In my now locked other thread it was pointed out that changing the IMEI is illegal. Could someone point me to the law that covers this for the USA? I haven't been having much luck with google.
If you like you must know
Read it
http://www.wirelessforums.org/alt-i...-anysmartphone-even-sans-contract-104959.html
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
I don't see a link to the law in that thread. I have seen many people say that it is illegal, but I have yet to find any US law about it. Is everyone making an assumption here?
Oh its certainly illegal. You'll get more time for changing your imei than you would if you slapped your wife. Bad example? oh well
Ends said:
Oh its certainly illegal. You'll get more time for changing your imei than you would if you slapped your wife. Bad example? oh well
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Click to collapse
This is my point. Everyone says this but can't seem to point to the law. I am looking for the actual law that covers this. Can someone point this out?
I do not and will not claim to know the answer to this question, but i would imagine the place to start looking for this type of information would be the FCC.
If your so determined to see this "law" a very simple google search yeilds the answer.
thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.3186.IS:
Here is your answer now can we get this closed because I'm very opposed to changing imei number.
3 weeks ago my cousin was killed over his phone and the imei number of the phone is what helped catch the scumbag.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
I'm sorry for your loss. And thank you for settling this.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
imei's are used for good, but sadly carriers use them to squeeze extra money out of you by tracking you and forcing extra services on you..
there's plenty of people who have posted imei tweaks, but they get pulled right away.. imei changing isn't illegal everywhere, but sadly it is in us/uk, so xda is a bad place to try and find such things..
android china is fair game tho!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
there is no such law in the usa ANYWHERE but still its hard to find info on it
meleii said:
If your so determined to see this "law" a very simple google search yeilds the answer.
thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.3186.IS:
Here is your answer now can we get this closed because I'm very opposed to changing imei number.
3 weeks ago my cousin was killed over his phone and the imei number of the phone is what helped catch the scumbag.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
That looks like law to me.
---------- Post added at 09:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------
boricuastar77 said:
there is no such law in the usa ANYWHERE but still its hard to find info on it
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Click to collapse
.maybe you should have read all the posts on this thread
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/part-I/chapter-121 here is law you looking for but i don't know how illigal it is.
As far as I'm concerned,
A lot of people would fall under the exception "`(d) Exception- Subsection (b) shall not apply to the manufacturer of a mobile device or a person who repairs or refurbishes a mobile device unless the manufacturer or person knows that the mobile device or part involved is stolen.'."
since the phone (hopefully) is not stolen. You can consider yourself as the person refurbishing your own phone.
Then again, you're probably not going to find the information you want (I want it too) on this site, or any other site out there, because it will have international repercussions (other countries explicitly make IMEI modifications illegal).
Then again, I find it stupid that information on "how to do this" is not widely available - information for a lot of "illegal" stuff is already widely available ._.
Maybe some nice guy out there will start fiddling around with android's IMEI systems, and let us know about it. After all, the IMEI is something the manufacturer maintains, and corporations use, not something that the government enforces. Technology (and pretty much everything else) moves along way too fast for the political system to catch up to it.
meleii said:
If your so determined to see this "law" a very simple google search yeilds the answer.
thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.3186.IS:
Here is your answer now can we get this closed because I'm very opposed to changing imei number.
3 weeks ago my cousin was killed over his phone and the imei number of the phone is what helped catch the scumbag.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3186
Code:
S. 3186 (112th): Mobile Device Theft Deterrence Act of 2012
Introduced:
May 15, 2012 (112th Congress, 2011–2013)
Sponsor:
Sen. Charles Schumer [D-NY]
Status:
[B][U]Died[/U][/B] (Referred to Committee)
next google search? I've tried... can't get any straight answer so far
(the bill makes "modifing IMEI" = federal crime... which suggests it's NOT a federal crime right now to modify IMEI......?)
could still be a state/local crime (unlikely), or something that's covered under civil law and not criminal
@mods, this thread is healthy discussion about whether it's legal/illegal to modify IMEI (in USA), not a "how-to modify IMEI tutorial"... dont close it, move it to general topic?
It is illegal and has been for many years.
Wayne Tech S-III
zelendel said:
It is illegal and has been for many years.
Wayne Tech S-III
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source?
(I want something like the Congress bill posted above, but something that's actually active or passed by Congress)
I just see "oh, its illegal..."... who said it was illegal?
Is there some explicit law against it?
Or some cursory FCC regulation that might prohibit it, and was never explicitly outlawed, or there was a court case that set precedence for it?
As I said, if we need a bill to make tampering IMEI a federal crime, this means it's currently NOT a federal crime to modify IMEI?
