I got scammed, is there anything I can do? - One (M7) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm on t-mobile and I recently traded my iPhone 5 for an HTC ONE. Everything was good for a couple weeks but I suddenly wasn't getting any cell phone signal. I went to the tmobile store where I was informed that the person I traded phones with had called and stopped paying on his account then Tmo blocked the phone. So now I have a perfect HTC one that can't get signal. Is there anything I can do? or am I just FUBAR

Absolutely nothing besides find him...beg or demand phone back what he did was trade you and then prolly did a insurance claim paid a small deductible got a new htc and sold it.. This is why its nowadays never good to trade people are actually very heaitant anymore...
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

lojak29 said:
Absolutely nothing besides find him...beg or demand phone back what he did was trade you and then prolly did a insurance claim paid a small deductible got a new htc and sold it.. This is why its nowadays never good to trade people are actually very heaitant anymore...
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
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When I went to the Tmobile store the guy that I talked to said that "you may wanna go on the internet there may be somebody on the internet that has figured out a way to get around this". Granted he didn't sound like he knew too much cause he wa spike "some people do that jawbreaking or jailbraeaking or whatever so I figure somebody is smart enough to figure this out"....I thought that changing the IMEI via software mods was illegal?

zcat84 said:
I thought that changing the IMEI via software mods was illegal?
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It is and can't be discussed here.
Best bet is to track the guy down and hope he's decent about it. Other than that, you can put it up on eBay for parts. You'll make a few bucks back at least.
---------- Post added at 05:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 PM ----------
Apparently it is not illegal, in the US, to swap IMEI numbers with a phone that you legally own. Therefore, you could possibly buy a cheap TMobile phone and cannabalize its IMEI number.
It could be possible to write this IMEI number to your phone, if you are s-off.
fastboot oem writeimei
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Report the iPhone you traded as stolen, that will get his attention when the carrier blacklists it.
Sent from a van down by the river.

cschmitt said:
Report the iPhone you traded as stolen, that will get his attention when the carrier blacklists it.
Sent from a van down by the river.
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What he said. :good:

Why did they shut off and block a phone that was on your account when he stopped paying on his account? What am I missing?

Just unlock the phone and sell for use with any other gsm network. They can only block a phone on there network so still good for any carriers with SIM cards.

vhicke said:
Just unlock the phone and sell for use with any other gsm network. They can only block a phone on there network so still good for any carriers with SIM cards.
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A lot of networks share the block lists... I'm not sure that will work
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4

vhicke said:
Just unlock the phone and sell for use with any other gsm network. They can only block a phone on there network so still good for any carriers with SIM cards.
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No, there's a national blacklist that all the north american carriers share.

instigator008 said:
No, there's a national blacklist that all the north american carriers share.
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Not in Canada.

vhicke said:
Not in Canada.
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Canada too. Started October 1.
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/carriers/canadian-carriers-national-blacklist-program-cellphones/

instigator008 said:
Canada too. Started October 1.
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/carriers/canadian-carriers-national-blacklist-program-cellphones/
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I guess if his HTC one is blacklisted he can check here if shows blacklisted then only good for parts
http://www.protectyourdata.ca/check-the-status-of-your-device-in-canada/

fachadick said:
Why did they shut off and block a phone that was on your account when he stopped paying on his account? What am I missing?
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I'm not real sure but the explanation I was given was that because Tmobile moved to the new model of not subsidizing phones that even if I traded my phone to someone else that other person is still responsible for continuing the payments on the phone that he traded to me.
So this dude stopped paying on his account and when he did he essentially stopped paying on his phone...I thought that when his phone got associated to my account (because we actually went into a tmobile store to trade) that I was essentially taking over the payments on his phone and he would be taking over the payments on my iPhone...But alas I was wrong

fachadick said:
Why did they shut off and block a phone that was on your account when he stopped paying on his account? What am I missing?
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Because the HTC One belonged to the original owner and he was making payments to T-Mobile.
Even though the IMEI was on another account being used it still belonged to the original owner and when he stopped making payments T-Mobile black listed the device.
I got burned on a GS3 last summer.
I had the phone on my account for 4 months and one day nothing.
For the OP he said the guy stopped paying T-Mobile the monthly installments. So this is not an insurance scam.
But in my case it was.
I found out you have 30 days to report a phone lost/stolen when its been on your account.
Then you have another 120 days to follow thru and pay the deductible. Once all the paperwork has been done and you paid the deductible the phone will get blacklisted.
So my GS3 which worked for 4 months is a good parts phone. Ill re-coup about 60% of my money selling it for parts. But i learned a lesson as well.

fachadick said:
Why did they shut off and block a phone that was on your account when he stopped paying on his account? What am I missing?
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Click to collapse
Wrong wrong once blocked even unlocked is useless across any gsm carrier
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

So after some research ( I figured out the date I added the phone and filtered throughout phone #'s of people I texted that day) I got the guys phone# and on one of his posts he put a first name (IDK if it's actually his or not). Here are his posts on CL just under the phone section ( I tried to add a screenshot). will the police actually try to help with this if I take them this info?

zcat84 said:
So after some research ( I figured out the date I added the phone and filtered throughout phone #'s of people I texted that day) I got the guys phone# and on one of his posts he put a first name (IDK if it's actually his or not). Here are his posts on CL just under the phone section ( I tried to add a screenshot). will the police actually try to help with this if I take them this info?
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Try phoning him first and let him know that you're willing to go to the police unless you get your money back etc.

instigator008 said:
Try phoning him first and let him know that you're willing to go to the police unless you get your money back etc.
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Is there a way to text him email him using his # (assuming it is still active) from my computer? I literally don't have a phone since my cell has been deactivated as of right now.

zcat84 said:
Is there a way to text him email him using his # (assuming it is still active) from my computer? I literally don't have a phone since my cell has been deactivated as of right now.
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I would definitely go with a voice call over text/email. Call from work or borrow a phone. Emails are too easily ignored.

