I'm looking to buy a SGS2 E4GT. Seller says it is new, but no charger. I'm meeting them at a Sprint store to verify ESN. Any way to find if the phone has been previously activated or see if it has been used and for how long?
colorado_al said:
I'm looking to buy a SGS2 E4GT. Seller says it is new, but no charger. I'm meeting them at a Sprint store to verify ESN. Any way to find if the phone has been previously activated or see if it has been used and for how long?
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I'm thinking you could just ask the Sprint employee. Yeah it could be awkward with the seller right there claiming that it's new but it's better to know to see if it indeed is new and not just used but in excellent condition.
Makes sense. Any way to verify on phone?
Yes. Type ##786# from the dialer. Hit VIEW. This menu shows you the lifetime calls and if the phone was refurbished or not. It shows a bunch more info as well. Just take the phone like you are looking at it and type that in. Good luck
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Related
I'm finally getting an Evo - however I plan on buying it from craigslist. There are a few people selling in my area for about $300, but I talked to one guy and he was willing to go down to $200 for me since I asked for $250 but it's a bit of a drive. Now I've seen good deals like this before, but the guy seems a bit skeptical but having delt on craigslist before... I know some people are just like that.
The phone (HTC EVO obviously) is brand new and un-opened, but I've never seen the box (other than the picture he sent me of it) and I wanted to ask if there was anything I could do to make sure it really is brand new and has not been opened or replaced with rocks! I could ask him to open it in front of me... if there is nothing wrong with it as he claims then he should have no problem doing it since I'll be buying it.
That's my only idea.
Is there a way to find out if it's stolen or blacklisted by sprint?
Any help is appreciated.
You can ask him for the ESN, then you can call sprint and ask them is it is clear for activation....if so, be sure to visually inspect it to ensure that is the one you are buying
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Askfor the esn and call sprint and tell them u wanna do a esn check then check the box its not like sealed or anything it just slides open but inside everthing needs to be sealed in plastic battery phone and ask l phone will have a sprint screen protrxtor on it thats new I get evos all day fromsprint for 300
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Great!
Hey I can't beleive I didn't think of that! That's why I posted I guess haha. Thanks a ton guys.
Is the ESN visible if the phone packaging has never been opened?
Yes. It's on the outside barcode.
Thank you sir!
Call him now.
Vandelay007 said:
You can ask him for the ESN, then you can call sprint and ask them is it is clear for activation....if so, be sure to visually inspect it to ensure that is the one you are buying
Sent from my froyo using the xda app
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i purchased my last phone, a Touch pro this way. met him in a parking lot(walmart, HIGH traffic) popped open the phone, called sprint, told them the situation(they were cool with it) read off the ESN, came back clean, done deal.
I very much recommend bring a buddy or two. just in case!
I got mine off Craigslist, I just met the person at a local Sprint store and had the sales rep check it right there, he even called into the activation center to double check for me. Then took it home rooted, blah blah, and then activated later on the website.
bbv203 said:
I got mine off Craigslist, I just met the person at a local Sprint store and had the sales rep check it right there, he even called into the activation center to double check for me. Then took it home rooted, blah blah, and then activated later on the website.
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Best method I think u just meet at sprint get it done there I did tht when I got a sidekick of cl
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sprint store +1
The best option would be to contact the seller and see if he would be willing to complete the transaction at a Sprint retailer. This way you will be in a public area, and it can be checked prior to handing over the dough. Good luck on the transaction, and enjoy your new EVO.
I think I'll write up a little 'Craigslist Buying Guide' with all this good information... And now experience!
I got two calls back last night, one of which would meet me at the sprint store! Her Idea too. But on my way out she called back and said she had another offer for more money... And I wasn't about to start a bidding war for her benefit so I was upset and went back to my original seller. The guy lived super far but I was potentially getting a great deal. Once I got there, I checked out the phone and tried to get a good read on the seller... he was VERY strange as most everyone I've dealt with on craigslist have been. This is my first craigslist phone purchase however.
So I called sprint, did the number thing and went through hours of customer service crap. Turns out, the guy has a business account (probably a made up bogus business but with a real fed tax ID and crap - anyone can start a business) and he buys the phones with pre-paid visa's, like you would use when making online purchases or give away as a xmas present. So these visa's look just like debt/credit cards that his "Business" would use and he gets the phones with plans so they're discounted (even though I can't see how he would get the MIR??). Once discounted he sells the devices or 'the hardware' for profit and at a good deal (seemingly) to the consumers like myself. I'm not sure how he makes much profit considering the EVO is $200 after MIR not to mention he had to have paid the first month of service and other fees/costs.... Maybe he was genuine and just bought the phone and changed his mind... but it seemed very skeptical.
