Related
I have also posted this in the hermes section, I created 2 threads to better the exposure to AT&T users in the forums they most frequent.
Hello Fellow AT&T Customers,
I want to notify all AT&T users of a situation that currently arose so you can protect yourself from having it happen to you. Last week a third party was able to call AT&T Customer Care and obtain all account information for all lines that I have. I have started a blog about this at http://www.tri-syndicate.com AT&T Customer Care management states that nothing will be done to compensate me for the harassment, and that it can happen to anyone. I am starting this blog to fight back at AT&T so this doesn't happen to anyone else.
If you haven't done so already I would suggest calling and setting a password on your account because it will help but not completely stop this from happening.
I am unsure of carrier policies outside of the U.S. but the U.S. carrier policies need to be changed before further damage may occur. I know they have obtained my cellular numbers but I do not know if they were able to obtain my address as well, this I am still trying to find out.
If anyone has any tips, suggestions, or ideas I am all ears.
Regards,
CUSTEL
AT&T's position on this is quite clear... you don't have any privacy...
"Well, it's not your record; it's our record. You don't own it; we own it, this may later be used to say it's not protected by the Privacy Act."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/22/AR2006062201742.html
Thank's for the link smuook hadn't seen that before.
Someone must have it out for you. Whenever I call customer service they ask me a whole bunch of questions regarding my account. Maybe someone got hold of your bill either from the mail or garbage and used that to pretend to be you. Hope you find out who is doing this to you. Keep a record so this way you have proof.
As for the reference to AT&T's policy "AT&T said it does not share the data with third-party marketing firms, but it cites circumstances under which it shares customer information with the government and law enforcement." and "News reports allege that AT&T and other telecom companies handed over millions of customer calling records to the National Security Agency to help track down terrorists."
This can be done to almost any company if order by a court of law. Point being safegaurd all of your personal accounts, shred all personal information and be vigilant about who and what information you give to who.
its far to easy for third parties to access ones account information. it can be done in a multitude of ways even in the store itself. I have had first hand issues with exes tracking down my bill information while I was on T mobile in the past it is a major issue imo. I feel you Custel and I really hope nothing major comes of thie beach. Its tough to make things more private because then even we as account holders become frustrated with the security measures and the amount of time we spend on hold while waiting to be served by customer service. We all want fast and secure service but right now we aren't getting it.
Definitely put a passcode on your accounts and NEVER add Authorized users to the accounts. they cause more trouble then they are worth.
I lost my tilt a couple of days ago only to find it today after already calling it in to replace it under my warranty. My problem now is I already paid the 50 dollars to replace it. Should I send it back or give it to my brother who is begging for it. Can the company see that he will be using my "lost" phone even if he has his own sim card. Thanks for any advice.
link00thehero said:
Can the company see that he will be using my "lost" phone even if he has his own sim card. Thanks for any advice.
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Yes.
Don't know where you're living, but in E.U they can block IMEI in the whole system. You also may involve in insurance fraud, too.
To my opinion, you should call the company to check if they want you to do, and don't forget to ask back the deduction fee if they tell you to send it back.
My phone's service was turned off and will be reactivated once the new phone arrives with my new sim card. But what my brother wants to do is put his sim card in my old phone so he can use it that way. but that seems pretty shady to me. I don't want to get in trouble with my phone company. Should i let him do it and just use the phone they send me or just return it? I already paid for the new one, so is it wrong?
if they have blocked the IMEI number (most do when a phone is reported stolen / lost) then your brother will not be able to use it.
also if they catch your brother using it you (and your brother) can be done for a few reasons:
Insurance Fraud
Using stolen goods (knowing they are stolen)
etc
so to be honest id just phone them and see if you return the phone if they can reverse the charge. alot less hassle than paying fines etc in the near future
You probably won't get away with it..
But if you could - by all means, screw the insurance company as hard as you possibly can.
Not that I advocate this behavior at all, but I have been in a similar situation and had no problem using a previously thought lost device with a different sim on what used to be Cingular.
