike will take place. My order just went through fine. I just listed the phone model as "AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717."
There is a final step to activate the insurance where you need to put in the phone's IMEI number, but the order can be finalized and paid for without that step -- the plan just won't be active until you put in the IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In another thread, someone said that to make a theft/misplacement claim to EnSquared, you need to have a police report. Does that really make sense??
Although I can see them possibly suspecting that someone called AT&T to deactivate their lost phone...and then milking an extra replacement unit.
What if the police later find it?
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
slaydog said:
What if the police later find it?
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell the insurance company and ask them what they want you to do with it.

ATT Blacklist

I have a important question, I bought a i777 recently from a private owner, and the phone has been blacklisted on att as stolen. I wasn't aware of att's new blacklist policy so I didn't ask for imei. I had the phone unlocked when I bought it, and I'm using straight talk. Do you think if I get a tmobile compatible sim it would work? I can't find the crook who sold me the phone and I don't want a 250.00 paperweight. Thanks to all.
buynary said:
I have a important question, I bought a i777 recently from a private owner, and the phone has been blacklisted on att as stolen. I wasn't aware of att's new blacklist policy so I didn't ask for imei. I had the phone unlocked when I bought it, and I'm using straight talk. Do you think if I get a tmobile compatible sim it would work? I can't find the crook who sold me the phone and I don't want a 250.00 paperweight. Thanks to all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it really is unlocked, using a TMobile sim card should work. However, due to the radio frequency compatibility of this phone, you'll only get EDGE level data.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Just a warning. The eventual plan is for all networks to share that blacklist.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
If you can prove you purchased that phone from someone, you may be able to have it removed from the blacklist. It's an extreme long shot, but worth it imo.
Clay
Team Pirate
Sent from my PINK GSwagger2
clay101eve said:
If you can prove you purchased that phone from someone, you may be able to have it removed from the blacklist. It's an extreme long shot, but worth it imo.
Clay
Team Pirate
Sent from my PINK GSwagger2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing so I called att customer service and the agent said the only thing way she could release it from the blacklist is if the person I bought it from called in and said they sold it. I'm all for the blacklisting of stolen phones but there must be a way to protect someone who'd bought a phone that was clean then the seller calls in and says it's stolen after the fact.
I have same issue
buynary said:
I was thinking the same thing so I called att customer service and the agent said the only thing way she could release it from the blacklist is if the person I bought it from called in and said they sold it. I'm all for the blacklisting of stolen phones but there must be a way to protect someone who'd bought a phone that was clean then the seller calls in and says it's stolen after the fact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey i just bought a iPhone 5 from craigslist and it turns out it was black listed aswell, i want to know if att ever gave in and took your phone off the blacklist. I will be trying to contact them again today, please let me know if there is any advice you can give me..
thanks
buynary said:
there must be a way to protect someone who'd bought a phone that was clean then the seller calls in and says it's stolen after the fact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is. Only buy expensive technology devices from reputable people. In the case of a used phone, laptop or tablet, Craig's List and eBay are not reputable. At least eBay has Buyer Protection and you might get your money back. Craig's List has zero protection for buyers and I would avoid it. Not worth the risk to save a few dollars.
i just tech-supported a i777 from att and it was blacklisted
blocked my SIM card (my account)
did not work unlocking and trying with TMO = got a phone not allowed MM6# message
dumb thing is, you want to return the phone to it's original owners, and the phone company says it can't or doesn't have that info (sounds like BS)
until there is a way to return the phone to its rightful owner then... whats the use? yes there is some poetic justice but...
we have to be VERY careful from now on with what we buy on the streets / used
buynary said:
I was thinking the same thing so I called att customer service and the agent said the only thing way she could release it from the blacklist is if the person I bought it from called in and said they sold it. I'm all for the blacklisting of stolen phones but there must be a way to protect someone who'd bought a phone that was clean then the seller calls in and says it's stolen after the fact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only buy the phone after going into an ATT retail store with the person your buying it from and have them check the IMEI and make a note to the account. Other then that there is nothing as it is your word against theirs.
ATT does have the info but are bound by law not to give it out.
zelendel said:
Only buy the phone after going into an ATT retail store with the person your buying it from and have them check the IMEI and make a note to the account. Other then that there is nothing as it is your word against theirs.
ATT does have the info but are bound by law not to give it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. It seems like this is the only safe way to do it now. If the seller doesn't want to do it or seems uncomfortable then you know something's up.
Is there a program.
Is there a program that I can download to unlock the imei or change it? I have a samsung galaxy s4 active for at&t.
aironham said:
Is there a program that I can download to unlock the imei or change it? I have a samsung galaxy s4 active for at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No as doing so is illegal and against XDA rules.

