Develop Bugs

Let's try to push AT&T to unlock our phones using FCC

Guys,
I was researching about unlocking my Lumia 900 since april, just like 100s of you. I was looking over nokia forums and one of the guys recommends filing complains with fcc. He even gave a link - http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
Those who purchased the phone for a full price, please fill up the form and submit. If there will be a lot of us, fcc might be able help with that.
He says that you should receive a call from AT&T very soon if FCC will decide to help you with that.

I looked in to this briefly, and I don't think unlock requests are covered. It might be viable after 53 days when at&t says they'll give codes.

We've been around this block over and over again. AT&T is not obligated to unlock your phone even if you bought it at full price, and FCC will tell you the same.

Is there any other method to unlock lumia 900 beside the unlocking code? At least if some one trying to unlock this phone would be fantastic.
Sent from my Nokia Lumia 900 using xda app-developers app

pk-air said:
Is there any other method to unlock lumia 900 beside the unlocking code? At least if some one trying to unlock this phone would be fantastic.
Sent from my Nokia Lumia 900 using xda app-developers app
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No there isn't, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or trying to scam out of your money. Just wait a while longer, AT&T will start unlocking them beginning Oct 8th when exclusivity period expires.

AnyMal said:
No there isn't, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or trying to scam out of your money. Just wait a while longer, AT&T will start unlocking them beginning Oct 8th when exclusivity period expires.
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I am not really sure if they will start on october 8. They already lied to me in the store that there would be no problem to unlock it.
And yeah - they are doing illegal thing by refusing to unlock the phone. They don't have any legal reason to keep it locked.

zoom2d said:
I am not really sure if they will start on october 8. They already lied to me in the store that there would be no problem to unlock it.
And yeah - they are doing illegal thing by refusing to unlock the phone. They don't have any legal reason to keep it locked.
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If I had a dollar every time we went over this It is NOT illegal for them to refuse to unlock the phone. There is no law in US that states mobile operators are obligated to unlock phones to work on other operators. It absolutely doesn't matter whether you bought phone on contract or paid full price.

AnyMal said:
We've been around this block over and over again. AT&T is not obligated to unlock your phone even if you bought it at full price, and FCC will tell you the same.
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This is 100% false. If you buy it for full price and they tell you it can work on another network they either owe you a 100% refund or an unlock code. Fraud is fraud.
AnyMal said:
If I had a dollar every time we went over this It is NOT illegal for them to refuse to unlock the phone. There is no law in US that states mobile operators are obligated to unlock phones to work on other operators. It absolutely doesn't matter whether you bought phone on contract or paid full price.
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Fraud is illegal. If you pay full price and they tell you it is unlocked or can be unlocked over the phone they must refund or give the unlock code. Not sure why people think the law doesn't apply to the telecom business. The problem is the methods for forcing at&t to do the right thing were spelled out... not sure if anyone actually followed the instructions.

sitizenx said:
This is 100% false. If you buy it for full price and they tell you it can work on another network they either owe you a 100% refund or an unlock code. Fraud is fraud.
Fraud is illegal. If you pay full price and they tell you it is unlocked or can be unlocked over the phone they must refund or give the unlock code. Not sure why people think the law doesn't apply to the telecom business. The problem is the methods for forcing at&t to do the right thing were spelled out... not sure if anyone actually followed the instructions.
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Please provide a link to AT&T terms of service where it explicitly tells you that AT&T is obligated to unlock your phone when you pay full price. Please provide a link to Attorney General, Consumer Protection Agency, BBB, Federal Trade Commission, or any other regulating body that specifies mobile carriers MUST unlock phones.
I'll spare you trouble, you can't find such information because it doesn't exist. Stop making a fool out of yourself and trying to fool others. Do your homework before telling someone they're "100% false", otherwise you're just making yourself look ridiculous.

AnyMal said:
Please provide a link to AT&T terms of service where it explicitly tells you...
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The at&t terms or service are irrelevant. You realize there are numerous people that bought the phone for full price and never signed up for "service" with at&t. You realize that, right? Right? If you walk in and pay full price after the salesperson says the phone will work on your network they have to either make it work on your network or give a refund. This isn't rocket science.

sitizenx said:
The at&t terms or service are irrelevant. You realize there are numerous people that bought the phone for full price and never signed up for "service" with at&t. You realize that, right? Right? If you walk in and pay full price after the salesperson says the phone will work on your network they have to either make it work on your network or give a refund. This isn't rocket science.
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I am not sure if you're really inept or just trolling. It absolutely doesn't matter if you sign up for AT&T service just like it doesn't matter if you pay full price. When you buy AT&T phone you buy AT&T phone, meaning that it is only guaranteed to work on AT&T. Not unlocked, not T-Mobile, not Sprint - AT&T. Get it? Stop trying to make a point, you don't have one.