Related

Legal unlocking and the shebang.

Before one buys a used atrix hd off the bay, how does he make sure the imei had not been blacklisted by at&t? Especially if he lives overseas and has no way of trying out an at&t sim for a few weeks before he visits the US?
I understand atrix hd is also offered on contract. So what is stopping from someone taking it on the contract for cheap and buy a code from ebay and unlock the phone. Missed payments could make at&t blacklist the phone right?
I guess one way to avoid buying a stolen phone is to insist on the box with the sale, but how does one protect oneself about the above possibility?
AT&T employee here. Phones being blacklisted due to missed payments is usually only a CDMA thing, and AT&T just blacklist if reported stolen. Blacklisting is becoming more and more of an issue, so it is something to keep in mind when buying used from individuals. I would recommend getting them to provide you with the IMEI then call AT&T customer service 1-800-331-0500 to check it to see if it's clear.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
AzraelsVoice said:
AT&T employee here. Phones being blacklisted due to missed payments is usually only a CDMA thing, and AT&T just blacklist if reported stolen. Blacklisting is becoming more and more of an issue, so it is something to keep in mind when buying used from individuals. I would recommend getting them to provide you with the IMEI then call AT&T customer service 1-800-331-0500 to check it to see if it's clear.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
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Thanks. I just called them. They told me that they do not keep a list like that! I'll send you a PM about it.
Blue Bell said:
Thanks. I just called them. They told me that they do not keep a list like that! I'll send you a PM about it.
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Try and buy from a good seller also. Look for "good imei" or something like that. As long as it is listed as good, eBay will protect you investment, aka refund you if you get the shaft lol
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk 2
SirHoover2010 said:
Try and buy from a good seller also. Look for "good imei" or something like that. As long as it is listed as good, eBay will protect you investment, aka refund you if you get the shaft lol
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk 2
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Exactly. Ebay is all for protecting buyers, and unfortunately not sellers.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
If you want a good site with good imei then try swappa. Com I have purchased several android phones there and never had a problem, and the site checks the imei for u before u purchase the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Didn't know Swappa did that. Good piece of information.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
AzraelsVoice said:
Didn't know Swappa did that. Good piece of information.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
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they just implimented a beta service today
Check out Swappa's new ESN Check (Beta) service. Validate with carriers to ensure ESN is clean for activation. swappa.com/esn
34 minutes ago from Swappa.
glad to help,i just bought an s3 like new for 390.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but ESN checking would only work for CDMA phones right?
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
AzraelsVoice said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but ESN checking would only work for CDMA phones right?
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
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yes that is correct ESN is just for cdma phones but swappa check's IMEI as well just thought id throw that lil bit of info out there if anyone was interested.
when ever i have sold a phone on swappa the first thing i have to do is give swappa the IMEI so they can confirm if it is good.
SirHoover2010 said:
Try and buy from a good seller also. Look for "good imei" or something like that. As long as it is listed as good, eBay will protect you investment, aka refund you if you get the shaft lol
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk 2
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Unfortunately though, I live overseas, and I wouldn't be able to check if it works on AT&T until I try their sim in a month or two! Hence the pickle.
Swappa recognized the IMEI as the correct device but could not validate the status. Is CheckMEND a reliable solution?
AzraelsVoice said:
AT&T employee here. Phones being blacklisted due to missed payments is usually only a CDMA thing, and AT&T just blacklist if reported stolen.
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Another quick clarification on the statement above. So, what happens to GSM phones that are bought on contract at a subsidized price and unlocked via one of the many third party sites online (if it is possible to illegally unlock phones on contract that is)? AT&T does nothing about it and just bears the loss?
Blue Bell said:
Another quick clarification on the statement above. So, what happens to GSM phones that are bought on contract at a subsidized price and unlocked via one of the many third party sites online (if it is possible to illegally unlock phones on contract that is)? AT&T does nothing about it and just bears the loss?
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if you unlock a gsm phone 90% of the time you can use them with any carrier ,i believe and correct me if im wrong. if you report a phone lost or stolen thats when there is a problem.i have a tmobile phone right now which is working with at&t.so as long as its a gsm phone and you can unlock
