Develop Bugs

[Q] How to remove lost/stolen status from an evo

So my good friend bought a used evo, the bad thing is that the phone has lost/stolen status, its been verified by a sprint store manager that in fact it is not lost or stolen, its a long story, anybody who works for sprint in the forums can you help. how does he go about removin the status from the phone, so he can activate?

I don't work for Sprint but had to go through this with a Mogul I purchased a few years back... basically what I was told is that the only way to get the flag removed is to have the person that originally reported it lost/stolen call into Customer Care to report it un-lost (or would that be found? )

if u call tech support they can do a chat to try to get it removed it takes about 5-10 min but it doesnt work 100% of the time when i worked in sprint tech i did it some times

yea this is probably a case where the person used there insurance and reported it lost then sold the old phone. happens a lot. try tech support i have gotten them to fix one of my old phones but i have heard many stories of them not being able to as well. Hope it works out/ if nto hopefully he paid paypal or credit card and can report it to try tog et his money back (assuming it doesnt say it was a bad esn when he bought it)

Your good friend needs to talk to the person he bought it from and have them handle it for him. Is there a chance this actually is a lost or stolen phone?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

I actually hope there is no way to get the Lost/stolen flag removed, it would only give thieves the opportunity to start stealing phones again and using them, or people committing fraud against the insurance firms, which down the line cost us more $$$$
Sorry but your friend should of been more careful?

sjjones said:
I actually hope there is no way to get the Lost/stolen flag removed, it would only give thieves the opportunity to start stealing phones again and using them, or people committing fraud against the insurance firms, which down the line cost us more $$$$
Sorry but your friend should of been more careful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? So if you lost your phone, reported it as lost to Sprint, DIDN'T file an insurance replacement claim, and found it the next week, you wouldn't want to be able to get the lost/stolen flag taken off? I call BS!
Besides, I have had many lost/stolen flags taken off of many different phones due to some of the numbskulls working at my company, no problems. Haven't had to do it for an EVO yet though.
There are always legitimate reasons for wanting that taken off, as opposed to just wasting a perfectly good piece of hardware. Thieves will always steal, regardless of whether or not what they steal can be reactivated or not. Your logic is flawed.

Jye75 said:
Really? So if you lost your phone, reported it as lost to Sprint, DIDN'T file an insurance replacement claim, and found it the next week, you wouldn't want to be able to get the lost/stolen flag taken off? I call BS!
Besides, I have had many lost/stolen flags taken off of many different phones due to some of the numbskulls working at my company, no problems. Haven't had to do it for an EVO yet though.
There are always legitimate reasons for wanting that taken off, as opposed to just wasting a perfectly good piece of hardware. Thieves will always steal, regardless of whether or not what they steal can be reactivated or not. Your logic is flawed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fairly sure the original owner can remove the Lost/Stolen flag, so it is your logic that is invalid.
The only reason someone would want to remove a Lost/Stolen flag from a phone that was not originally theirs is someone who was the recipient of a stolen phone, or one released through insurance fraud.

sohr said:
I'm fairly sure the original owner can remove the Lost/Stolen flag, so it is your logic that is invalid.
The only reason someone would want to remove a Lost/Stolen flag from a phone that was not originally theirs is someone who was the recipient of a stolen phone, or one released through insurance fraud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, my logic is sound, and a correct reply to the comment above as it is worded. More specifically regarding the thieves stealing phones portion. And I might add that your "only reason" doesn't cover all bases either. Not everyone who loses a phone, files an insurance claim. In fact, many people do not carry insurance on their phones. In that event, the original owner could find their lost/stolen phone, and turn around and sell or give it to someone else while forgetting to clear the device through the service provider.
I love it when the "know-it-alls" come out and only "know" what they have experienced or can imagine in their own minds. Limited.

Sprint accidentally reported my Evo lost/stolen when I was on the phone with them once. Then they lost the ESN from their system. Then they told me that HTC had to reload the ESN into their system before Sprint could do anything.
Took about 5 days to get my phone back but they did finally do it.
I understand the issue here but that is why I never buy a phone from someone unless I meet them at the store to verify that it is legit and clear to activate.