Dear friends, I only have one thing to ask in relation to this whole discussion. For people who signed a two-year contract with AT & T and that will necessarily fulfill the contract, what difference it makes to AT & T if the phone will be unlocked or not? The commitment already exists, the contract must be fulfilled unconditionally, then why keep the devices blocked? Sadism??

sitizenx said:
The at&t terms or service are irrelevant. You realize there are numerous people that bought the phone for full price and never signed up for "service" with at&t. You realize that, right? Right? If you walk in and pay full price after the salesperson says the phone will work on your network they have to either make it work on your network or give a refund. This isn't rocket science.
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Sounds to me like your ***** should be with the salesperson. Sales Rule #1: Tell them whatever they want to hear. And I think the phone does "work". Just not completely.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro

sitizenx said:
This is 100% false. If you buy it for full price and they tell you it can work on another network they either owe you a 100% refund or an unlock code. Fraud is fraud.
Fraud is illegal. If you pay full price and they tell you it is unlocked or can be unlocked over the phone they must refund or give the unlock code. Not sure why people think the law doesn't apply to the telecom business. The problem is the methods for forcing at&t to do the right thing were spelled out... not sure if anyone actually followed the instructions.
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You're implying the Telco's run an illegal business and its up to us to enforce it? Pretty sure that's not what you mean, but it sure sounds like it. in the past 5 years this has received tons of scrutiny by the FCC. Any yet, the phones stay locked. That should tell you something.
I think Anymal says it with his comment about locked and unlocked. Actually, AT&T doesn't sell Unlocked phones. They sell Contract and NO Contract phones. But no matter, At&T is still AT&T

alodar1 said:
You're implying the Telco's run an illegal business and its up to us to enforce it? Pretty sure that's not what you mean, but it sure sounds like it. in the past 5 years this has received tons of scrutiny by the FCC. Any yet, the phones stay locked. That should tell you something.
I think Anymal says it with his comment about locked and unlocked. Actually, AT&T doesn't sell Unlocked phones. They sell Contract and NO Contract phones. But no matter, At&T is still AT&T
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This is a classic case of what happens when assumptions replace common sense. People tend to assume that buying phones off contract entitles them to remove carrier restrictions, at carrier's expense. Of course, this is a completely false assumption. Carriers are not going to stop anyone from leaving, they just won't help them to do so. You were sold AT&T phone and that is exactly what you received; no more, no less. Salesman lied? Never heard of that appening before silly but if that's the case take it up with their management.
I am still puzzeld as to what breeds these assumptions, but misinformation is so persistent that many less-educated consumers (and apparently some members) are treating it as gospel.

mol14 said:
Dear friends, I only have one thing to ask in relation to this whole discussion. For people who signed a two-year contract with AT & T and that will necessarily fulfill the contract, what difference it makes to AT & T if the phone will be unlocked or not? The commitment already exists, the contract must be fulfilled unconditionally, then why keep the devices blocked? Sadism??
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Well a lot of us didn't put a deposit down when we got the phone. Mine was "free." I paid a $30 "activation fee." They can't just let you walk out the door with a $500 device for $30 and not have some controls in place. Yes they have a contract but if you break the contract what are they going to do? The only thing they can do is report you to a credit bureau and turn your account over to a collections agency. Even then in a lot of cases it's doubtful they will collect much.
If you pay full price? Well then yeah I have no idea about that. First of all very few people would do that in the United States and I can't imagine how it hurts at&t. That's what is so confusing about the deceptive sales practices and the obstinance.
jimski said:
Sounds to me like your ***** should be with the salesperson. Sales Rule #1: Tell them whatever they want to hear. And I think the phone does "work". Just not completely.
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I don't have any "*****" as you put it. I have no need to unlock my phone at this time. I was just debunking misinformation on the internet as a public service. "Tell them whatever they want to hear" will get you in legal trouble. I've had this routine pulled on me and the companies that did it ended up paying me THOUSANDS. The problem is there is so much misinformation out there people simply do not know how to pursue these matters.
alodar1 said:
You're implying the Telco's run an illegal business...
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You're implying Telcos never get sanctioned for doing illegal things?!
AnyMal said:
This is a classic case of what happens when assumptions...
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Actually several people physically went into at&t stores and were told that they could buy the Lumia 900 for the full price and get the phone unlocked and use it once they got back to Canada. Someone in another thread actually posted images of their unlocked at&t Lumia working with their Canadian sim once at&t provided the unlock code to them. No assumptions.
Folks it doesn't matter whether you are discussing phones or widgets. If someone tells you a device will work in a particular manner at at your home location and it doesn't they have to either refund you or make it work. I'm not sure why people are confused about this. Bizarre.