Under what warranty did you replace it?
You agreed to ship the phone back to them if you did find it. There's instructions that come in the box. But whether or not you do it is up to you.
Two options -
A. Ring up the company and see which they want back, OR
B. Don't.
If you go with A. you might get your money back, but I doubt it. I also doubt they will let you keep both.
If you go with B. you will be comitting fraud and if caught you will be in legal trouble and I will have no sympathy for you. If your brother wants a tilt, he can go buy his own, do NOT give him the spare or you will be putting a LOT of trust in him. Do NOT use it as a phone or otherwise allow it to be used as a phone - it will get traced which will lead to legal problems.
Realistically, you should go with A. - it's the right thing to do, it's less risky and the handset should effectively be useless to you anyway.
I love how you title this as a moral issue, but your only question is if the company can find out about it. Doesn't sound like you have any moral concerns but rather "will I get caught" concerns.
ship it to me. it'lld surly be lost for ever!
Call them. There is such a thing as Karma, if you don't call them you very well might really lose it and they won't give one back.
Regarding moral issue - this is EASY PEASEY - trade places - you are them and they are you - should THEY return it to you? You reported it stolen/lost - they replaced it you no longer own the other one - you must send it back.
Another analogy - you call your insurance company and say you have filed a police report that your car was stolen and then find it in your garage - can you cash the check and get another car and drive two of them? Nope - you are going to get caught filing a false report to the police and do some serious jail time.
The IMEI number is unique to the phone - you are going to get caught if you play fast and loose - don't pretend that it is a moral issue when you only want to know if you can get caught.
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
I guess it really depends on who your service carrier is.
If its ATT/Cingular, I wouldn't return it. I'm almost 100% sure that they can track what phone you're using but not the IMEI number of that phone. The reason I say this is because I have a habit of switching or getting new phones every few months. I purchased the Tilt used from a HoFo member. I recently had problems with it and had to RMA it. They asked me for me IMEI number and I had a feeling it was past the year mark but they said that it looks like you've only had the phone since Sept so it would be covered under warranty. The thing is I got the phone from the HoFo member in Sept, but he said he had been using it for a few months prior to that.
But I could be wrong. You could always call ATT/Cingular and just be blunt about it and ask them if they can track your lost phone via IMEI because you have an idea of who might have it.
ChumleyEX said:
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
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+1. I really shouldn't have found this so funny, but I did.
ChumleyEX said:
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
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Yep, or send it to Jakeypoo then call the FBI with a confirmed 'handling stolen goods'
For all our European counterparts. In the E.U. it is very much illegal to use a "stolen" or "lost" phone. They also block IMEIs and CAN track them. For the life of me, all I've been able to find about whether the cell phones companies track or block IMEIs or phones is that we don't do it here the US. At&t and at&t's insurance companies have told me is "sorry, we can't track or block the phone from being used again." To me, the reason is obvious. If the phone is stolen, at&t gets a new customer and you have to buy a new phone.
You make your own decision and you make it at your own risk but search away and maybe you'll find the answer you're really looking for.
I doubt you'll spend the rest of your life in prison..... Hell maybe.... If you really feel bad about ripping off a mutli-billion dollar corporation that is already ripping you off. Huh.... Tough choice....
Ring the carrier, tell them to cancel warranty replacement as you have found the original and to refund you the $50 and reactivate the existing phone with either the old or new sim card. I believe under your statuatory rights (at least in the UK anyway) they would have to oblidge as you have the right to cancel a service (in this case the warranty replacement) within a reasonable amount of time.
Try it and save yourself $50 maybe....
This is no moral dilema at all. Just ask yourself "What Would Jesus Do?"
There's your answer.
Do the right thing. Call them and ask what you should do. That way there is no more guilt or fear.
I have had the LG G2 for a year now and I am experiencing issues with coverage. I am dropping calls or just not receiving them at all lately. I had verizon open a case about this last week which they promptly forgot to handle. Today I called back and asked for the results of the claim and was told that Verizons tech believed the issue was my phone, not the network.