----- part 2 of my google sleuthing-----
According to FCC Section 22.919, modifying ESNs is illegal...
However, ESN and IMEI are not the same (ESN identifies both the physical phone AND the phone subscriber, while IMEI only identifies the physical phone, with the SIM card providing the phone subscriber identifier)
Also, FCC 22.919 was repealed in 2003
http://etler.com/FCC/pdf/WT/WT 01-108/FCC 04-22.pdf
Search for "The Commission appropriately removed section 22.919 which set out electronic serial
number (ESN) hardware design requirements"
After reviewing the original purpose of the rule,
the advanced fraud control technologies measures developed to combat fraud since the adoption of the
rule, as well as comments submitted in the proceeding, the Commission concluded that the ESN
requirements were no longer necessary as a preventative measure against cellular cloning fraud. 127 The
Commission therefore removed section 22.919 of its rules.
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I will try to hunt the the FCC regulation on on it. Been awhile since I needed to post it as this is common knowledge among phone developers. It was passed a long time ago to prevent cloning.
Here is one article but I will find the one that states IMEI directly. This one states pretty much everything done here is illegal lol
Wayne Tech S-III
Any law any country... Changing IMEI is a criminal offence... God forbid if you change your IMEI to that of any known criminal... You think its worth the risk?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S III
diablo009 said:
Any law any country... Changing IMEI is a criminal offence... God forbid if you change your IMEI to that of any known criminal... You think its worth the risk?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, am I allowed to change my Phone A's IMEI to my Phone B's IMEI, with both phones legally bought?
this is just a curiosity exercise... and I'm asking "WHERE IN THE USA <insert code of law, FCC guidelines...> is modifying IMEI illegal"... you haven't answered my question
example: In UK, it is illegal due to this Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act 2002 passed in 2002.. but then there's a loophole (i can modify IMEI if I created the device, or the manufacture allowed me to)... (I havent read any of the amendments to see if those loopholes are changed)
^^ I want someone to answer me in that format, with reference to USA laws
Illegal?
While I am sorry for your loss meleii, that was simply a bill that didn't make it past a senate vote....much like SOPA and CISPA. While I am glad that a murderer was brought to justice, that isn't the purpose of the IMEI, any more that a session cookie is to keep you from cheating at online games. It helps sometimes, but that's incidental to it's actual purpose.
I can think of several reasons that someone might want to change their IMEI, like having a smartphone but only wanting a voice plan, or for that matter using a tablet's IMEI to have a data only plan. If you've made the jump to full on internet communication (Skype, SIP and the like) then a voice/text plan is simply a subsidy for everyone else's usage.
That being said, it is illegal in several countries, most notably the UK. It is also against every carriers EULA, but so is almost everything that is done in these hallowed halls....like wifi and bluetooth tethering without paying for a plan that includes it, installing software OSs on devices that were never intended to have it, or releasing the DRM deathgrip on content.
Saying that something is bad, wrong, immoral, or even just a piss poor idea that is bound to cause headaches for yourself and damage the image of the modding community is one thing, but to say something is illegal without being able to produce a law doesn't hold up.
If anyone does find the text prohibiting this in the wild, like buried in the text of the DMCA, or in an obscure FCC regulation, I stand ready to apologize and take back everything I've said.
Like any useful tool, it's only as good or bad as the people using it. I've used my lock picks to help friends get into their homes when they got locked out, and thieves use them to get into peoples homes to steal. I don't condone or make excuses for people dealing in the stolen phone market, but they aren't the only reason for this to exist.
Related
so i purchased a dash off ebay recently and they guy said it wouldnt read a sim. so i decided to bid on it cause i wanted the case housing and hell i was hoping he was an idiot. well i got it today and when i put the sim card in it worked fine, i even made a call. so i took out my sim and put it in my other dash and went on my way. now when i try it i get the sim error, no big deal. i knew that when i bought it. then i noticed the serial number and stuff were gone. rest of the dash looks fairly new.
so im wondering how does t mobile block the sim? and is their a way around it? im just wondering cause im messing around with it till i get the tools to take it apart lol.
The SIM will have been linked to the stolen phones' IMEI number.
Take the batt out of the pinched phone because, theoretically, the mobile operator could triangulate the phones position and members of your local constabulary may want to pay you a visit to discuss a recent ebay purchase.
Don't use the SIM.
It is illegal to change/alter a phones' IMEI number, so don't ask.
You could check with T-Mo to see if the IMEI has been blocked, but they will want to know where you got it etc then eBay will need to be informed and they will want to know the phones' history from the bloke you bought it off ...