Jye75 said:
that event, the original owner could find their lost/stolen phone, and turn around and sell or give it to someone else while forgetting to clear the device through the service provider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the original owner "forgets" to clear the device, whose fault is that? It's not Sprints-- and it's something that is easily remedied-- have the original owner call Sprint and have it removed.
Every legitimate reason for removing a stolen/lost flag is covered that way.
I love it when the "know-it-alls" come out and only "know" what they have experienced or can imagine in their own minds. Limited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pot meet kettle, much?

sohr said:
I'm fairly sure the original owner can remove the Lost/Stolen flag, so it is your logic that is invalid.
The only reason someone would want to remove a Lost/Stolen flag from a phone that was not originally theirs is someone who was the recipient of a stolen phone, or one released through insurance fraud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing I was thinking. You could file a claim, pay the deductible, get a new phone and just be like" nevermind, I found it. Can you remove the lost/stolen tag please?" Now you have a spare phone you could sell to recoup the cost of the deductible, and then some.
I'm going to be more blunt than others and just call this exactly what it looks like. Fraud.

sohr said:
If the original owner "forgets" to clear the device, whose fault is that? It's not Sprints--Never said it was Sprint's fault. And you know, SOME people are ignorant enough to not know that they NEED to clear the ESN of a lost phone. Some may think that replacing it and assigning the number to the new one takes care of any trouble they might have. and it's something that is easily remedied-- True, but the person I was replying to commented that in their opinion, there should be NO way to clear a lost/stolen ESN. Read much?have the original owner call Sprint and have it removed.
Every legitimate reason for removing a stolen/lost flag is covered that way.
Pot meet kettle, much? You'd think, but no. In this case, and every case that I choose to argue, I make it a point to actually KNOW what I'm talking about, which is more than I can say for you. Now, sit down and color.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point's made, end of interaction with you.

SO the guy he bought it from told him to stop calling him or he will press harrassment charges against him. there's gotta be away to get this solved through customer service may be an upper level management can help. the seller says he called sprint and they reported that phone is not on the lost or stolen. please guys solutions not bickering between each other this is ridiculus
the seller has canceled his account recently i dont know what the means as far the phone goes. sprint c.s. said they don't understand why it has this status on it.

Hmmm, if the seller cancelled recently, and sold his EVO, then it might be that he owes Sprint, and they will not release the ESN until it's paid up. Think about it, a lot of people jumped at the Evo with a 2 year contract, discounted price. Maybe the seller could not afford the service and decided not to pay. I've heard of a couple of situations like this.

if thats the case what options are there? what can sprint do for my friend to get this phone activated. this sucks for my friend. maybe the seller is afraid he'll have to pay if he calls sprint. idk. weird situation?

That's what would need to happen, he'd have to pay his debt first. How much did your friend buy it for?

DR.mobbfigga said:
SO the guy he bought it from told him to stop calling him or he will press harrassment charges against him. there's gotta be away to get this solved through customer service may be an upper level management can help. the seller says he called sprint and they reported that phone is not on the lost or stolen. please guys solutions not bickering between each other this is ridiculus
the seller has canceled his account recently i dont know what the means as far the phone goes. sprint c.s. said they don't understand why it has this status on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is bad... really bad. Did he disclose that the phone had a bad ESN when your friend bought it? And it means that the seller is basically telling you that your friend is on his/her own since the seller already has the money.
DR.mobbfigga said:
if thats the case what options are there? what can sprint do for my friend to get this phone activated. this sucks for my friend. maybe the seller is afraid he'll have to pay if he calls sprint. idk. weird situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either way Sprint will not activate the phone unless they get whatever is due to them. It would be a lot easier for your friend to get his/her money back and return the phone and shop for a new one with a clean ESN. I don't think you can have Sprint do anything at all at this point. Go resolve the issue with the seller or try to have your friend get money back... at this point I hope your friend can still get the money.

DR.mobbfigga said:
SO the guy he bought it from told him to stop calling him or he will press harrassment charges against him. there's gotta be away to get this solved through customer service may be an upper level management can help. the seller says he called sprint and they reported that phone is not on the lost or stolen. please guys solutions not bickering between each other this is ridiculus
the seller has canceled his account recently i dont know what the means as far the phone goes. sprint c.s. said they don't understand why it has this status on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happened to me before for a phone I sold. But in my case it wasn't in lost/stolen status, but showing as active on an account. As the seller I did everything possible on a Saturday to resolve the issue for the buyer right away. I was on the phone with Sprint, even gave the buyer my personal number (this was an ebay transaction) told him to have Sprint conference me in. After a few calls this was resolved.
From the way your friend's seller is acting I would be more inclined to believe this is a stolen phone. The guy should refund your friend right away and just take the phone back. If I was your friend in this situation, I would be finding out with sprint right now if I should be going to the police to report this guy.