$500 paperweight?

So, a week ago I bought an HTC One from craigslist. We met at a T-Mobile store so that they could verify the phone was clean and able to be activated. They said everything was clean and safe to buy. Phone was working great for a week and then out of nowhere earlier today all the data and cellular service just turns off completely. I try turning it off & on several times, toggling airplane mode off/on, etc. etc. Finally I go in to a T-mobile store. After 30 minutes of turning it off & on, changing the SIM, calling corporate, etc. eventually they tell me that the phone was reported lost earlier today and is now blocked.
They tell me there is nothing they can do.... am I really just out the $450 now? Is there anything I can do??? What's the point of them verifying or checking anything if this can still be done? Any help or suggestions please!?!?
The only way to get it taken off the list is if the original phone owner calls in and says it is not stolen. It can be used with AT&T but none of the carriers that use Tmobile.
What your seller probably did was make an insurance claim. Get a second phone for $175 then he never returned the old phone sold it to you made $325 and then you get screwed.
Happens a lot more often now that IMEI can be blocked since march.
If you can get a hold of the person who sold it to you and be like wtf
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
jones75534 said:
So, a week ago I bought an HTC One from craigslist. We met at a T-Mobile store so that they could verify the phone was clean and able to be activated. They said everything was clean and safe to buy. Phone was working great for a week and then out of nowhere earlier today all the data and cellular service just turns off completely. I try turning it off & on several times, toggling airplane mode off/on, etc. etc. Finally I go in to a T-mobile store. After 30 minutes of turning it off & on, changing the SIM, calling corporate, etc. eventually they tell me that the phone was reported lost earlier today and is now blocked.
They tell me there is nothing they can do.... am I really just out the $450 now? Is there anything I can do??? What's the point of them verifying or checking anything if this can still be done? Any help or suggestions please!?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your seller was the original owner, then he is committing fraud if he has later reported it stolen. Check with the seller, and if you don't get a good answer, call the police. If the phone is stolen, then you need to call the police.
Thanks both of you, I love xda!
You think the police are really going to do anything about this? I kinda figured that would be a long shot. I'm guessing if I can find the seller's contact info they either won't answer, will hang up on me right away, or maybe even change their number if they didn't already....
To me, what I can't understand is how T-mobile doesn't have a better process that is more controlled. The IMEI should be tied to an account/owner and only be allowed to be activated on another account after transferring the ownership with the owner's consent. This seems like a pretty spotty process without any kind of controls in place.
Really don't want to be out half a grand....
Unfortunately I don't see any process like that anytime soon probably minimum ten years. That's what GSM is all about freedom to get a phone anywhere anytime. It is unfortunate that this happened to you. Happens very frequently especially within first fee months of phone launch.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
jones75534 said:
Thanks both of you, I love xda!
You think the police are really going to do anything about this? I kinda figured that would be a long shot. I'm guessing if I can find the seller's contact info they either won't answer, will hang up on me right away, or maybe even change their number if they didn't already....
To me, what I can't understand is how T-mobile doesn't have a better process that is more controlled. The IMEI should be tied to an account/owner and only be allowed to be activated on another account after transferring the ownership with the owner's consent. This seems like a pretty spotty process without any kind of controls in place.
Really don't want to be out half a grand....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The police report may not help you, but eventually it is quite possible that it will get the perpetrator into a lot of trouble - maybe keeping them from hitting someone else...
wait til all the big names start sharing the IMEI blacklists.
fun times.
I called T–mobile myself a bit ago and just explained what happened. Apparently the lady put in a request to unblock it. She said it will take up to 48 hours to get it unblocked and to power cycle my phone pull the SIM out and try to make a call in 48 hours. Not sure what to think about that.... I guess I'll just give it a day or two and see what happens :/ From the research I've done it sounds unlikely they'll unblock it but I will stay optimistic.