You can see how this is going to end up: you out of pocket.
Don't ask about this phone on this forum again lest the mods stomp all over you in their size 10s.
If you paid via Pay Pal your purchase should be covered so file a complaint you should be able to get your money back. I would do that ASAP.
ratstrangler said:
The SIM will have been linked to the stolen phones' IMEI number.
Take the batt out of the pinched phone because, theoretically, the mobile operator could triangulate the phones position and members of your local constabulary may want to pay you a visit to discuss a recent ebay purchase.
Don't use the SIM.
It is illegal to change/alter a phones' IMEI number, so don't ask.
You could check with T-Mo to see if the IMEI has been blocked, but they will want to know where you got it etc then eBay will need to be informed and they will want to know the phones' history from the bloke you bought it off ...
You can see how this is going to end up: you out of pocket.
Don't ask about this phone on this forum again lest the mods stomp all over you in their size 10s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how you know they got size 10's? lol. just kidding. i didnt know it was illgeal to change IMEI, or that was the only way to do it, im not wanting to do that. i think i might contact t mobile to make sure that is the problem before i go forward with anything, ill post the results on here. still tempted to just use it for the housing and chuck the rest
on a side note, since i have two t mobile dash's would it be so bad if i changed the one i bought to the same imei as the old one and just used the new one and got rid of the old one?
Before you report it as being stolen, I would suggest that you make darned sure it is actually a stolen phone. Suspicions are one thing...facts are quite another. Selling stolen property is a serious charge, so be absolutely certain before reporting this guy to eBay and PayPal.
As to changing the IMEI number, that's a whole other can of worms. I've asked similar questions before, and got "smacked down" for even mentioning it.
You see, in the USA, it is illegal to change the IMEI of a phone. Under any circumstances. For any reason. Regardless. No matter your intentions, it doesn't matter.
Our laws forbid the changing of the IMEI. Period.
It's a stupid law, that has very little bearing in reality, and *especially* with the guys on this site... But, the law is the law, and we are bound by it.
-- Chuck Knight
yea i dont like this goverment, full of stupid laws. like in some places you cant smoke in your car if you have a child under a certian age, but yet the minimum wage is far under what it needs to be to survive. where i can work 40 hours a week, still cant afford food and cant get food stamps, but some people dont work and can get them with no problem, and they drive a frickin nice car. WTF.
anyone can feel free to PM me with info about software of controversial legailty
Its a gray area. There is no law on the books in the USA that makes changing an IMEI number illegal, BUT, the law on ESN Changing (Elecronic Serial Numbers) which was written to deal with the cloning of analog phones years ago was written broadly enough that should the law want to go after IMEI changers, they very well can. So its best to steer real clear of doing it.. just in case. The only reason to change an IMEI number speaks of several illegal activities anyway, so common sense says its a problem.
well to update this i checked on some site online and it said the imei was good, i also checked the imei of the dash im using to make sure i got the same results. so maybe it just dont read sim cards
As long as you own both of the phones, it is legal in the US to change the IMEI. You don't have to worry about it anyway, no GSM provider in the US blocks IMEIs, except for the all zeros one.
Ok so my younger cousin just bought an EVO from a friend at school and it is running on boost but it is Unrooted and S-On how the hell can I get this thing back on Sprint any help even a link is extremely helpful and greatly appreciated thanks in advance for any help
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
cloningisillegalpeople said:
the evo being on boost is illegal....
Cell Phone Fraud
Cellular fraud is defined as the unauthorized use, tampering or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. At one time, cloning of cellular phones accounted for a large portion of cell fraud. As a result, the Wireless Telephone Protection Act of 1998 expanded prior law to criminalize the use, possession, manufacture or sale of cloning hardware or software. Currently, the primary type of cell fraud is subscriber fraud. The cellular industry estimates that carriers lose more than $150 million per year due to subscriber fraud.
What Is Subscriber Fraud?
Subscriber fraud occurs when someone signs up for service with fraudulently-obtained customer information or false identification. Lawbreakers obtain your personal information and use it to set up a cell phone account in your name.
Resolving subscriber fraud could develop into a long and difficult process for victims. It may take time to discover that subscriber fraud has occurred and an even longer time to prove that you did not incur the debts. Call your carrier if you think you have been a victim of subscriber fraud.
What Is Cell Phone Cloning Fraud?