it then your good to go.i just bought a s3 off swappa then unlocked with cellunlocker.net for 25 and just popped my sim in and i was good to go.
hope this helps.
I don't get that business model. What is stopping people then from buying phones on contract for $50 and using them on another carrier after unlocking it for $25? Or is the contract obligations so binding in US that people don't ever break their contracts? How does it work there?
Blue Bell said:
I don't get that business model. What is stopping people then from buying phones on contract for $50 and using them on another carrier after unlocking it for $25? Or is the contract obligations so binding in US that people don't ever break their contracts? How does it work there?
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well to be honest it has to do with credit and your credit line,if you buy a phone with a contract and you break and or dont pay your bill then it will go to collections and that in turn affects your credit as far as getting credit cards or anything for that matter that involves anything having to do with credit,of course some people just dont care but for the majority it is better for them to pay the bill or to pay to get out of the contract as in an early termination fee. hope this helps
titaneds73 said:
well to be honest it has to do with credit and your credit line,if you buy a phone with a contract and you break and or dont pay your bill then it will go to collections and that in turn affects your credit as far as getting credit cards or anything for that matter that involves anything having to do with credit,of course some people just dont care but for the majority it is better for them to pay the bill or to pay to get out of the contract as in an early termination fee. hope this helps
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Oh okay. So the only worry is if people buy the phones and claim that it had been lost (and the insurance) but sell them off internationally. This way the phone will work everywhere except in US where it will blacklisted.
But then, will insurance and/or the police insist on seeing the box? If so, insisting on getting the phone with the box would technically make sure that the phone is not stolen and/or blacklisted right?
Blue Bell said:
Oh okay. So the only worry is if people buy the phones and claim that it had been lost (and the insurance) but sell them off internationally. This way the phone will work everywhere except in US where it will blacklisted.
But then, will insurance and/or the police insist on seeing the box? If so, insisting on getting the phone with the box would technically make sure that the phone is not stolen and/or blacklisted right?
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im afraid things work differently over here,not the police or the company really have time or care about a phone.insurance is just that ,if you have it then they will give you another and register the phones imei as bad and will be flagged as bad and will not work with the company you buy it from but if it is a gsm phone more than likely it will work unlocked with other companies ,now having said that if you want a phone that will work with at&t or any other carrier that are gsm then may plz recommend this website, swappa.com i have purchased several phones from them and never had a problem i would recommend buying at&t phone or a tmobile phone and if it is not unlocked then you can unlock the phone at cellunlocker.net which i have used as well and can verify that they give good unlock codes ,within 5 to 10 min,also swappa only deals with paypal so if the phones imei no. for some reason is not right even though they check it before hand and or the phone is not in the condition they said it was you are protected under there buyer protection program which means if need be they can refund your money.
Thanks. I had already been through Swappa. Unfortunately, it seems like most of the sellers do not ship internationally.
Blue Bell said:
I don't get that business model. What is stopping people then from buying phones on contract for $50 and using them on another carrier after unlocking it for $25? Or is the contract obligations so binding in US that people don't ever break their contracts? How does it work there?
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Click to collapse
The way it works with AT&T here is that you may get a $500 phone for $100 with a two year contract, but a stipulation of the contract is a $350 declining early contract termination fee. That way they're covered if you do decide to take it elsewhere. If a phone is blacklisted, it will fry your sim card almost immediately when you try to use it in that phone. Keep in mind, I'm an employee but not speaking on behalf of the company, just trying to be helpful and shed some light on things.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
AzraelsVoice said:
The way it works with AT&T here is that you may get a $500 phone for $100 with a two year contract, but a stipulation of the contract is a $350 declining early contract termination fee. That way they're covered if you do decide to take it elsewhere. If a phone is blacklisted, it will fry your sim card almost immediately when you try to use it in that phone. Keep in mind, I'm an employee but not speaking on behalf of the company, just trying to be helpful and shed some light on things.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
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really did not know that ,thanks for the info