Going to the police is what he's,gonna do tomorrow. Hopefully this can be resolved.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[Q] Buying a phone from craigslist or ebay

I bought a GS2 from someone off craigslist and then they reported it stolen and I had a device with a bad IMEI.
I think down the road I would like to see my GS2 for a One S. How can I do this safely? What should I require from the buyer to prevent that from happening again?

decko5 said:
I bought a GS2 from someone off craigslist and then they reported it stolen and I had a device with a bad IMEI.
I think down the road I would like to see my GS2 for a One S. How can I do this safely? What should I require from the buyer to prevent that from happening again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... You would have to talk to a lawyer about this. If you could find a way of writing up a legal contract (which isn't too difficult) that would stop the seller from doing anything that would ruin the sale, then you might be ok. The problem is that doesn't stop them, and if they did something then you would have to take them to court. That's a lot of money for a little assurance.
I think the more typical answers is you would need some luck, or to buy from someone you trusted. On ebay you can look at their record and see if other people buying cellphones were happy and that no one had this issue, but that could still be sketchy (and cost more than your average used phone).

What if I make the seller meet me at a T-Mo store and have him make sure that the seller does not have insurance plan? maybe that'll be a way to prevent this?

He needs a police report to file that claim. You now have stolen property. I would make that your first concern. I would do what I had to do to prove insurance fraud just on principal alone.
Craigslist is hit or miss. I've been burned twice. But my most recent gs2 purchase went smooth.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium

I would recommend not using either. Use swappa. All the IMEIs are clean, no damage. Was gonna buy my SGS2 off of it, but got a better deal through the store.

You're right, the best way to prevent this if to meet at a store. We have an imei blocking tool that we can reference.
Only problem is that the if the claim is still being processed, it will show unblocked.
I guess it's a good sign if the seller is willing to meet at a store in the first place.

Not sure if it is unlocked. But if it is and the issue is not sorted, you can use it on another carrier still. Not a total loss atleast.

android4sunny said:
Not sure if it is unlocked. But if it is and the issue is not sorted, you can use it on another carrier still. Not a total loss atleast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that the FCC just passed new regulations that require AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-mobile to share a database off blocked IMEIs.

I bought my SGS2 from Craigslist and what ended happening is I was way hesitant to buy.
Took longer than expected to meet up, but he explained the situation. The dude has a $500 tmobile bill and is moving back to Texas. And just this week I've actually abandoned my G2X and am using my GS2 as my main device.
Luckily I didn't get sold a banned IMIE
This is the reason I like GSM phones. I guess it makes sense for people snatching and selling stolen devices, but sucks you have to do more to make sure you don't get screwed.

If there is nothing preventing people from screwing you with ebay protecting you for 90 days then there is absolutely nothing protecting you in craigslist where they wouldn't care if you got stabbed in a transaction

G1ForFun said:
Except that the FCC just passed new regulations that require AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-mobile to share a database off blocked IMEIs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. The carriers are working with the FCC on a plan to curb phone theft that may involve using a shared database.
However, this is not regulation passed by FCC. It's also important to note that other countries have been using this type of theft tracking database since 2002, and the database itself has been in existence since 1996.
As usual, the US is behind the rest of the world by about 10 years.
On topic, it really is buyer beware when buying used. Meeting at a TMo store, having the rep verify if IMEI is valid, having it on record that the phone was sold and transferred to the buyer, all help in reducing the likelihood of getting burned.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

honestly, try to buy devices with the box that has the matching imei number, although this has a chance of getting banned too, it is much slimmer.
Many of banned devices are results from stolen phones or are the replacement phones where the person goes "oh i did not receive my package" and ends up selling it.
You can meet in the t-mobile store, have them take note or call or rep and have them put a note that the IMEI is now in use by your account and should not be banned. You can even photocopy or take a picture of the guy's ID, if the guy is reluctant to give you his INFO, don't buy it.