Every cell phone is supposed to have a unique factory-set electronic serial number (ESN) and telephone number (MIN). A cloned cell phone is one that has been reprogrammed to transmit the ESN and MIN belonging to another (legitimate) cell phone. Unscrupulous people can obtain valid ESN/MIN combinations by illegally monitoring the radio wave transmissions from the cell phones of legitimate subscribers. After cloning, both the legitimate and the fraudulent cell phones have the same ESN/MIN combination and cellular systems cannot distinguish the cloned cell phone from the legitimate one. The legitimate phone user then gets billed for the cloned phone’s calls. Call your carrier if you think you have been a victim of cloning fraud.
Summary
Remember, to prevent subscriber fraud, make sure that your personal information is kept private when purchasing anything in a store or on the Internet. Protecting your personal information is your responsibility. For cell phone cloning fraud, the cellular equipment manufacturing industry has deployed authentication systems that have proven to be a very effective countermeasure to cloning. Call your cellular phone carrier for more information.
For More Information
For more information on protecting your personal information, see the FCC’s Protecting Your Privacy guide. For information about other communications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau website, or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554.
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Thanks J. Edgar...
I'm glad he informed us about the law and the FCC. I'm going to unroot my phone now. I had no idea I was doin something I shouldn't. Thank you so much!
We're comin from a pure power source.
I don't think being rooted is illegal. From what I heard it used to be illegal though and a couple of months ago I went into a sprint store and the manager of the store had a rooted EVO 4G with a custom rom lol was kind of funny.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Yea my sarcasm doesn't really come through in my typing
We're comin from a pure power source.
metalfan78 said:
Yea my sarcasm doesn't really come through in my typing
We're comin from a pure power source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha
Sent from my rooted EVO 4G with Sense 3.0 and running a v6 Supercharger
Hit that thanks button if I helped.
Hmmm...could be tricky. Since its s-on you could try running a ruu but Idk if that will fix it. Getting a phone to run on boost requires rewriting the nv memory which I'm not sure a ruu restore can do. Correct me if I'm wrong. Unless whoever rewrote the NV has the original values backed up, you maybe sol.
Sent From My Pocket
A week ago I sent in my Note 2 for repairs to Samsung, and their repair service stated that the IMEI number is blocked and that I should talk to T-mobile to get an unlock code.
I read some other threads where their IEMI number was blocked due to the previous phone holder not paying off their dues. My Note 2 was purchased as a used phone from CL.
Fortunately I still have the traders phone number, I plan on contacting him if T-mobile does not provide a unlock code.
Is there another way to fix this blocked IMEI number?
The previous user must pay the bill. No unlock code can remove imei lock.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Yeah. Its either they didn't pay the bill or it is reported stolen. I have heard of iPhone's getting flashed so they will work again. But i don't know about a galaxy note 2.
U can flash any phone this way. U need a doner device.
Sent from my SGH-T889
---------- Post added at 05:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
Also get a signed recept and bill of sale with the imei noterized from the seller and that should be enuff to get u legetly unblocked with a bbb dispute ect.
Sent from my SGH-T889
If we unlocked it via tmobile would it work with other carriers?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
prepaidguy9081 said:
U can flash any phone this way. U need a doner device.
Sent from my SGH-T889
---------- Post added at 05:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
Also get a signed recept and bill of sale with the imei noterized from the seller and that should be enuff to get u legetly unblocked with a bbb dispute ect.
Sent from my SGH-T889
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought this method was for cdma phones only. Sprint and Verizon. Don't think it'll work with the note 2. Worth a try though
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
I heard theres a way to fix bad imei. Many ppl are doing it. Its illegal though!!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
dannydv said:
I heard theres a way to fix bad imei. Many ppl are doing it. Its illegal though!!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
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Might be illegal, but If I didn't do anything wrong, why should I have to be the one to pay the price.
tony yayo said:
Might be illegal, but If I didn't do anything wrong, why should I have to be the one to pay the price.
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Click to collapse
I totally agree!!!!!!!!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Some would say that possessing stolen property is wrong...
Hastily spouted for your befuddlement
My note is arriving back from repair on Tuesday and I'm planning on calling the guy who sold me the phone.
I heard people reporting to fraud department? Where do I go to claim a fraud?
I even know where the guy lives, so I'm planning on going to his house if he does not comply with my demands. ( no weapons of course)
I know youre in good intentions but dont ever go to anothers house without then knowing without something lethal arm... you dont know what he is capable of
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
I am in the same exact boat, this is absolutely ridiculous and I need to find a resolution.
prepaidguy9081 said:
Flashing esn - cdma
Flashing imei - gsm
Diffrent sereal type, same basic process
Sent from my SGH-T889
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashing imei will unblock?