Bought a Used Nexus 6 AT&T Won't SIM Unlock

So I messed up and bought an AT&T Nexus 6 on Swappa. IMEI checked out okay and all looked good. Seller said he'd used it on Verizon and was a nice guy.
Decided a little later to try out T-Mobile service and it turns out it is still carrier locked to AT&T. They (AT&T) have told me several different stories, but the latest one is that the original owner has to call and request the unlock. Well the person I bought it from bought it used ... And he's been trying to, I presume, find the original owner to see about him getting it unlocked.
Anyway, I messed up and I have learned not to trust an IMEI alone. But does anyone have any suggestions? I tried two unlocking services and they each took a week and came back with unable to unlock and gave a refund. AT&T unlock site says they can't locate the IMEI.
Anyone been through this? When I insert a sim it requests a sim unlock code. With my Verizon sim, I can make and receive calls and texts if I dismiss the sim unlock prompt, but no data. I can't even find where to enter APN settings to try that out.
At my wits end.
sbrownla said:
So I messed up and bought an AT&T Nexus 6 on Swappa. IMEI checked out okay and all looked good. Seller said he'd used it on Verizon and was a nice guy.
Decided a little later to try out T-Mobile service and it turns out it is still carrier locked to AT&T. They (AT&T) have told me several different stories, but the latest one is that the original owner has to call and request the unlock. Well the person I bought it from bought it used ... And he's been trying to, I presume, find the original owner to see about him getting it unlocked.
Anyway, I messed up and I have learned not to trust an IMEI alone. But does anyone have any suggestions? I tried two unlocking services and they each took a week and came back with unable to unlock and gave a refund. AT&T unlock site says they can't locate the IMEI.
Anyone been through this? When I insert a sim it requests a sim unlock code. With my Verizon sim, I can make and receive calls and texts if I dismiss the sim unlock prompt, but no data. I can't even find where to enter APN settings to try that out.
At my wits end.
Click to expand...
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i think you can just use a sim unlock website idk a trustworthy one though
I would tell the person you bought it from to take it back. If he refuses dispute it through PayPal and they will side with you, have him pay return shipping, and refund your money out of his PayPal account once the delivery is confirmed by the shipping service. I think you have 180 days to file a dispute through PayPal. PayPal is extremely biased for buyers, which works in your favor in this case.
Whether that guy knew or not isn't important. He sold you a phone without disclosing that it was sim locked. Not to mention if you're seeing the error on verizon then so was he (he scammed you). Either way that's his problem to figure out after you get your money back.
Also please leave this information in his feedback on swappa. Those of us who buy and sell every month or more need honest feedback to know who to avoid.
billycar11 said:
i think you can just use a sim unlock website idk a trustworthy one though
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Click to collapse
Already tried two I've used before. It's hella weird that AT&T is messing around ... I don't want to go the hardball route but if he can't find anything out from the original owner I may have to.
Restola said:
I would tell the person you bought it from to take it back. If he refuses dispute it through PayPal and they will side with you, have him pay return shipping, and refund your money out of his PayPal account once the delivery is confirmed by the shipping service. I think you have 180 days to file a dispute through PayPal. PayPal is extremely biased for buyers, which works in your favor in this case.
Whether that guy knew or not isn't important. He sold you a phone without disclosing that it was sim locked. Not to mention if you're seeing the error on verizon then so was he (he scammed you). Either way that's his problem to figure out after you get your money back.
Also please leave this information in his feedback on swappa. Those of us who buy and sell every month or more need honest feedback to know who to avoid.
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I let Swappa know. They are apparently working on the issue. I'll give him a little bit to try and resolve it.
sbrownla said:
I let Swappa know. They are apparently working on the issue. I'll give him a little bit to try and resolve it.
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Click to collapse
I've sim unlocked at least 4 or 5 different phones with cellunlocker.net
have you tried them yet?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
HolyAngel said:
I've sim unlocked at least 4 or 5 different phones with cellunlocker.net
have you tried them yet?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Yup. They were the second. They couldn't do it. So they refunded. The IMEI isn't blacklisted so I really don't know what's up.
And the fact that I can call and text with Verizon, but only data is blocked, is weird. The phone registers on Verizon's network and shows up in My Verizon under my account.
sbrownla said:
Yup. They were the second. They couldn't do it. So they refunded. The IMEI isn't blacklisted so I really don't know what's up.
And the fact that I can call and text with Verizon, but only data is blocked, is weird. The phone registers on Verizon's network and shows up in My Verizon under my account.
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If the phone is picking up the network that means it's not sim locked! There's something else going on here....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
BigDig said:
If the phone is picking up the network that means it's not sim locked! There's something else going on here....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
It has to be SIM locked.
T-Mobile SIM won't register on the network at all even though it's an active SIM. The T-Mobile SIM works in my other phones. Verizon SIM registers but no data available, and it still prompts me for a SIM unlock code even though I can make and receive calls and send and receive texts.
Honestly, if there's a work-around out there I'm down to find out. I can't even locate the APN settings on this thing ... Had to go in through a Nova Launcher widget.
Phone wasn't payed for or ATT would unlock it. They only lock data.
prdog1 said:
Phone wasn't payed for or ATT would unlock it. They only lock data.
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Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.
sbrownla said:
Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.
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Luckily you bought from Swappa. They should hook you up. Then buy new from Playstore for discounted price. If it was cheaper there is a reason. Or find a swappa seller with a good history.
sbrownla said:
Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't wait for Swappa. They really don't have any leverage. You need to raise a dispute on PayPal. They have the leverage to get you your money back.
prdog1 said:
Luckily you bought from Swappa. They should hook you up. Then buy new from Playstore for discounted price. If it was cheaper there is a reason. Or find a swappa seller with a good history.
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The seller has a good history, and has been communicating with me. I just don't know if he really knew how not unlockable this phone is. AT&T did a number on it, first with the extra software and then with the aggressive carrier lock. I'm not used to carrier locked phones since I'm on Verizon. They don't do that.
cam30era said:
Don't wait for Swappa. They really don't have any leverage. You need to raise a dispute on PayPal. They have the leverage to get you your money back.
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They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.
sbrownla said:
They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.
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You are correct. Swappa will work out fine with a cooperative seller. But if the seller proves to be uncooperative at any point, they have no means to help further. If one opens a dispute on PayPal, it can be cancelled at any time. In a case like this, I'd start with PayPal now.
sbrownla said:
They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.
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I believe your phone is SIM unlocked. Before unlocking mine, if I inserted a VZW SIM, I got a popup with something like "unauthorized SIM. Enter unlock code to continue".
I don't follow. If it prompted you before you unlocked it it would have been SIM locked. SIM unlocked devices don't prompt you to enter a network or SIM unlock code.
sbrownla said:
I don't follow. If it prompted you before you unlocked it it would have been SIM locked. SIM unlocked devices don't prompt you to enter a network or SIM unlock code.
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Correct. I am saying that it appears that your N6 is unlocked.
Nope it appears that mine is SIM locked. Not unlocked because if it was I wouldn't be prompted to enter the code. And it would have data on any active SIM. I'm going to try a refund. If that doesn't work, maybe someone with AT&T will want one. For a great price. Ugh.