I was then told I needed to have my phone replaced and the replacement would be out of warranty. Essentially..If it happens again, it's solely my problem. Being that this was a horrible offer I declined and stated I would want at least 6 months worth of warranty to cover the device for THIS issue alone. I was told a supervisor would call me and later she did. She refused a 6 month guarantee (on this issue alone) and asked me if I would be interested in resolving my issue by joining their edge program.
YEP! They suggested I essentially pay full retail for a phone to ensure this did not happen again. "Try another phone! It's an issue with the G2!", they said.
I don't want to be long winded, so here is some of the chat I had today. This is the 4th person I spoke to.
Cody: Thus far my option have been - Receive another LG G2 and hope it does not have the same issue (which would be fine if you all would allow me a warranty insuring a replacement if it did) or pay full retail for another device through Edge. Those are not great options.
Eliza: Thank you for that information! Please allow me a moment to access your account.
Eliza: I have an option for you, but it will require you to pay full price. Are you familiar with our device payment plan?
Cody: I'm being offered to pay full price to replace a device that Verizon acknowledges is faulty...
Eliza: This is similar to our Edge program, in that you will make the payments over a set amount of months. The Device Payment Plan allows those payments to be made over 12 months. Would that interest you?
Cody: I am not paying full price to correct an issue that Verizon has determined is not my fault.
Eliza: I understand. The only other option in this case would be the Certified Like New Replacement. I am sorry I don't have a more suitable option for you at this time.
Cody: Can you offer me a guarantee that the device will be replaced again if I have this same issue?
Eliza: No, I cannot. I can however assure you that this issue is not common with your device.
Cody: You're telling me "Hey, we understand that this isn't your fault, but you are still somehow fully responsible for the solution. You may have a phone that is possibly going to do the same thing..OR you can pay full retail for one"
Eliza: I apologize that we were unable to find a solution for you today. I will document your account with what we have discussed and gone over. Can I answer any other questions for you today?
Anyone else dealt with anything like this? I have loved this phone, but this is ridiculous. I cannot make or receive calls about 20% of the time & my G/F will be right next to me having no issues with her phone (iPhone, Verizon).
Delete... Delete...
cmhphotog said:
I have had the LG G2 for a year now and I am experiencing issues with coverage. I am dropping calls or just not receiving them at all lately. I had verizon open a case about this last week which they promptly forgot to handle. Today I called back and asked for the results of the claim and was told that Verizons tech believed the issue was my phone, not the network.
I was then told I needed to have my phone replaced and the replacement would be out of warranty. Essentially..If it happens again, it's solely my problem. Being that this was a horrible offer I declined and stated I would want at least 6 months worth of warranty to cover the device for THIS issue alone. I was told a supervisor would call me and later she did. She refused a 6 month guarantee (on this issue alone) and asked me if I would be interested in resolving my issue by joining their edge program.
YEP! They suggested I essentially pay full retail for a phone to ensure this did not happen again. "Try another phone! It's an issue with the G2!", they said.
I don't want to be long winded, so here is some of the chat I had today. This is the 4th person I spoke to.
Cody: Thus far my option have been - Receive another LG G2 and hope it does not have the same issue (which would be fine if you all would allow me a warranty insuring a replacement if it did) or pay full retail for another device through Edge. Those are not great options.
Eliza: Thank you for that information! Please allow me a moment to access your account.
Eliza: I have an option for you, but it will require you to pay full price. Are you familiar with our device payment plan?
Cody: I'm being offered to pay full price to replace a device that Verizon acknowledges is faulty...
Eliza: This is similar to our Edge program, in that you will make the payments over a set amount of months. The Device Payment Plan allows those payments to be made over 12 months. Would that interest you?
Cody: I am not paying full price to correct an issue that Verizon has determined is not my fault.
Eliza: I understand. The only other option in this case would be the Certified Like New Replacement. I am sorry I don't have a more suitable option for you at this time.