Ok so the purpose of using the pre-paid visas was that in 30 days when the new billing cycle comes... Sprint will not be able to bill his visa because its out of money! It's not attached to his name or business like a normal credit card would be and now they'll try contacting him but I figure he'd probably just ignore them. Then a cancellation fee would be added ($200 more) but that wont get paid either and then I would assume Sprint will blacklist the ESN untill it's bill are paid.
What do you guys think? There was a lot more to the story so it may be hard to figure out what he was doing exactly. Maybe he genuinely was ignorant. Was it smart to not buy the phone off him? (even though it was only $200 unopened)
I had some people come to my home that were selling something on Craigslist. That night my home was burglarized. Figure it out.
Craigslist can have some good people on there but so many scumbags it isnt worth it.
Well I think it's obvious you should always meet in a public place. I would NEVER tell someone to meet me at my home!
this guy sounds shady and it sounds like Sprint not activate that phone if it's attached to an account that owes them money.
All
I am about to meet someone from craigslist to swap android phones (at a Sprint store). First off, any advice?
I plan to
Check ESN
Check call quality
In addition to that, what is the best way for us to swap numbers right then? Will the sprint reps in the store do it for free? If not, what suggestions do you have? Thanks in advance!
The sprint reps will swap them for you. Be sure you know what you are getting. Sometimes you may find its not what you expect. Just think clearly and logically before you agree to ****. Pull the battery out and look for water indication. If it were me, I'd also see if it was a refurb. Make sure all the buttons work, etc.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
peanut1596 said:
The sprint reps will swap them for you. Be sure you know what you are getting. Sometimes you may find its not what you expect. Just think clearly and logically before you agree to ****. Pull the battery out and look for water indication. If it were me, I'd also see if it was a refurb. Make sure all the buttons work, etc.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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do you know if they will charge?
After it's determined the ESN is clean... If you set up your online sprint account access, you can actually put your number on the phone from there and it's free
You can Swap your phone on Sprint.com too. you go to the "Activate a Phone" link and it will ask you for your meid, hex, or ehh i forgot the other one. The problem would be you have to use the one that Sprint activated the System with or else it will say phone cannot be identified. and swapping phones is free
DEC #? They should do it for free at the store unless something shady is going on where you get charged for it. Can also call customer care but that can be difficult depending on who you get.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using xda premium
adma84 said:
do you know if they will charge?
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They shouldn't charge you to swap a phone. In the past I have met people to sell/buy phones at a Verizon store and they have never charged me. Sprint could be different but I doubt it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I'm buying a galaxy nexus in Canada from kijiji (a private listings site). The seller claims that the phone is only 5 days purchased, and factory unlocked, also sealed. How can I tell if the product is genuine? without opening the box.
There should be a sticker/seal on the box. However, I was able to open mine (direct from Google) without breaking the seal. The phone should have both front and back plastic on it as well.
Any way to tell if its been opened before? or registered under an account from the serial number?
Open and boot it up. Scroll around a little. You'll be able to tell if it's real.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
How much is he asking for it? Normally if you purchase something and don't need it you return it, unless he bought from the states for $350 and is selling it for more up in canada.
blackhand1001 said:
Open and boot it up. Scroll around a little. You'll be able to tell if it's real.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I know on CDMA Android phones of you go to settings> about phone, you can see a phone number there. If it's 0ed out it's new. If not, it's used. Not sure if this applies for GSM phones too.
Sent from my Epic Touch(GSII)
The individual is demanding 390 Canadian dollars for the phone
I'm looking at a used T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3, unlocked, tomorrow.
What should I look out for, so I don't get landed with a problematic unit?
It's had a fall, and the seller had the screen replaced. Front camera is not working.
It's very, very affordable, and I'll never be able to buy one at full price.
I just don't want to find out that a whole bunch of other hidden stuff is not working, after handing over the money.
And the Note 3 is pretty complex, compared to my old Dinc2.
Is there a "test mode", where hardware errors would show up?
The front camera replacement is really cheap, and I'm handy with fixing things, as long as I can find a good guide, so I'm hoping to end up with a fully functioning phone at the fraction of the price.
Of course, there will be no warranty, but at least I won't have to worry about Knox and can root the phone.
The biggest thing I can think of is a blocked IMEI. You should probably have the exchange done at a T-Mobile store and have them check it. Also have them note it in your and the sellers accounts that ownership has changed so he can't call tomorrow and claim the phone stolen and get it blocked b
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
phil.culler said:
The biggest thing I can think of is a blocked IMEI. You should probably have the exchange done at a T-Mobile store and have them check it. Also have them note it in your and the sellers accounts that ownership has changed so he can't call tomorrow and claim the phone stolen and get it blocked b
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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Thanks! I'll definitely meet outside a T-mobile store!