Odd IMEI situation (Nexus 6 AT&T)

So I've been playing with my Nexus 6 (I am the original owner) for a while, and recently PCS'd to South Korea for 3-5 years.
AT&T suspended my wireless service under the Soldiers/Sailors Relief Act, which basically suspends my service for $.01/mo.
Now, AT&T also allows you to unlock your device so that you can use a local SIM in the country you are stationed, however their online support unlock request form does NOT recognize my IMEI???
Is it even remotely possible that flashing other radios/bootloaders/roms can potentially modify the IMEI? If so, how can I go about getting the original IMEI restored? I believe I flashed the Google-Fi rom/radio/bootloader most recently. Should I flash back a stock LMY47E or something like that with radios etc.?
I don't normally ask questions like this, but it has stumped me for the last 4 days and I've done lots of searching with no results. My google-fu sucks apparently.
Thanks in advance.
Nope. Does not change any of the IMEI info. I actually ran into the same thing with AT&T on my old Note 3. The reason it does that is because it ineligible to be unlocked through them. However, cellunlocker.net is great for unlocking phones.
AFAIK, Flashing Radio/Kernel/ROM wont change ur IMEI. I strongly suspect that the issue is on the ATT side not your IMEI.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Holy smokes that was a fast reply!
I actually tried cellunlocker.net first, and they said that they couldn't find that IMEI in their database, and that if I wanted to wait a few additional days they would scrub other databases?
Should I have waited for them to scrub additional databases? I already got my refund back
EDIT: I do find it strange that they wouldn't unlock it or that it's not eligible though. It DOES have their branding. LOL.
There are other sites too. I would have let them scrub other sources.
Depends on how long you have had the phone and if it's financed or still in a 2 year contract.
---------- Post added at 01:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 AM ----------
And it's likely ineligible because of the suspended service. Regardless of your military status. I had issues with phone companies doing that when I was in the Army stationed in Germany.
Thanks. I'll give another site a shot and be more patient with it. Hell I haven't been able to use the phone since the beginning of June, I can wait a few more days. HA.
Have seen it before on another thread here. It is ATT being an ass. They will say they can't even find IEMI till the device is payed off. Think other poster had to contact FCC. Hope you can work it out and thanks for what you do for the rest of us.
cliff p said:
So I've been playing with my Nexus 6 (I am the original owner) for a while, and recently PCS'd to South Korea for 3-5 years.
AT&T suspended my wireless service under the Soldiers/Sailors Relief Act, which basically suspends my service for $.01/mo.
Now, AT&T also allows you to unlock your device so that you can use a local SIM in the country you are stationed, however their online support unlock request form does NOT recognize my IMEI???
Is it even remotely possible that flashing other radios/bootloaders/roms can potentially modify the IMEI? If so, how can I go about getting the original IMEI restored? I believe I flashed the Google-Fi rom/radio/bootloader most recently. Should I flash back a stock LMY47E or something like that with radios etc.?
I don't normally ask questions like this, but it has stumped me for the last 4 days and I've done lots of searching with no results. My google-fu sucks apparently.
Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
graydiggy said:
Nope. Does not change any of the IMEI info. I actually ran into the same thing with AT&T on my old Note 3. The reason it does that is because it ineligible to be unlocked through them. However, cellunlocker.net is great for unlocking phones.
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Click to collapse
prdog1 said:
Have seen it before on another thread here. It is ATT being an ass. They will say they can't even find IEMI till the device is payed off. Think other poster had to contact FCC. Hope you can work it out and thanks for what you do for the rest of us.
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Click to collapse
Actually, the AT&T online tool nearly always returns an "IMEI unrecognized" message for our N6. If you call them, you will have no problem getting a free IMEI code directly from AT&T. Been there, done that....
cam30era said:
Actually, the AT&T online tool nearly always returns an "IMEI unrecognized" message for our N6. If you call them, you will have no problem getting a free IMEI code directly from AT&T. Been there, done that....
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Click to collapse
No idea that was an issue! And I just paid for another service. =| well I'll call ATT in the morning anyway to see what they can do. Thanks for the suggestion. This G4 is okay, but man do I miss my nexus. So clean and snappy.
cliff p said:
No idea that was an issue! And I just paid for another service. =| well I'll call ATT in the morning anyway to see what they can do. Thanks for the suggestion. This G4 is okay, but man do I miss my nexus. So clean and snappy.
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Click to collapse
You can also email AT&T tech support if that's more convenient.
cam30era said:
Actually, the AT&T online tool nearly always returns an "IMEI unrecognized" message for our N6. If you call them, you will have no problem getting a free IMEI code directly from AT&T. Been there, done that....
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Click to collapse
They won't give it to you if you are still withing a 2 year contract, or on a finance plan. Been there done that...
graydiggy said:
They won't give it to you if you are still withing a 2 year contract, or on a finance plan. Been there done that...
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You are correct, for us civilians. But I understand that the OP is in the military, being posted overseas. They will do it under those circumstances.
cam30era said:
You are correct, for us civilians. But I understand that the OP is in the military, being posted overseas. They will do it under those circumstances.
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Again... Been there done that. Had trouble with them. They are complete pricks when it comes to giving out the code. I have always found it easier to either pay for an unlock or use another method. He could try contacting them, but it will take a few days to process the request and in my experience, they need orders to show the duty station and even then may deny the request. I even had one moron tell me no right off the bat. When asked why, he was like "because national security". I laid into that jackass about how stupid he was and how much BS I knew he was feeding me.
graydiggy said:
Again... Been there done that. Had trouble with them. They are complete pricks when it comes to giving out the code. I have always found it easier to either pay for an unlock or use another method. He could try contacting them, but it will take a few days to process the request and in my experience, they need orders to show the duty station and even then may deny the request. I even had one moron tell me no right off the bat. When asked why, he was like "because national security". I laid into that jackass about how stupid he was and how much BS I knew he was feeding me.
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Click to collapse
Well that certainly sucks. And their policy says the will SIM unlock for military personnel stationed overseas. FWIW, I had no problem getting an unlock code from them, but my N6 was paid off.
cam30era said:
Well that certainly sucks. And their policy says the will SIM unlock for military personnel stationed overseas. FWIW, I had no problem getting an unlock code from them, but my N6 was paid off.
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You know how it goes. "we say one thing then do the exact opposite" lol
Well its unlocked via the 3rd party service I paid $10 for
For the record, I'm military affiliated as an Army Civilian, but prior service military as well. ATT already has my orders on file as they required them in order to suspend my account for $.01/mo.
At least I have a fully functioning N6 again! Thanks everyone.
Glad to hear. Thanks for your service active or not. :good:

(Q) AT&T to Verizon

When I searched for this I saw many posts from last year, and so I'm not sure if anything has changed. This is likely a stupid question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer.
I have an HTC One M7, and the screen is literally falling out of it. I want to pull the trigger on a nexus 6, and looking on Ebay I see that the AT&T version is the cheapest. I've read that these are locked, but that (at least a year ago) AT&T were letting people unlock them. Is this true? Should I buy one of these phones can I go to an AT&T store and get it unlocked to use a different carrier? I'm on Verizon and since the status of my unlimited data is always in limbo, the less I have to talk to them the better. I'm aware there is a site that will unlock phones, but if I can do it for free, that seems preferable.
Also, aside from doing it myself is there any place I can get my sim card cut? Someone said that bestbuy used to do it, but the nearest one is a long drive for me, and I'd hate to make the trip for nothing.
in order to unlock an att n6 thats sim locked, the phone has to be 100% paid off(to att). if the person is selling it, it might be, or might not. thats the very first thing that i would ask the seller. if it isnt, id avoid buying it, as it could be stolen. if it was stolen, att will never unlock it for you.
simms22 said:
Snip.
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Interesting, a lot of the sellers are re-sellers of used phones, how could you actually check to see if it's paid off or not?
squat251 said:
Interesting, a lot of the sellers are re-sellers of used phones, how could you actually check to see if it's paid off or not?
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Click to collapse
there are a few places online that you enter the imei number and itll say if its been reported stolen or not, or if its been placed on the list. if it has been placed on the list, then every US carrier will not let you use the phone on their networks. but the only way to tell 100% is ro buy it and try it(but i dont recommend this way).
Well, the seller (of the phone I'm looking at) claims it's a clean IMEI, literally in the title, but that doesn't alleviate the problem of finding out if it's been fully paid off, right?
squat251 said:
Well, the seller (of the phone I'm looking at) claims it's a clean IMEI, literally in the title, but that doesn't alleviate the problem of finding out if it's been fully paid off, right?
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Click to collapse
nope. ask them, the most direct way to get an answer. and ask them if they got it unlocked, if it is paid for.
simms22 said:
nope. ask them, the most direct way to get an answer. and ask them if they got it unlocked, if it is paid for.
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Click to collapse
Well, the answer they gave me is that AT&T phones cannot be unlocked. So either they never tried, or they just don't know it's possible.
squat251 said:
Well, the answer they gave me is that AT&T phones cannot be unlocked. So either they never tried, or they just don't know it's possible.
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Click to collapse
lol, ive never heard that one before, of all the ridiculous things that ive heard said before. funny that att would put up a "fake" website for requesting unlock codes then https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/?#/
---------- Post added at 07:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------
btw..
General Requirements for All Unlock Requests
The device must be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T wireless network. (For help see Device Unlock Support )
It must not be reported lost or stolen.
It’s not associated with fraudulent activity.
All the device’s service commitments and installment plans are completed, and all early termination fees are paid in full.
The device is not currently active on a different AT&T customer’s account.
If you performed an early upgrade, you must wait the 14-day buyer’s remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous device.
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simms22 said:
lol, ive never heard that one before, of all the ridiculous things that ive heard said before. funny that att would put up a "fake" website for requesting unlock codes then https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/?#/
.
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Click to collapse
THe at&t only phones can't be unlocked, please keep an eye i may update the listing with unlocked devices, waiting to see if they can be unlocked or not.
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Click to collapse
His response after telling him I needed to know if it had been paid off (and why).
Perhaps that means he's tried and they cannot be unlocked, I'm not sure he wasn't all that clear.
squat251 said:
His response after telling him I needed to know if it had been paid off (and why).
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Click to collapse
well, if he gets it unlocked, then id say go for it
simms22 said:
well, if he gets it unlocked, then id say go for it
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Click to collapse
I'd say if he manages to unlock it, he's going to price it the same as everyone else with unlocked phones the goal was to avoid that lol.
squat251 said:
I'd say if he manages to unlock it, he's going to price it the same as everyone else with unlocked phones the goal was to avoid that lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh, hope not! btw, what was he offering before?
simms22 said:
oh, hope not! btw, what was he offering before?
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Click to collapse
265 for an A+ condition used phone. unlocked phones are going in the 300+ range, I can get one brand new for 300 and change from http://www.expansys-usa.com/google-nexus-6-smartphone-xt1103-unlocked-32gb-cloud-white-284542/
I recommend you avoid buying from Expansys, check around at least first.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

Blocked IMEI...what can I do?