I bought my phone on craigslist NIB, I never knew of this IMIE stuff. Luckily for me, my phone's been fine (knock on wood)

I talked to multiple customer service agents who told me there was nothing they could (or would) do about the situation. Even if the guy meets you at the store and the reps watch, they are just witnesses. It would help if you have to take the guy to court, but is it really worth it?
I mean, it sucks, but it's a gamble.

Well there are many honest people out there doing honest transactions but I think this latest burn has ruined me. I used to love swapping phones very often and I planned to swap this for the One S. It's a shame.

degeneration said:
I talked to multiple customer service agents who told me there was nothing they could (or would) do about the situation. Even if the guy meets you at the store and the reps watch, they are just witnesses. It would help if you have to take the guy to court, but is it really worth it?
I mean, it sucks, but it's a gamble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add in court fees to the total amount.

just unlock the phone and sell it and tell the buyer about it. Only issue is if they are using the phone on tmobile.
It'll work perfectly fine on another carrier. All of the phones I have been through I unlock for a local carrier. Past few years since the nexus one came out I've been through almost every higher end android phone and never once have had an issue.

funny this thread comes up, a year ago i acquire a tmobile G2 from CL, and it was stolen, all i had to do was cooperate with a detective and track down the thief, dont know if they caught them but i get to keep the phone.
in the future i think you should all your service and give them the IMEI numbers to see if it stolen. dont know if that works but doesnt hurt to try.

HTC one with bad esn from craiglist

Hi,
I bought a used HTC one on craiglist only to find out that is is stolen. Att wouldnt allow me to activate it.
I am so stressful now. What other option do I have with other carrier at all? Don't tell me to use as a wifi fone please.
Here is my IMEI. I dont understand that I already check that IMEI first hand, it shows clean, but somehow I still got scam.
354439052041318

stagius24 said:
Hi,
I bought a used HTC one on craiglist only to find out that is is stolen. Att wouldnt allow me to activate it.
I am so stressful now. What other option do I have with other carrier at all? Don't tell me to use as a wifi fone please.
Here is my IMEI. I dont understand that I already check that IMEI first hand, it shows clean, but somehow I still got scam.
354439052041318
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ESN: 354439052041318 (IMEI)
IMEI Check
Valid ESN is not blacklisted.
ESN is does not appear to be blacklisted suggesting it should be activation ready.
T-Mobile
Valid ESN appears ready for activation!
This indicates the ESN is valid and should be ready for activation.
IT SAYS ITS NOT BLACKLISTED CAN WORK WITH T-MOBILE IT SAYS

But I thought ATT and Tmobile share the same list. If one is report, the other carrier should have it as well.

stagius24 said:
but i thought att and tmobile share the same list. If one is report, the other carrier should have it as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it dosent both are diffent not the same so your good

bigceez said:
it dosent both are diffent not the same so your good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I am not trusting you. But I just read on the forum that if carrier got report for stolen, other GSM will do the same. If I am wrong, I will be so happy.
If so, do I need to unlock or do anything or it will work right away with tmoble.

stagius24 said:
Not saying I am not trusting you. But I just read on the forum that if carrier got report for stolen, other GSM will do the same. If I am wrong, I will be so happy.
If so, do I need to unlock or do anything or it will work right away with tmoble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This forum is for the Verizon version of the phone, you might have more luck asking in forums for the GSM-carrier version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2115

maybe the reason it isn't working is because you bought a t-mobile htc one and tried to use on at&t?

stagius24 said:
Hi,
I bought a used HTC one on craiglist only to find out that is is stolen. Att wouldnt allow me to activate it.
I am so stressful now. What other option do I have with other carrier at all? Don't tell me to use as a wifi fone please.
Here is my IMEI. I dont understand that I already check that IMEI first hand, it shows clean, but somehow I still got scam.
354439052041318
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://checkesnfree.com/
.........................
"Provider ESN Date Response Extra
Sprint 354439052041318 09.04.2013 errorCREDITED
NCIC 354439052041318 09.04.2013 cleanESN
MyStolenPhone.com 354439052041318 09.04.2013 cleanESN"
"Provider ESN Date Response Extra
Blacklist 354439052041318 09.04.2013 isBlacklisted stolen CLEAN
NCIC 354439052041318 09.04.2013 cleanESN
MyStolenPhone.com 354439052041318 09.04.2013 cleanESN"
says clean ESN.