Cody: Can you offer me a guarantee that the device will be replaced again if I have this same issue?
Eliza: No, I cannot. I can however assure you that this issue is not common with your device.
Cody: You're telling me "Hey, we understand that this isn't your fault, but you are still somehow fully responsible for the solution. You may have a phone that is possibly going to do the same thing..OR you can pay full retail for one"
Eliza: I apologize that we were unable to find a solution for you today. I will document your account with what we have discussed and gone over. Can I answer any other questions for you today?
Anyone else dealt with anything like this? I have loved this phone, but this is ridiculous. I cannot make or receive calls about 20% of the time & my G/F will be right next to me having no issues with her phone (iPhone, Verizon).
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My suggestion just have them send you a replacement chances are it wont have that issue. If it does you can cross that bridge when you get there but if it does solve your issue which I am certain it will. No need to truly worry about the what if at this point just have them send you a replacement and then deal with it if the issue still exists.
Steamer86 said:
Delete... Delete...
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You're suggesting that a thread in the general forum which discusses an issue I'm having with the device and service provider, which also asks other users if they have suffered the same issue, be deleted?
How about you delete the stick from your @$$, buddy.
Jweimn said:
My suggestion just have them send you a replacement chances are it wont have that issue. If it does you can cross that bridge when you get there but if it does solve your issue which I am certain it will. No need to truly worry about the what if at this point just have them send you a replacement and then deal with it if the issue still exists.
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I'm thinking that is my best/only course of action. Thanks for your input!
cmhphotog said:
I'm thinking that is my best/only course of action. Thanks for your input!
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No problem. I do believe the phone they'll said you will at least be warrantied by LG so if something is wrong you can go that route maybe. I may be wrong though but I'm almost certain a manufacturers warranty is in place even for replacement phones
Jweimn said:
No problem. I do believe the phone they'll said you will at least be warrantied by LG so if something is wrong you can go that route maybe. I may be wrong though but I'm almost certain a manufacturers warranty is in place even for replacement phones
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Thanks again, brother. I'll do some digging on the warrenty from LG. I love the device, just need to know the calls I should be getting are coming through!
cmhphotog said:
Thanks again, brother. I'll do some digging on the warrenty from LG. I love the device, just need to know the calls I should be getting are coming through!
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You're welcome. Can't blame you though Its definitely a very important part of The phone that's for sure.
cmhphotog said:
You're suggesting that a thread in the general forum which discusses an issue I'm having with the device and service provider, which also asks other users if they have suffered the same issue, be deleted?
How about you delete the stick from your @$$, buddy.
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I couldn't delete my own post. That's what that is there for. Pull the log out of yours.
I work for VZW support. Our warranty under the certified like new program ends at the end of your original 1 year period or 90 days, whichever falls later. If you get a replacement sent on day 364, you are covered until day 454.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Original Thread is here>>>
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/verizon-wireless-developer-program-t2853345
This is for any Verizon device, not just the Samsung Galaxy S5. Please spread this to other device forums!
Recently, I came up with an idea of a developer program. What this program would do is allow people to pay a fee to have their bootloaders unlocked, regardless of the device. This would allow people the freedom to modify their device or develop for it without any issues. I did a little research and could not find anything similar to this (besides developer edition devices). So, with this idea in mind, I sent an email to the Executive VP of Verizon. Twenty minutes later, I received a phone call from his office. Long story short (there was a lot of talk about rooting and unlocking), the guy who called me put my idea through to marketing. However, since only about 1% of customers root their devices, there is concern of the interest in this.
What this thread is for is to see how many people would be interested in this program.
What would you be willing to pay to customer service to have your bootloader unlocked?
$0
$5
$25
$50
$100
Please use only one of those five prices, and no other prices.
You may discuss this in further detail in this thread. However, arguing, trolling, slandering, bickering, and anything else that will clutter this thread and overwork the moderators WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This thread is not the thread to argue with others over the details since the idea is already in marketing. If you wish to argue or troll, please take it somewhere else. And, as always, please follow the forum rules. Thank you for looking at this thread.