SIDE NOTE: I found the sellers phone number and the text string of arranging the purchase. Think I should contact authorities or T-Mobile with the info or just try calling them directly?
If nothing else doesn't work, you can sell it to an Canadian or foreigner... Otherwise good luck...Did you ask for the receipt?, because when I bought my t-mobile htc one, I asked the seller to sent me a receipt.
disclaimer not promoting sale of black listed devices....
htc fan89 said:
If nothing else doesn't work, you can sell it to an Canadian or foreigner... Otherwise good luck...Did you ask for the receipt?, because when I bought my t-mobile htc one, I asked the seller to sent me a receipt.
disclaimer not promoting sale of black listed devices....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah I understand what you're saying and that you're not promoting me doing the same thing that was done to me. As a backup plan if nothing else works, this device could be used on AT&T right? I recently came from Sprint so not real savvy on how the SIM card / GSM networks work yet. Would I have to get the device "unlocked" to use on AT&T or a different GSM network? If so, could anyone point me in the right direction on how to do this and/or how much that costs.
Att and tmobile share imei lists.
Take that text string to tmobile. If the number that Texted you about the se is the number on his account. They can cross reference your phones imei to his number and use those texts as proof of purchase and help you.
I work at a store and if you came to me with this info I would unblock it for you....just sayin
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
clninja said:
Att and tmobile share imei lists.
Take that text string to tmobile. If the number that Texted you about the se is the number on his account. They can cross reference your phones imei to his number and use those texts as proof of purchase and help you.
I work at a store and if you came to me with this info I would unblock it for you....just sayin
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would also get fired for doing something stupid like that. You need to read up on the process of unblocking phones. Serious note, dont risk your job over something like this. Its not worth it, plus that phone is property of asurion once its reported stolen.
Do this!!!!
*Try to contact seller and get your money back
*Contact authorities and have them file a report and maybe and insurance fraud case.
*Dont waste your time anymore trying to contact tmobile. They will not unblock it. That phone belongs to asurion due to them paying for it. I would also recommend calling them 1-866-268-7221 Maybe they can assist you with something.
Good luck and hope you get your money back.
deviusdragger said:
You would also get fired for doing something stupid like that. You need to read up on the process of unblocking phones. Serious note, dont risk your job over something like this. Its not worth it, plus that phone is property of asurion once its reported stolen.
Do this!!!!
*Try to contact seller and get your money back
*Contact authorities and have them file a report and maybe and insurance fraud case.
*Dont waste your time anymore trying to contact tmobile. They will not unblock it. That phone belongs to asurion due to them paying for it. I would also recommend calling them 1-866-268-7221 Maybe they can assist you with something.
Good luck and hope you get your money back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I wouldn't be risking my job at all and there is a very strong possibility it would get unlocked. in circumstances such as this a rep can approach his manager with it and the store manager has the ability to call customer care and request the unblock. I would not be unblocking it myself
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
jones75534 said:
So, a week ago I bought an HTC One from craigslist. We met at a T-Mobile store so that they could verify the phone was clean and able to be activated. They said everything was clean and safe to buy. Phone was working great for a week and then out of nowhere earlier today all the data and cellular service just turns off completely. I try turning it off & on several times, toggling airplane mode off/on, etc. etc. Finally I go in to a T-mobile store. After 30 minutes of turning it off & on, changing the SIM, calling corporate, etc. eventually they tell me that the phone was reported lost earlier today and is now blocked.
They tell me there is nothing they can do.... am I really just out the $450 now? Is there anything I can do??? What's the point of them verifying or checking anything if this can still be done? Any help or suggestions please!?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there is your lesson learned, Don't buy phones from Craigslist! I actually in the past had that happen but on a iPhone 4S and well it actually got blocked 3 days later and AT&T said it was reported stolen. So From there on I either buy my phones on ebay or just do some AT&T loopholes to get a brand new HTC One which I did and pay the new activation price for it