Just go to ebay or another website and get the phone carrier/sim unlocked and you can pop in any GSM sim card and be good to go.

nrfitchett4 said:
maybe the reason it isn't working is because you bought a t-mobile htc one and tried to use on at&t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. he definitely bought the att version.

.kronos. said:
no. he definitely bought the att version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From "CheckESNFree.com"
Blacklist 354439052041318 09.04.2013 isBlacklisted stolen
From Swappa.com
ESN: 354439052041318 (IMEI)
IMEI Check
Blacklist This device is blacklisted.
This device has been reported stolen.
Someone got scammed.
It also could have been someone that didn't pay their bill. Phones get blacklisted when the ETF is unpaid.
Anyway, OP sorry to hear you got scammed.
Once on the list, almost impossible to get it off.
Best place to buy used phones is "Swappa.com"

Phones do NOT get blacklisted if the ETF is not paid.
The GSMA does NOT allow any company to report a device as lost or stolen because of contractual disputes, or failure to pay the ETF.
And, no matter where you buy a used phone, any AT&T and T-Mobile device can be reported lost or stolen by anyone who has activated it, after the sale and the new owner has possession.
It doesn't matter if you got it off Swappa, eBay, Craigslist, or Gazelle, if the individual who is selling it, or the individual who previously had it active on their account wants to, they can report it was stolen 30-45-60 days after selling it and in the end, you're still screwed.
Thanks.

deathtrip said:
Phones do NOT get blacklisted if the ETF is not paid.
The GSMA does NOT allow any company to report a device as lost or stolen because of contractual disputes, or failure to pay the ETF.
And, no matter where you buy a used phone, any AT&T and T-Mobile device can be reported lost or stolen by anyone who has activated it, after the sale and the new owner has possession.
It doesn't matter if you got it off Swappa, eBay, Craigslist, or Gazelle, if the individual who is selling it, or the individual who previously had it active on their account wants to, they can report it was stolen 30-45-60 days after selling it and in the end, you're still screwed.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I meant black listed on that particular carrier.
Actually, it's difficult to blacklist a phone that is active on an account.
With Swappa, there is a transaction history. They also require registration and you need some kinds of account and a shipping address.
Craigslist leaves you absolutely no protection.
eBay gives buyer protection and dispute resolution. I've gotten a blacklisted phone via eBay. Went through dispute resolution and had my cash back in a few days.
There are always ways people will try to scam and you can mitigate that by being careful.
If it's a Craigslist purchase, meet at the store and activate it in the store. Someone not willing to meet you at the tMobile, AT&T or Verizon store for activation is probably a crook. I'm just saying.

tech_head said:
Actually, I meant black listed on that particular carrier.
Actually, it's difficult to blacklist a phone that is active on an account.
With Swappa, there is a transaction history. They also require registration and you need some kinds of account and a shipping address.
Craigslist leaves you absolutely no protection.
eBay gives buyer protection and dispute resolution. I've gotten a blacklisted phone via eBay. Went through dispute resolution and had my cash back in a few days.
There are always ways people will try to scam and you can mitigate that by being careful.
If it's a Craigslist purchase, meet at the store and activate it in the store. Someone not willing to meet you at the tMobile, AT&T or Verizon store for activation is probably a crook. I'm just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea man I hate/love Craigslist, I always have ppl offer to meet at their homes, and I'm like NO WAY, public play only, and if I am buying/selling phone I only meet at VZW s well.
it was funny the latest CL I sold sunglasses the guy asked to meet at his house, it was some 15 y/o with his parents lol.
never know what you're going to get, and he is one of the ones offered to have me come to his house. I would never give some random CL guy my address.

According to PayPal, you can file a claim regarding Craigslist purchases
Also, even with transaction history and sales documentation on sites like Swappa, the seller can still claim the device was stolen and have it blacklisted.
Now, the carrier can locally block the device from being used for a contractual or billing dispute, but that isn't blacklisted and can be used on a different carrier (not an MVNO from the blocked carrier).

deathtrip said:
According to PayPal, you can file a claim regarding Craigslist purchases
Also, even with transaction history and sales documentation on sites like Swappa, the seller can still claim the device was stolen and have it blacklisted.
Now, the carrier can locally block the device from being used for a contractual or billing dispute, but that isn't blacklisted and can be used on a different carrier (not an MVNO from the blocked carrier).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure you can file a claim for Craigslist, but you must use PayPal.
Craigslist is fine, but get a photo of the guys ID and a Bill Of Sale. But, I would go into the VZW or whatever store and activate on the spot as part of the transaction. That prevents the fraud.
The seller on Swappa, can claim theft, but you have a trail and the person's name and address and if you do it via PayPal, I always do, you get the protection.
I really feel bad for the OP.
I guess the moral of the story is, you can get ripped off anywhere and to mitigate that risk one must be very careful. Use transaction avenues that have the ability to get your money back should something go sideways.
Fortunately in the 15 or so phone transactions I've had; I've only had one issue and the seller made it right.