Flashing an imei to unblock a stolen or lost device is illegal
Flashing a meid to unblock is illegal as well
Flashing either to spy or snoop, also illegal
Flashing an meid to port your phone to another carrier using two devises you own and neither are blocked is the only legal awnser.
If your devise is blocked gsm. And you purchesed it from someone else used. Then its basicly the same as buying stolen propery and it is your responsibility to check this before you buy it. You can try to get a bill of sale to prove to the carrier that you do not owe debt on this device to acctivate it. But if it was blocked because it was warrented out, stole, lost, or some other shady transaction. They will not help you at all.
My advise. Take the original seller to court if they wont give u a refund for selling you a defecrive product, unless the words as is are listed anywhere in the add.
Get your money back and try again.
Or cut your losses and try again.
Sorry if I sound like an arss.
Edit - furthur more there are two reasons I buy only new devices. [Tho I will take any for free even bricks]
1. You get what you pay for. Im sure the new device hasent been overclocked or run hot ect. Also, I am sure it hasent been submerged and rice tricked [which is a myth] or opend and cleaned with alcohol which removes the impuritities that will he left after rice trick, and removes chance of corrosion on tiny circuits, and had its water sticker replaced. And im sure its not stolen or reported lost, ect. You can check with tue carrier prior to purchase with a phonecall. Just call custumer service for said carrier.
2. Most people poop with their phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889
How to prevent similar cases?
I am sad to hear yet another person falling victim to those scams. I am running an effort to compile a list of all those scams and post it on a single website where people can read and educate themselves to recognize the danger next time.
BuyingUsedPhoneGuide.com
Feel free to leave feedback or share your cautionary stories.
What to do after your phone is IMEI Blocked
I Had the unpleasant experience of buying a Galaxy Note 3 branded for ATT model N900A. When i purchased the phone on craigslist i took extra safety measures. I called ATT they assured me the phone was in good standing no blacklisting. I even called Asurion the main cell phone insurance company and they said no claim has been filed. 4 weeks later the phone is blocked due to the customer filing a claim. I called ATT no help there. Then is sent an email to Asurion and to my surprise they email me back from the office of the CEO. I call them at the number they provided and they took the IMEI number and referred the case to the Fraud department. So if anything the person who sold me the phone may be in trouble (I Hope) but im still stuck with a non working Note 3. At this point i can sell it as is and take a huge loss. Or i can have the IMEI repaired which is illegal and not yet availbaler for the note 3 from ATT yet anyway. or i can use the device as a glorified mp3 player internet gaming handheld.
graboszczak said:
I am sad to hear yet another person falling victim to those scams. I am running an effort to compile a list of all those scams and post it on a single website where people can read and educate themselves to recognize the danger next time.
BuyingUsedPhoneGuide.com
Feel free to leave feedback or share your cautionary stories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what to do when your phone is blacklisted
bronxlcsw said:
I Had the unpleasant experience of buying a Galaxy Note 3 branded for ATT model N900A. When i purchased the phone on craigslist i took extra safety measures. I called ATT they assured me the phone was in good standing no blacklisting. I even called Asurion the main cell phone insurance company and they said no claim has been filed. 4 weeks later the phone is blocked due to the customer filing a claim. I called ATT no help there. Then is sent an email to Asurion and to my surprise they email me back from the office of the CEO. I call them at the number they provided and they took the IMEI number and referred the case to the Fraud department. So if anything the person who sold me the phone may be in trouble (I Hope) but im still stuck with a non working Note 3. At this point i can sell it as is and take a huge loss. Or i can have the IMEI repaired which is illegal and not yet availbaler for the note 3 from ATT yet anyway. or i can use the device as a glorified mp3 player internet gaming handheld.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, i got the following email from Asurion: "Hello, my name is Pamela with Asurion. I want to thank you for taking the time to contact us about your experience with the mobile device purchase and the blocked IMEI. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and want you to know Asurion’s commitment to improve process and procedures to create a positive customer experience. We appreciate you providing comments that allow us to improve that experience for our customers. If I can further assist you, please feel free to contact me directly at 615-524-5770. If I am not available, you can speak with any agent within our office at 1-866-397-6496."
They said that the more reports they get of these insurance claim frauds they will be putting in place protections for buyers in the future. I gave the following suggestions:
1) If you are the victim of the insurance fraud there should be an option for you to provide proof that the device was purchased as in copy of craigslist ad. If so then they should remove the IMEI block and bill the policy holder for the price of the phone.
2) Again if victim of insurance fraud have the option of sending the phone to Asurion in exchange for a refurbished one. That way they can refurbish the one you sent in in send that out as a replacement device.