For those who are concerned with the warranty, please read this. Huge thanks to @shootind5nukes for this info.
Quote:
Just so everyone knows the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act prevents someone from totally VOIDING a warranty. Verizon/Samsung could only deny to warranty something if they can prove something you did cause the issue. Anything that has nothing to do with what you did still has to be under warranty. If you LCD started to lose color or get dead pixels that would still have to be covered because that has nothing to do with bootloaders and flashing ROMS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuso...s_Warranty_Act
"The federal minimum standards for full warranties are waived if the warrantor can show that the problem associated with a warranted consumer product was caused by damage while in the possession of the consumer, or by unreasonable use, including a failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance."
I learned about this when I was going to get my truck lifted. I was told if I did it would VOID my truck's warranty. After looking into it further it didn't actually VOID anything. But for example if I went in to get my suspension fixed because it broke they could argue that the lift kit put stress on the suspension and that's why it failed so they would not have to cover it. But if my motor exploded because it was made out of cheese it would still be under warranty, the entire warranty can never be voided. Only damage caused by what you did. Food for thought guys.
If anyone has anything to add please do.
Here is the email of the VP I emailed if you want to email him about the developer program. Again, thank you @shootind5nukes for this idea.
http://about.verizon.com/index.php/a...utt&e=139&h=8b
IF YOU DO EMAIL HIM, BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL PLEASE.
I wouldn't pay anything to unlock my Verizon device bootloader... because I don't have Verizon... no one on this forum has Verizon.
The VP of Verizon has no say about the ATT bootloader unlock, anyway, lol
Just an FYI
LuckyColdJohnson said:
Original Thread is here>>>
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/verizon-wireless-developer-program-t2853345
IF YOU DO EMAIL HIM, BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL PLEASE.
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OP
You really need to check and double check what you write before you post it ..
At least click on Preview Post Before you post anything
Thanks
I know it's Verizon, I just thought it was interesting and brings ideas. It's just a question but if they see it, maybe things can change. Like HTCs website where you have an unlock option. Anything is possible.
LuckyColdJohnson said:
I know it's Verizon, I just thought it was interesting and brings ideas. It's just a question but if they see it, maybe things can change. Like HTCs website where you have an unlock option. Anything is possible.
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Agreed....
And thank you for posting...
I'd pay $100.00 for an unlocked bootloader....BTW.....g
LuckyColdJohnson said:
I know it's Verizon, I just thought it was interesting and brings ideas. It's just a question but if they see it, maybe things can change. Like HTCs website where you have an unlock option. Anything is possible.
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This is exactly the point. For HTC, they provide a FREE way to unlock the bootloader. For my old Galaxy S3, it was FREE, for my N5, N4, Infuse 4G, N7/N7(2013) all FREE methods of unlocking the bootloader. Why would I pay anymore on this phone instead of just selling it for another phone that has a FREE method of unlocking.
I'll take all responsibility and understand that Samsung/AT&T will take no blame in the event that I brick my device, because I'm not an idiot and have and understanding of basic instructions. In reality, that's all it takes. An official release with step-by-step instructions, with a disclaimer that you are voiding your own warranty and they take no responsibility, which is exactly what HTC did;
It is our responsibility to caution you that not all claims resulting or caused by or from the unlocking of the bootloader may be covered under warranty.
We strongly suggest that you do not unlock the bootloader unless you are confident that you understand the risks involved.
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It is literally that easy.
Ok, Way back "When", Android was only a dream the whole idea behind it was that it is "Open Source" based off of unix/linux. Meaning anyone can contribute to, modify code, build kernels etc. etc. THis is still the case anyone can still do all these things whether or not you have a locked bootloader. Bootloaders are proprietary code not Open Source, neither are the Carrier provided APPs.
So what this boils down to is the carriers aren't violating any laws or regulations by locking the bootloader. So what this amounts to is the it is up to the manufacturer to unlock the BL and up to the Carrier to allow the open source access to their APPs.