Here we go....another victim to Tmo's overbearing retroactive IMEI blocking
I bought it used from a private seller, now 3 months later the IMEI is blocked.
What can I do about it? No holds barred here. How do I get my phone working again? If it's against XDA rules to openly discuss it, don't...please discreetly point me in the right direction or drop a PM. I'm down for anything....ANYTHING!!!
So please give me a little help...I've done some searching and what I keep seeing is 'maybe...depending on the device'....is N6 one of them it's possible?
Also, just so it's said...I have another Nexus with physical damage, but a valid 100% legit donor IMEI of which I am the original owner, so this isn't an attempt to hijack one from someone....just wanted to make that perfectly clear.
hp420 said:
Here we go....another victim to Tmo's overbearing retroactive IMEI blocking
I bought it used from a private seller, now 3 months later the IMEI is blocked.
What can I do about it? No holds barred here. How do I get my phone working again? If it's against XDA rules to openly discuss it, don't...please discreetly point me in the right direction or drop a PM. I'm down for anything....ANYTHING!!!
So please give me a little help...I've done some searching and what I keep seeing is 'maybe...depending on the device'....is N6 one of them it's possible?
Also, just so it's said...I have another Nexus with physical damage, but a valid 100% legit donor IMEI of which I am the original owner, so this isn't an attempt to hijack one from someone....just wanted to make that perfectly clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds like the seller sold you a stolen phone, or one not paid off. there's nothing you can do about it, and talking about changing your imei isn't allowed on XDA.
hp420 said:
Here we go....another victim to Tmo's overbearing retroactive IMEI blocking
I bought it used from a private seller, now 3 months later the IMEI is blocked.
What can I do about it? No holds barred here. How do I get my phone working again? If it's against XDA rules to openly discuss it, don't...please discreetly point me in the right direction or drop a PM. I'm down for anything....ANYTHING!!!
So please give me a little help...I've done some searching and what I keep seeing is 'maybe...depending on the device'....is N6 one of them it's possible?
Also, just so it's said...I have another Nexus with physical damage, but a valid 100% legit donor IMEI of which I am the original owner, so this isn't an attempt to hijack one from someone....just wanted to make that perfectly clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you contact t-Mobile to ask why the imei is blocked? Contact the seller for a refund and/or file a police report if he is not willing to do that.
Thanks guys. I did call tmo...we had a lengthy conversation, I was passed to 3 supervisors, escalated ro tier 2, and they still refused to do anything. The customer cancelled service and has an outstanding balance for the device, so Unless I pay for it ($900 they said...I got a great laugh out of that one) they won't do anything for me.
I'm aware IMEI talk usn't allowed in public, which is why I have asked people to keep that discussion OUT of this thread please...don't get this thread closed on me please, people...if you have sonething to say, please PM me.
The thing that's so messed up is I did pay for it already...it's far from my fault if that money never got to the original seller in one way or another, and now they want me to pay for it again just to use it!!! How is this literally not extortion??? Can't I file a police report against Tmo for this? They activated a brand new prepaid sim using the IMEI from the same Nexus 6 just 2 months ago, which, in my eyes, is a guarantee from Tmo that the IMEI is good, no?? I sort of feel like Tmo should be responsible for this since they let me activate it after checking the number.
hp420 said:
Thanks guys. I did call tmo...we had a lengthy conversation, I was passed to 3 supervisors, escalated ro tier 2, and they still refused to do anything. The customer cancelled service and has an outstanding balance for the device, so Unless I pay for it ($900 they said...I got a great laugh out of that one) they won't do anything for me.
I'm aware IMEI talk usn't allowed in public, which is why I have asked people to keep that discussion OUT of this thread please...don't get this thread closed on me please, people...if you have sonething to say, please PM me.
The thing that's so messed up is I did pay for it already...it's far from my fault if that money never got to the original seller in one way or another, and now they want me to pay for it again just to use it!!! How is this literally not extortion??? Can't I file a police report against Tmo for this? They activated a brand new prepaid sim using the IMEI from the same Nexus 6 just 2 months ago, which, in my eyes, is a guarantee from Tmo that the IMEI is good, no?? I sort of feel like Tmo should be responsible for this since they let me activate it after checking the number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on when he canceled the contract. This is why I never buy used devices unless I know the person. T-mobile and many carriers are doing this because of things just like this. Its not their fault. It is the person that sold you the device. You could file a police report against that person for selling stolen property.
As @zelendel said, it depends on when he canceled the contract. I agree it's not your fault that the money didn't get to the original seller, but what T-Mobile does isn't extortion because they still own the phone as long as there are payments left on it. It sucks, and I can only imagine the spot you're in. But T-Mobile, as the original owner of the device, is within their rights to block the IMEI.
Keep in mind that T-Mobile blocking the IMEI on their network is different from blacklisting the IMEI. In the case of the former, it only applies to the T-Mobile network and covers non-payment of the monthly charge for the equipment. The latter applies to all carriers and covers if the device is lost or stolen.
In short, if the device is blocked, you can try it on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or any of their MVNOs. If it's blacklisted, the device likely won't work at all on any carrier. There are of course no guarantees that using another carrier will work, but as this apparently isn't a lost or stolen phone the chances of being able to use the device are high.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