At this point i think i am going to take this one step further and try to find out who the underwriter is for Asurion and send them a email to tell them that Asurion is processing fraudulent claims at a fast clip without giving any scrutiny. Anyone know who the underwriter is.
Pamela Young
Client Relations Program Specialist
Office of the CEO/Client Relations
[email protected]
650 Grasmere Park, Ste. 300, Nashville, TN 37211
voice (615) 524-5770 | fax (888) 874-7812
http://www.t-mobile.com/VERIFYIMEI.ASPX
Others have similar services available. While it doesnt help the OP it does give a bit more protection on future purchases.
Ducter said:
http://www.t-mobile.com/VERIFYIMEI.ASPX
Others have similar services available. While it doesnt help the OP it does give a bit more protection on future purchases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically it isnt even useful anymore. Sure its not blocked the moment you buy it. However he or she could claim it stolen the moment she or he gets home. I think just buying a new phone is the most useful.
Getting back to the illegal topic. There is no such person who does not do illegal things. Even the government does illegal things. Downloading youtube videos off a site is illegal, downloading free music or terrenting is illegal and yet most of the human population does this or even worse. So flashing an imei number should not be looked bad upon if one is a victim. However im not enforcing to do illegal things.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/01...ile-phones-becomes-illegal-in-the-us-tomorrow
I think it applies to a carrier unlock., not a bootloader for custom roms.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
"You have 48 hours."
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
Carrier unlocking is what it's talking about. This is also further proof that the the United States is has become "by the corporation for the corporation".
" Unlocking a phone frees it from restrictions that keep the device from working on more than one carrier's network, allowing it run on other networks that use the same wireless standard. This can be useful to international travellers who need their phones to work on different networks. Other people just like the freedom of being able to switch carriers as they please. "
Assimilated using the interface that interacts with the advanced internet.
unlocking becomes the new jailbreaking lol
I didn't see this thread, hopefully a Mod will have mercy on me and delete my thread.
The basis of this law being passed is so weak that it really does make me quite concerned that the rooting community is going to come into focus before long. The judge ruled that unlocking a phone infringes on copyright laws, which it really doesn't, and I suspect that long term the rooting community will be a target. You can already see from companies like Motorola and now HTC that this is an area of concern for them.
Personally I am concerned for it, but would hope that companies that openly support rooting like Samsung and Google will come to our aid.
If the government DOES take action against rooting, I would hope that a judge would look at an OS like Android and rule that rooting cannot by definition be illegal since everything is open source. But we all know how that is likely to go.
I registered and signed the petition. Not sure if it'll do much, but hope it catches attention.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
It only applies to carrier unlocking, it does not affect unlock bootloaders.
latindor17 said:
It only applies to carrier unlocking, it does not affect unlock bootloaders.
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With an immediate outlook you are absolutely correct. The problem here is the precedent that is being set.
If courts rule that simply unlocking a phone that is no longer "leased" per the terms of a contract is copyright infringement, there is not a huge jump for the courts to then apply this to the rooting community. Companies are already laying groundwork against custom ROMs, like HTC, Motorola, and to an extent Apple with the jailbreaking community. This could snowball in the future and make life really miserable for anyone wanting to root.
Copypasta from other thread.
Technically, the issue I see here is that you're 'leasing the phone' from the telco. This is apparent because if you cancel your service before the contract expires, you pay a 'fee' associated with a 'termination'. If you don't return the phone they 'gave' you, you are also charged another fee. They technically 'own' the phone until you've fulfilled the contract (afaik), therefore, they can legally tell you 'you can't use this phone on another service provider until you fulfill the terms you agreed to with us'.
Now if that contract later on specifies 'you shall not use software on your device unless it is specifically approved by acme telco.' or the like, then I could see a strong case for 'rooting is illegal' as you technically 'agree' to the service contract when you purchase service from that provider.
NOTE: You can still purchase unlocked phones from the service provider (or manufacturer) but they're usually more expensive (you know that discount you get from sprint? that's cause they pay for the rest of the phone, in the hopes that you won't default on the contract you sign.)
I like how you added in the part about "no longer "leased" per the terms of a contract" as that does change the argument you present, however, that's not what's at issue here. What's at issue here is you 'carrier unlocking' a phone that you specifically agreed to use on their network, so you can use it on another network (technically, this is a breech of contract, and technically you've defaulted if you do this by not following the terms of the contract).
benmatlock said:
Copypasta from other thread.