There are too many dishonest people selling stuff on craigslist, unfortunately.
siskiou said:
Thanks! I'll definitely meet outside a T-mobile store!
There are too many dishonest people selling stuff on craigslist, unfortunately.
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Also be sure to confirm the seller has paid off the device if they stop making the payment after selling it to you the device will get blacklisted.
Sent from my massive Note 3 using Tapatalk.
Just make sure there is no EIP left on the phone and also have T Mobile transfer the IMEI to your account there and then. Also for the test do type in *#0*#
Meet INSIDE the store please. And make sure its not a fake by verifying the serial number in settings and also back of the battery.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
Hi, I bought a new Verizon Note 4 off craigslist about a week ago
and everything was working fine until today...
I checked the imei and it says it's been reported stolen.
I tried to get a hold of the seller but no reply
and now I don't know what to do... I'm new at this, not tech savvy at all
but i heard it's basically an expensive mp3 player now?
any help would be great.
thanks
Sorry to say bro, if it's been reported stolen, you're out of luck. At least you'll have one of the best Mp3/media player out right now.
Sent from my OnePlus One
Sorry to hear that. What you can do now is remove the SIM and using wifi. You could install GrooveIP or Hangout dialer from the market to make phone call over wifi and of course a very good MP3 player OR you can try to sell it in Ebay, even with a bad IME you should get a few hundreds bucks for it. Make sure you listed with a bad IME or Ebay will come after you.
strave24 said:
Hi, I bought a new Verizon Note 4 off craigslist about a week ago
and everything was working fine until today...
I checked the imei and it says it's been reported stolen.
I tried to get a hold of the seller but no reply
and now I don't know what to do... I'm new at this, not tech savvy at all
but i heard it's basically an expensive mp3 player now?
any help would be great.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A very expensive mp3
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Sorry to hear that. Can you report it to the police and have them do an investigation of the person who sold it to you on Craigslist? That really sucks.
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was the deal "too good to be true?"
One way to prevent this somewhat is to call Verizon and have them officially transfer the IMEI to your account and remove it from the old owners instead of just swapping a sim card in. Whenever I have done craigslist deals this is how I do it and so far so good...
Sounds like he reported it stolen right after selling it to you. That's the bad thing about craigslist, is there likely isn't a paper trail. I always use the PayPal app and gift the funds or pay an add'l 3% for extra protection. Leave a note on the transaction saying what it's for, in your case I would've included the IMEI to show you purchased it (assuming it was actually his phone and he didn't steal it before selling it to you). I wouldn't be surprised if someone tries to contact you about the stolen phone. It probably had insurance so either the seller (or original owner if seller stole it) made a claim with Asurion.
I'd like to add that you should request to see the receipt to prove that the device is not financed.
tuxdreamerx said:
One way to prevent this somewhat is to call Verizon and have them officially transfer the IMEI to your account and remove it from the old owners instead of just swapping a sim card in. Whenever I have done craigslist deals this is how I do it and so far so good...
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Click to collapse
This is a great idea. :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 5
phone is sim unlocked might work on prepaid AT&T maybe.
Good luck.
tuxdreamerx said:
One way to prevent this somewhat is to call Verizon and have them officially transfer the IMEI to your account and remove it from the old owners instead of just swapping a sim card in. Whenever I have done craigslist deals this is how I do it and so far so good...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mojar7070 said:
This is a great idea. :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 5
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Great in theory, yes. But anyone who was using the device, as long as the IMEI registered to their account, can blacklist it. If you had a phone that you bought used and were legitimately using, and someone legitimately stole it, you'd wanna report it lost or stolen, right..? You wouldn't want the thief to be able to use it just because he called in and had the IMEI officially transferred...
Sell it to someone else
Test it with a sim card from T-Mobile or AT&T and if it works, buy a new back cover for the appropriate carrier and resell it on craigslist as a T-Mobile or AT&T phone.
was the imei good when you got the phone?
Damn that's not cool I've been dealing with Craigslist for years and never had this happen. I always meet at Verizon and have a rep do the transfer even though it's technically not required. That way if there's any funny business you have a paper trail and record from Verizon that the account owner sold you the phone (requires I.d. when doing it ).just try and sell it on ebay with bad imei as others said if it can still be used on t mo or att then you should at least be able to get 400 for it just be honest about the imei.
No response yet from the OP on the questions ask about his phone....
You can sale it as unlocked, works on the mobile. When I get bad meid devices, I sale them to people wanting to use them on MetroPCS.
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That's why I pop a sim into it right away. Once it's activated on your line, you're set. I had a guy try to do this to me. I even called Verizon to leave a note on my account that some guy was trying to report my phone stolen.
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This is why Swappa.com is the best.
*Not to mention every device I have personally sold has sold in under 8 hours total..