As @zelendel said, it depends on when he canceled the contract. I agree it's not your fault that the money didn't get to the original seller, but what T-Mobile does isn't extortion because they still own the phone as long as there are payments left on it. It sucks, and I can only imagine the spot you're in. But T-Mobile, as the original owner of the device, is within their rights to block the IMEI.
Keep in mind that T-Mobile blocking the IMEI on their network is different from blacklisting the IMEI. In the case of the former, it only applies to the T-Mobile network and covers non-payment of the monthly charge for the equipment. The latter applies to all carriers and covers if the device is lost or stolen.
In short, if the device is blocked, you can try it on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or any of their MVNOs. If it's blacklisted, the device likely won't work at all on any carrier. There are of course no guarantees that using another carrier will work, but as this apparently isn't a lost or stolen phone the chances of being able to use the device are high.
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Click to collapse
How about a Tmo mvno? Is metro going to block me, as well?
hp420 said:
How about a Tmo mvno? Is metro going to block me, as well?
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Click to collapse
Yes because it still uses their network.
hp420 said:
How about a Tmo mvno? Is metro going to block me, as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the xposed route I PM u about
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
If your other nexus' board still works, why not swap boards? Not ideal, but at least you would have at least one working phone.
Port to cricket
mike102871 said:
Port to cricket
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Click to collapse
They're AT&T...no thanks
chapelfreak said:
If your other nexus' board still works, why not swap boards? Not ideal, but at least you would have at least one working phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Busted motherboard. I appreciate the input, though.
hp420 said:
Busted motherboard. I appreciate the input, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://swappa.com/boneyard/post/KV6XQ9
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Port to cricket is your easiest and quickest fix. Nothing wrong with the service. Been using it for a year.
I've been using Straight Talk for several years now. No problems with them, and they are a MVNO that has agreements for all the US networks.
Since T-Mobile isn't available, you don't like AT&T, and Sprint is terrible, your only real option is Verizon.
mike102871 said:
Port to cricket is your easiest and quickest fix. Nothing wrong with the service. Been using it for a year.
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Click to collapse
I know they aren't, but they screwed me on data several years ago. I promised they would never see another dime from me, and I'm a man of my word lol
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I've been using Straight Talk for several years now. No problems with them, and they are a MVNO that has agreements for all the US networks.
Since T-Mobile isn't available, you don't like AT&T, and Sprint is terrible, your only real option is Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint is actually kinda ok where I live. I had them back in the WiMax days and I was always confused what all the complaining was about...I guess I was just lucky, but my Nexus S got some awesome "4g" (TOTALLY unlimited too)
31ken31 said:
https://swappa.com/boneyard/post/KV6XQ9
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been a thought, but if I need to farm the IMEI from that device I can't sell it. Thanks though!
31ken31 said:
Use the xposed route I PM u about
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!! I'm not ignoring you, bud I'm running N preview and I haven't had time to flash a 6.0 rom to test this. It's on my to-do list, though. If that actually works I'd be pretty happy with it at least as a temporary fix...just too bad it's totally dependant on xposed, you know? That could put a real damper on updating it, which is like 90% of what makes Nexus devices so awesome. Thanks for the idea, though!
@hp420,
If you bought on Swappa or eBay and paid with PayPal... PayPal's buyer protection is good for 180 days after purchase. File a claim against the seller on PayPal. Device "Significantly not as Described". You will get your money back, for sure....
cam30era said:
@hp420,
If you bought on Swappa or eBay and paid with PayPal... PayPal's buyer protection is good for 180 days after purchase. File a claim against the seller on PayPal. Device "Significantly not as Described". You will get your money back, for sure....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish Private sale, and I thought I could trust the guy. Lesson learned.
hp420 said:
Thanks guys. I did call tmo...we had a lengthy conversation, I was passed to 3 supervisors, escalated ro tier 2, and they still refused to do anything. The customer cancelled service and has an outstanding balance for the device, so Unless I pay for it ($900 they said...I got a great laugh out of that one) they won't do anything for me.
I'm aware IMEI talk usn't allowed in public, which is why I have asked people to keep that discussion OUT of this thread please...don't get this thread closed on me please, people...if you have sonething to say, please PM me.
The thing that's so messed up is I did pay for it already...it's far from my fault if that money never got to the original seller in one way or another, and now they want me to pay for it again just to use it!!! How is this literally not extortion??? Can't I file a police report against Tmo for this? They activated a brand new prepaid sim using the IMEI from the same Nexus 6 just 2 months ago, which, in my eyes, is a guarantee from Tmo that the IMEI is good, no?? I sort of feel like Tmo should be responsible for this since they let me activate it after checking the number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the private phone sales situation is in a pretty sad state. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is fraudulent on the part of the service providers. They should either provide an easily accessible lookup database (this would have to be a joint database among *all* service providers) to validate that a device is unencumbered, or forgive the "new" owner if the original skipped town.
Normally I would say that a problem with a product should be handled between buyer and seller, but in this case, that doesn't secure the buyer at all.
The service provider just wants to sell you a new phone.

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