Technically, the issue I see here is that you're 'leasing the phone' from the telco. This is apparent because if you cancel your service before the contract expires, you pay a 'fee' associated with a 'termination'. If you don't return the phone they 'gave' you, you are also charged another fee. They technically 'own' the phone until you've fulfilled the contract (afaik), therefore, they can legally tell you 'you can't use this phone on another service provider until you fulfill the terms you agreed to with us'.
Now if that contract later on specifies 'you shall not use software on your device unless it is specifically approved by acme telco.' or the like, then I could see a strong case for 'rooting is illegal' as you technically 'agree' to the service contract when you purchase service from that provider.
NOTE: You can still purchase unlocked phones from the service provider (or manufacturer) but they're usually more expensive (you know that discount you get from sprint? that's cause they pay for the rest of the phone, in the hopes that you won't default on the contract you sign.)
I like how you added in the part about "no longer "leased" per the terms of a contract" as that does change the argument you present, however, that's not what's at issue here. What's at issue here is you 'carrier unlocking' a phone that you specifically agreed to use on their network, so you can use it on another network (technically, this is a breech of contract, and technically you've defaulted if you do this by not following the terms of the contract).
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What I have read on this legislation is that regardless of whether or not you are still in the contract you may not unlock the subsidized phone sold to you by the phone company. I am the first to admit my understanding of this is far from perfect, but what I have read indicates that you CANNOT unlock the phone regardless of whether or not you are in the contract. This is, in my opinion, an area that the telephone companies should not be able to regulate. I took the "lease" terminology from the post you referenced earlier. In reality this is not a lease as much as it is a "lease to own" situation. The company does not request the phone back after the contract expires and cedes ownership of the property at that point to the individual. Under these circumstances the contract to use the phone specifically on their network is fulfilled.
I agree with you completely that while still under contract this is a completely valid legislation, and users should understand the terms of the contract, but it has also been reported extensively that the legislation extends beyond the end of the contract and allows phone companies to enforce these copyright laws after the expiration of the contract. THIS is the precedent that concerns me for the rooting community.
Xiutehcuhtli said:
What I have read on this legislation is that regardless of whether or not you are still in the contract you may not unlock the subsidized phone sold to you by the phone company. I am the first to admit my understanding of this is far from perfect, but what I have read indicates that you CANNOT unlock the phone regardless of whether or not you are in the contract. This is, in my opinion, an area that the telephone companies should not be able to regulate. I took the "lease" terminology from the post you referenced earlier. In reality this is not a lease as much as it is a "lease to own" situation. The company does not request the phone back after the contract expires and cedes ownership of the property at that point to the individual. Under these circumstances the contract to use the phone specifically on their network is fulfilled.
I agree with you completely that while still under contract this is a completely valid legislation, and users should understand the terms of the contract, but it has also been reported extensively that the legislation extends beyond the end of the contract and allows phone companies to enforce these copyright laws after the expiration of the contract. THIS is the precedent that concerns me for the rooting community.
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Well, what I have read on the legislation (just got done reading the jist of the part about phones) from the verbage, it implies that carriers (like AT&T for example) offer 'unlocking provisions' that allow you to unlock the device after the expiration of the contract.
benmatlock said:
Well, what I have read on the legislation (just got done reading the jist of the part about phones) from the verbage, it implies that carriers (like AT&T for example) offer 'unlocking provisions' that allow you to unlock the device after the expiration of the contract.
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I will read some more at work tomorrow. Too late for me to put that thinking cap on.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
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VoluntaryMan said:
It's not illegal for me since I'm using Ting which doesn't frown upon customers running custom ROMs or rooting routing their phones.
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It's not illegal to use custom ROMs yet for anyone.
Unlocking phones is still legal for phones purchased before the 27th. For most people, this law will only affect you with the next phone that you buy.
Thinking about this..
How would they ever be able to figure out you've done this? Are they going to call other Service Providers and ask "hey man, you got this imei on your network??"
They aren't going after the users. Just the sellers of unlocked phone as its the process of unlocking that's supposedly now illegal.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
I would say at this point for all of us here in this forum at least would understand that Sprint as our carrier as well as Verizon will not ever ever allow a non carrier specific ESN on there network , even if say someone were to flash one of our devices to cricket or metro they would no longer be allowed to switch that device back.
So this law that is highly geared towards aggravated theft and people being hurt even killed over there very expensive smartphone (let's be totally honest iSuck ) and with out any hassle putting it on a different carrier and not be traced, has nothing to do with the rooting community or custom ROMs especially here on xda where it is moderated to not allow copyright infringement or taking credit for any company's work
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
It's currently on my Sprint plan. I want to be able to use it on other providers as well.
call them and find out what can be done?
raul6 said:
call them and find out what can be done?