You must remember, when it comes to T-Mobile or AT&T devices, it doesn't matter where you are or if you activate it at the store or not.
What I'm saying is, right now, when it comes to T-Mobile or AT&T, anyone who has had the phone active on their account within a reasonable amount of time (not sure how many days prior to reporting) can report the device as lost or stolen, and as I said above, even if you meet at the wireless store to do the transaction.
That's just how screwed up the GSM market is right now.

deathtrip said:
You must remember, when it comes to T-Mobile or AT&T devices, it doesn't matter where you are or if you activate it at the store or not.
What I'm saying is, right now, when it comes to T-Mobile or AT&T, anyone who has had the phone active on their account within a reasonable amount of time (not sure how many days prior to reporting) can report the device as lost or stolen, and as I said above, even if you meet at the wireless store to do the transaction.
That's just how screwed up the GSM market is right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow; and wow spelled backwards is still wow.
But upside down it spells MoM and mom upside down makes dad happy ; but I digress.

Haha, that's funny. Haven't heard that one before.

tech_head said:
From "CheckESNFree.com"
Blacklist 354439052041318 09.04.2013 isBlacklisted stolen
From Swappa.com
ESN: 354439052041318 (IMEI)
IMEI Check
Blacklist This device is blacklisted.
This device has been reported stolen.
Someone got scammed.
It also could have been someone that didn't pay their bill. Phones get blacklisted when the ETF is unpaid.
Anyway, OP sorry to hear you got scammed.
Once on the list, almost impossible to get it off.
Best place to buy used phones is "Swappa.com"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh man never though to check Swappa, good thinking my friend!
OP, sorry to hear this bro..
Karma is real and it will come back.
Best of luck.

(HELP) Blocked IMEI can it be unblocked

I purchased a new Galaxy S4 online and it was listed as clean IMEI/ESN, about 30 days later T-Mobile blocked it because the seller reported as stolen, now I am wondering if this can be reversed or unblocked, or if I unlock it will it work on T-Mobile again, any info will be appreciated on this matter.

If you unlock it that won't make any difference because it is being blocked by the carriers end.
And, if I am not mistaken, both T-Mobile and AT&T are sharing data bases and won't work with them either.
You would need to contact the seller or who reported it stolen to have it unblocked.
Because they need to report that T-Mobile to get it unblocked.
Since (I assume) you didn't buy it at a T-Mobile store they can't verify that you are the proper owner any other way.
So unless you can do that you are sadly out of luck.

sebmw said:
I purchased a new Galaxy S4 online and it was listed as clean IMEI/ESN, about 30 days later T-Mobile blocked it because the seller reported as stolen, now I am wondering if this can be reversed or unblocked, or if I unlock it will it work on T-Mobile again, any info will be appreciated on this matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
It will never work on T Mobile again.
Not being sarcastic...T Mobile will absolutely never unblock it. Not for any reason. Ever. Once an IMEI is on their block list they will never remove it.
You got screwed.
However, there is hope if you bought it on eBay and depending on how long ago the auction ended. eBay has a pretty much ironclad return policy for 40 days. As a seller it's REALLY annoying because they will force you to give refunds for just about everything for any reason. But as a buyer it's super secure.
File an "Item not as recieved" report on eBay and they will ultimately find it in your favor and give you a refund. Even if the seller doesnt' agree eBay will force the refund.
If you didn't get it on eBay, then we are back to "You are screwed".

sebmw said:
I purchased a new Galaxy S4 online and it was listed as clean IMEI/ESN, about 30 days later T-Mobile blocked it because the seller reported as stolen, now I am wondering if this can be ereversed or unblocked, or if I unlock it will it work on T-Mobile again, any info will be appreciated on this matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as TheArtizan stated, you'll need to contact the original owner, and probably the person you bought it from (if they still exist). Unlocking a device only allows operation on another carriers network. Unfortunately, Carriers in most western countries share databases of bad IMEI numbers as TheArtizan said.
Now, before the conversation goes that direction, Changing the IMEI number on any device is an illegal activity, and is strictly prohibited on XDA.
Just wanted to make that known, as a lot of folks are not aware of this.
Sorry you had to experience a bad sale. Hope you get matters fixed.
MD

Thank you guys for the help and the informative comments, I believe I can still ship it back for a refund, I will report back with the results.