We all at times seem to forget that it is not ATT, Verizon or any other carrier that is locking the BL it is the MFG, now granted 99% of the timeit is at the request of the Carrier, it's all part of doing business. It's not the carrier who provides the means to unlock the BL it is the MFG that does so, Yelling at ATT, Verizon or any other carrier is fruitless.
all things being equal - I wouldn't pay anything it really isnt that important to me (Notice I said ME).
$25 for sure. Great idea and hopefully this gets passed soon!
Hello, I have a big problem with my note 5 I have always this message : this device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced on this device
I flashed it with Odin but I have the same problem !!
That is not a problem. Simply sign in using the Google account that you used before you reset the phone.
CodeNameRedNeck said:
That is not a problem. Simply sign in using the Google account that you used before you reset the phone.
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That's not working, Even when I flashed new Rom
Zakwa said:
That's not working, Even when I flashed new Rom
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Maybe reactivation lock was on when it was reset.Did you buy second hand?
Changed my mind.
Thanks, Toskabab!
Zakwa said:
Hello, I have a big problem with my note 5 I have always this message : this device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced on this device
I flashed it with Odin but I have the same problem !!
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This is a Google security feature designed to protect against theft and personal data loss. If you have changed your Google password and then done a factory reset, you must wait 72 hours before you can log back into your device with your new password. If you have purchased the device in this condition, you must return it to the seller and have them unlock the device.
Since the onset of Android 5.1 and up, you must remove your Google account first, prior to a factory reset if you are planning to sell your device. Otherwise, when the new owner starts up the device they will see the same message you are. If you have stolen this device, this prevents you from getting their information and also being able to use the device.
There may be ways around this, but that falls into a gray area of what is allowed on XDA and what isn't. Please be mindful going forward with this discussion.
Thank you.
The_Merovingian
Forum Moderator
jtOttawa said:
Why would you help someone bypass a security feature to prevent the use of a stolen phone? If he had the proper Google account credentials, he wouldn't need to bypass this feature.
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I understand where you're coming from. And I in no way condone theft of any kind. But I do also realize that I am unaware of the situation at hand and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. What if someone sold it to him in that condition? What if he genuinely did screw something up and get locked out of his Google account? There could be any number of situations and yes, theft can be one of them. I just don't like to assume the worst. But maybe I'm just naive.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
toskabab said:
I understand where you're coming from. And I in no way condone theft of any kind. But I do also realize that I am unaware of the situation at hand and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. What if someone sold it to him in that condition? What if he genuinely did screw something up and get locked out of his Google account? There could be any number of situations and yes, theft can be one of them. I just don't like to assume the worst. But maybe I'm just naive.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
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Fair enough, but my view is that if the device was acquired legally, it would be a simple matter to go back to the seller to rectify the situation. We have had a number of people on here recently trying to find ways past locked/blocked phones etc., when the simplest (and most logical) solution if the phone was acquired legally would be to go back to the seller for help, and not seek a way past such security measures here - as such, and to avoid the risk of potentially aiding and abetting phone theft, I prefer to see such discussions shut down.
Theres actually a work around thats very simple and requires a otg cable
jtOttawa said:
Fair enough, but my view is that if the device was acquired legally, it would be a simple matter to go back to the seller to rectify the situation. We have had a number of people on here recently trying to find ways past locked/blocked phones etc., when the simplest (and most logical) solution if the phone was acquired legally would be to go back to the seller for help, and not seek a way past such security measures here - as such, and to avoid the risk of potentially aiding and abetting phone theft, I prefer to see such discussions shut down.
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While I understand your point, there are many instances where individuals have purchased devices legal (e.g., via eBay or Swappa) and the seller is either unwilling or unable or not knowledgeable enough to help. Many of these instances have been reported here on XDA. Hence there are indeed valid reason for threads like this to exist. That said, any indications or suggestions of fraud will not be tolerated.