clninja said:
Att and tmobile share imei lists.
Take that text string to tmobile. If the number that Texted you about the se is the number on his account. They can cross reference your phones imei to his number and use those texts as proof of purchase and help you.
I work at a store and if you came to me with this info I would unblock it for you....just sayin
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that is encouraging. Might try this if the unblock doesn't work that the rep requested.
deviusdragger said:
You would also get fired for doing something stupid like that. You need to read up on the process of unblocking phones. Serious note, dont risk your job over something like this. Its not worth it, plus that phone is property of asurion once its reported stolen.
Do this!!!!
*Try to contact seller and get your money back
*Contact authorities and have them file a report and maybe and insurance fraud case.
*Dont waste your time anymore trying to contact tmobile. They will not unblock it. That phone belongs to asurion due to them paying for it. I would also recommend calling them 1-866-268-7221 Maybe they can assist you with something.
Good luck and hope you get your money back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Is that the number for Assurion? The store manager yesterday called them too and they were completely useless and just said to talk to T-mobile.
Vicpdx18 said:
Well there is your lesson learned, Don't buy phones from Craigslist! I actually in the past had that happen but on a iPhone 4S and well it actually got blocked 3 days later and AT&T said it was reported stolen. So From there on I either buy my phones on ebay or just do some AT&T loopholes to get a brand new HTC One which I did and pay the new activation price for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is eBay safer than craigslist? How did you get the new phone from Att?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Why not learn a lesson from it and sell it to get the most of it ? Thats what i did in past
You can sell it on eBay say it is blacklisted at least get some money back.
Buddy of mine lost his phone made a claim. Then found his phone the day he got the new phone he called asurion for instructions on what to do he sent his new phone back they received it and got his money back in about ten days total. But they never unblocked his current phone that he found again. Here we are almost three months later his phone is still blacklisted and did nothing wrong. Called Tmobile at least ten times they always say 48 hours and doesn't do anything so he just gave up its a paperweight.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
So I went over to Ebay and I see there is an HTC One with a T-mobile blacklisted IMEI with over 40 bids selling for over $400... this is very encouraging. Only difference is that one is Unlocked and the seller said he already verified it does work with AT&T with some minor APN changes. Does this seem legit? If so, what is the best/cheapest/most reliable way for me to unlock my phone? I did research this, but it sounds like many online sites charge a pretty good fee for this and don't have the best reputation. Also, most recommended having your carrier do it, which I'm sure is not an option in my case..... Appreciate the support!
jones75534 said:
So I went over to Ebay and I see there is an HTC One with a T-mobile blacklisted IMEI with over 40 bids selling for over $400... this is very encouraging. Only difference is that one is Unlocked and the seller said he already verified it does work with AT&T with some minor APN changes. Does this seem legit? If so, what is the best/cheapest/most reliable way for me to unlock my phone? I did research this, but it sounds like many online sites charge a pretty good fee for this and don't have the best reputation. Also, most recommended having your carrier do it, which I'm sure is not an option in my case..... Appreciate the support!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wont suggest you listing it as a phone working on at&t because this phone would not work in usa after a certain period(when tmobile UPDATES their blacklist with other networks) , if the ebay seller advises as such he would face the consequences . Payments are mostly done through paypal and they give a 45 day window for the buyer to claim the phone as not described . That would put you again in the same situation you are today in . You not just sell it for parts ? Get your money out of this sh*t and get yourself a new phone?
Just my 2cent !
@jones75534 sorry to tell u but most unlocking service wont unlock your phone . It is blacklisted in all the database

bad imei phone

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!

Scammed on craigslist, need help

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

Categories

Resources