Okay. Best of luck.
I hope you can get your money back.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

My imei bad T mobile note 3 another craigslist sad story

If u can help me please pm me

I called tmobile and ask politely and said the right answers and they unblocked my imei

What were the right answers? I bought one off the craigs that stopped working a month later. Had to sell it on ebay and broke even.

pcm2a said:
What were the right answers? I bought one off the craigs that stopped working a month later. Had to sell it on ebay and broke even.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right answer? Perhaps giving his credit card number to pay off device outstanding amount.

sixk said:
I called tmobile and ask politely and said the right answers and they unblocked my imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did that work? I bought my Note 3 on Swappa, and after it was blocked, T-Mobile basically told me to go suck a duck. They wouldn't give me any info, except to tell me what I already knew (that the phone was blocked). They wouldn't tell me how much was owed either.
But please tell us what you said. There are many people who have been scammed and would like to be able to get their device unblocked.
---------- Post added at 10:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------
Digitalx1 said:
If u can help me please pm me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through something very similar, except Swappa, not Craigslist. Is the phone just blocked for non-payment of EIP, or is it reported stolen and blacklisted? That might affect your options.
You have a couple of choices, none of which are ideal.
1. Sell the phone on Ebay for a loss. If you sell it internationally, you might be better off since non-US buyers wouldn't care about it being blocked on T-Mobile.
2. Do what I did. Unlock the device (use Chainfire or something similar) and go to another carrier. I ended up going to Straight Talk (AT&T). All in all, it cost me about $10 to unlock and buy the SIM card. I lost my favorite T-Mobile plan, and now pay more for less data (I cry silently each night), but at least your phone will be usable again.
Hope that helps.

Sorry if I am a noob about this but can someone share some light what is happening exactly? I don't want to fall in this category.
People sell their phones to the customer (via Craigslist or Swappa) and the seller does not pay it off which causes T-Mobile to blacklist them?

Try use region unlock that might help you
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

Pedro2NR said:
Sorry if I am a noob about this but can someone share some light what is happening exactly? I don't want to fall in this category.
People sell their phones to the customer (via Craigslist or Swappa) and the seller does not pay it off which causes T-Mobile to blacklist them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there has been at least one instance in which the phone seemed to have been reported as lost or stolen via insurance. That's based on a phone which was supposedly not on EIP being blacklisted by Tmo. Can't find the thread right now, so that's based entirely on vague recollection.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Pedro2NR said:
Sorry if I am a noob about this but can someone share some light what is happening exactly? I don't want to fall in this category.
People sell their phones to the customer (via Craigslist or Swappa) and the seller does not pay it off which causes T-Mobile to blacklist them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much. Most likely these people are getting their T-mo service cut off for non-payment and since the phone still has a balance, the IMEI gets blacklisted. Shady seller sells it anyway. Poor buyer gets home, finds out its blocked, and has very little recourse especially if it was a CL deal. People also frequently steal phones and try to sell them as well. I work as a phone tester for a popular "sell us your phone!" service that has commercials all over TV right now, and I see TONS of stolen phones. I open the package, turn it on, see the "you have entered the wrong pin too many times, phone locked" screen, and then the ESN/IMEI comes up blacklisted.
Bottom line- people are terrible and will think nothing of scamming you if they can make a quick buck. Trust no one. I won't buy high-end electronics anywhere but a brick & mortar store or a reputable online dealer who guarantees their products. Saving a couple hundred bucks is not worth the risk of getting scammed.