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I'm not paid off for another 7 months so they won't.
Pay them off or wait... that's the agreement.
blackhawk said:
Pay them off or wait... that's the agreement.
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That's not how XDA does things, that's no fun. Plus I'm a single parent who lost his job due to the pandemic so I don't have just $700 to throw down.
XDA doesn't condone theft of services as best I can tell.
Even if you did unlock it the carrier could still blacklist it.
Perhaps you could refinance it through your current carrier.
Talk to their retention dept.
There's absolutely NO possible way to perpetrate "theft of service" with a wireless carrier so don't go there. It's very simple. If you don't pay your bill what happens? They disconnect your service until you pay your bill. Therefore they don't allow people to steal service from them. Impossible. As for the devices bought on flex lease, etc. They technically belong to the carrier until you complete the lease and pay the phone off. If you don't pay off the device what happens? They simply blacklist the IMEID and report your delinquent account to the credit beureas and if enough time goes by they will sell your delinquent account to third party collections companies. 5he cost of phones don't warrant the cost of court filing and attorney fees in order to try to physically reclaim devices from account holders who went into collections due to non-payment. No need to preach to people espif you don't know what you're talking about.
OP there are websites out there that can SIM unlock your Samsung for a fee. If you SIM unlock the phone and activate it BEFORE your Sprint account were to go to collections, it will continue to work on another carrier. Im not assuming you have no intentions of paying your bill I'm just letting you know. No matter what, its not theft of service. It could only be theft of property in the eyes of the law. But that never happens.
Wrong terminology on my part, my bad, but your plan tx_dbs_tx doesn't sound that great.
Be best to find a way to minimize the damage to the OP's credit.
https://cashmoneylife.com/cancel-your-cell-phone-contract-without-paying-fees/
Again I would talk to the retaintion dept at Sprint. Most carriers have them. Their sole purpose is to retain customers.
Nickdroid86 said:
That's not how XDA does things, that's no fun. Plus I'm a single parent who lost his job due to the pandemic so I don't have just $700 to throw down.
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Wrong, XDA is not about circumventing legal stuff, and, any way you see it, a debt is a debt, you have to pay, no way around it, things we all use/buy, must be paid in full, you say you are a single parent, so, better try to be a reponsible one, one that pays his debts and doesn't look for ways to avoid being responsible
winol said:
Wrong, XDA is not about circumventing legal stuff, and, any way you see it, a debt is a debt, you have to pay, no way around it, things we all use/buy, must be paid in full, you say you are a single parent, so, better try to be a reponsible one, one that pays his debts and doesn't look for ways to avoid being responsible
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Nobody's talking about avoiding my debt here... I'm not getting rid of my Sprint account, especially while I'm working on my credit.
Paid unlock link removed!!
Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
Nickdroid86 said:
Nobody's talking about avoiding my debt here... I'm not getting rid of my Sprint account, especially while I'm working on my credit.
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What is your reason(s) to have it unlocked?
If you don't want coverage by Sprint the best solution be to get another carrier to take over the contract as per the link I posted.
Not sure how well that will work... exploring those options might yield a good outcome.
If you've really gotten behind and are paying off old debts with little or no emergency money... talk with a good bankruptcy lawyer. It's more complicated then it was 20 years ago but within 3 or so years you be debt free and be able to easily rebuild your credit.
blackhawk said:
What is your reason(s) to have it unlocked?
If you don't want coverage by Sprint the best solution be to get another carrier to take over the contract as per the link I posted.
Not sure how well that will work... exploring those options might yield a good outcome.
If you've really gotten behind and are paying off old debts with little or no emergency money... talk with a good bankruptcy lawyer. It's more complicated then it was 20 years ago but within 3 or so years you be debt free and be able to easily rebuild your credit.
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I live in the mountains, where I travel around here I'll only have the option to use one provider and not the other and vice versa in places.
Nickdroid86 said:
I live in the mountains, where I travel around here I'll only have the option to use one provider and not the other and vice versa in places.
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Explain that to the retainment team and see what they can do. The squeaky wheel gets the grease; keep calling and/or escalating your case until you get someone that helps you.
At times it's taken me 30+ calls to get things straight with corporation's.
Only persistent is omnipotent...
A signal booster/external antenna is another potential option for you if some signal is present.
Thread closed.
Paid unlocking services, or the discussion there of are not permitted on XDA as per XDA rule #11. Let us please refrain from further discussions such as these. Thank you.