T-mobile has the best customer-service I've ever talked to. On the phone that is
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Right answer = lies
Im not sure if its the right place to say this.
My N3 was paid off
what I told them was I bought this phone off my girlfriend who wanted to stick with an iphone.
And while she changed back to her iphone there must have been a mistake which blocked the phone.
and after about an hour they said they would review this and call me back... but never got a call back.
So I called back a week later and talked to another person and asked about my phone's status and she told it was not blocked anymore.
Hope that helps.

sixk said:
Right answer = lies
Im not sure if its the right place to say this.
My N3 was paid off
what I told them was I bought this phone off my girlfriend who wanted to stick with an iphone.
And while she changed back to her iphone there must have been a mistake which blocked the phone.
and after about an hour they said they would review this and call me back... but never got a call back.
So I called back a week later and talked to another person and asked about my phone's status and she told it was not blocked anymore.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds so easy. I am assuming you bought the N3 used from a woman at least?

Was actually a guy.
everything was good and was easy to contact but after i bought it he turned off the phone and never heard from him again.
And yea it was craigslist I bought it from.

sixk said:
Was actually a guy.
everything was good and was easy to contact but after i bought it he turned off the phone and never heard from him again.
And yea it was craigslist I bought it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you basically called T Mobile up and explained you bought this from your girlfriend and get angry and after splitting up black listed the phone or to that effect?

I had an issue like this with my note 3, i purchased it back around October 15 off swappa, then 2 months and about 3 days later my phone stopped working, i looked up the imei and it said it was stolen, conveniently just 3 days too late to file a claim with paypal, I called up tmobile, told them I purchased the phone used, and the date i had started using the phone on their service and said it was now saying it was stolen more than 2 months after this and the person told me they were going to unblock the phone for me, and it would take about 24 hours, it actually took closer to 48 hours but they did unblock it and I've had no problems since.

this is why you do trades at a t-mobile store to verify that it works.

guaneet said:
this is why you do trades at a t-mobile store to verify that it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only helps if you are SURE to ask the rep to verify nothing is owed........a simple imei scan just states that at the moment it's not flagged. ....had this happen. ..met seller at tmobile. ..rep scanned said it was good to go....literally as I started to hand the money to the dude he mentioned that he owed $500 but had arranged to make payments and that no way he would let his credit get messed up because of it.....I said..."can't do it" and ended up just getting a brand new one from tmobile the next day......glad to not have to deal with the nightmare....
---------- Post added at 07:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 PM ----------
louforgiveno said:
That only helps if you are SURE to ask the rep to verify nothing is owed........a simple imei scan just states that at the moment it's not flagged. ....had this happen. ..met seller at tmobile. ..rep scanned said it was good to go....literally as I started to hand the money to the dude he mentioned that he owed $500 but had arranged to make payments and that no way he would let his credit get messed up because of it.....I said..."can't do it" and ended up just getting a brand new one from tmobile the next day......glad to not have to deal with the nightmare....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah and the rep had to look up more info to see that money was owed......the guy had left tmobile but his billing hadn't cycled yet so to anyone checking it all seemed legit....be careful guys....even to this day I see Craigslist postings and when you ask if they will meet at store to confirm no money owed...no response. ....use that as a litmus test if you must dabble

you can ask the t mob rep to check it. they arent restricted at doing that with the owner there, you just have to be polite and get the right person.

guaneet said:
you can ask the t mob rep to check it. they arent restricted at doing that with the owner there, you just have to be polite and get the right person.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I'm trying to point out is that generally the question is whether the imei is clean.....the "Yes" answer is not a guarantee at all....it may take tmobile 30 days to realize non - payment before it gets flagged....just make sure to also ask whether all handset fees have been payed off as well as imei status.

well basically this is what happens in craigslist, and very rarely on ebay,....
Someone sells there phone, then they report is lost or stolen, then they probably receive another at a cost of $150 pr $175 for a replacement phone.
If you buy this on ebay, call ebay up a tell them to look at the seller of this phone, they will see that it was sold by the seller claiming this imei is in good standards, they should reimburse you... or paypal....
in craigslist you can make sure you print out the add, keep it in a safe place, so when they sell you the phone and you get scammed, try going to the police and let them know you purchased this, they can probably trace everything back to the seller, and probably arrest them, if they claim a good imei and then they have reported it stolen. to receive another phone from the insurance company.
because when someone reports it stolen and does an insurance job, they have to usually get a police report number, then they have to give Assurance or Assurant (insurance company for the cell phones) the police report number then the insurance company... now if they falsified information to the police they can get in trouble. this will really work for the people that sell there phone to do an insurance job. they sell their phone, call the insurance company and get another one.