But don't locked AT&T Lumias work on other networks? Just without LTE (and sometimes 3G) and MMS in most cases. So if I tell you, "sure, this phone will work on other networks", am I really lying. Or just not telling the truth.
AT&T pays cash for an "exclusive period" on a phone. They have every right to prevent you from doing whatever you choose with it till they say it's ok. I'm cool with that.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro

I purchased a Lumia 900 from AT&T and threw a att.mvno sim in it, downloaded the Nokia Network Setup app from marketplace, configured it and everything works just great... very happy

jimski said:
But don't locked AT&T Lumias work on other networks? Just without LTE (and sometimes 3G) and MMS in most cases.
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No man. Not sure where you got that idea. There have been numerous posts about this topic. Educate yourself.
jimski said:
AT&T pays cash for an "exclusive period" on a phone. They have every right to prevent you from doing whatever you choose with it till they say it's ok. I'm cool with that.
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It doesn't give them the right to lie. If the salesperson says you may pay full price for this phone and we will unlock it so you can use it in Canada in October that is perfectly fine. A bit illogical but totally legal.
jimski said:
So if I tell you, "sure, this phone will work on other networks", am I really lying. Or just not telling the truth.
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BOTH. Get a dictionary.
halfevildruid said:
I purchased a Lumia 900 from AT&T and threw a att.mvno sim in it, downloaded the Nokia Network Setup app from marketplace, configured it and everything works just great... very happy
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What in God's holy name does that have to do with this thread.

Note 3 blocked by T-Mobile, need advice

Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 IMEI was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile IMEI is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.

Never used them, but I thought they provided protection. Looking at the faq however, http://swappa.com/faq/buy/imei_blacklist_future apparently not. that's pretty weak.
I would think you might have some legal recourse if the seller is in the same state, they are committing fraud. You perhaps may have some even if they are out of state??
As for you options... Not really good choices.
Not a big BBB fan as I think they are skewed towards companies that are "Accredited" (ie paid lots of money), but Swapp doesn't look very good http://www.bbb.org/kansas-city/busi...-services/swappa-in-kansas-city-mo-1000002683

You have no options unless the guy called T-Mobile in front of you and u asked them. Sorry bro
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

I think it can be unlocked still and be used on another network that doesn't rely on tmos spectrum
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

chuko303 said:
I think it can be unlocked still and be used on another network that doesn't rely on tmos spectrum
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Unless they share blacklist. I feel for the guy.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

pay to get the phone unlocked and try pre-service before deciding to sell internationally. Or go to Play Store and buy regionLock Away, that might unlock the phone or it might not but worth a shot. I would try regionlock away first since that is the cheapest before buying an unlock code.

Same thing happened to me a year ago. Had to get it unlocked to work on aTt. It's cheaper to get it unlock on a online site and see how it goes.

krelvinaz said:
Never used them, but I thought they provided protection. Looking at the faq however, http://swappa.com/faq/buy/imei_blacklist_future apparently not. that's pretty weak.
I would think you might have some legal recourse if the seller is in the same state, they are committing fraud. You perhaps may have some even if they are out of state??
As for you options... Not really good choices.
Not a big BBB fan as I think they are skewed towards companies that are "Accredited" (ie paid lots of money), but Swapp doesn't look very good http://www.bbb.org/kansas-city/busi...-services/swappa-in-kansas-city-mo-1000002683
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No, we're not in the same state, unfortunately.
BACARDILIMON said:
Unless they share blacklist. I feel for the guy.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
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Yeah, but the problem is knowing who shares what. I've been searching all over, and there doesn't seem to be a consensus on who shares and who doesn't. Some say a blocked T-Mobile phone will work on AT&T, some say definitely not. And many of the GSM MVNOs use T-Mobile networks, so i'm not sure if that would automatically mean it would also be blocked on their networks too. I guess i'll have to try them one by one, which will be more money out of my pocket.
RMXO said:
pay to get the phone unlocked and try pre-service before deciding to sell internationally. Or go to Play Store and buy regionLock Away, that might unlock the phone or it might not but worth a shot. I would try regionlock away first since that is the cheapest before buying an unlock code.
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What do you mean when you say 'pre-servicing'? Never heard that term before.
I think I will try region unlock first. There's a thread that I saw today that looked promising, but some had success and some didn't.
Dattack said:
Same thing happened to me a year ago. Had to get it unlocked to work on aTt. It's cheaper to get it unlock on a online site and see how it goes.
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So your phone still works on AT&T a year later? That's good news. One of the worst things about this is that I will lose my $30 5GB T-Mobile plan. I was planning on using that plan until I had kids, then putting each of them on the plan too.

Techngro said:
No, we're not in the same state, unfortunately.
Yeah, but the problem is knowing who shares what. I've been searching all over, and there doesn't seem to be a consensus on who shares and who doesn't. Some say a blocked T-Mobile phone will work on AT&T, some say definitely not. And many of the GSM MVNOs use T-Mobile networks, so i'm not sure if that would automatically mean it would also be blocked on their networks too. I guess i'll have to try them one by one, which will be more money out of my pocket.
What do you mean when you say 'pre-servicing'? Never heard that term before.
I think I will try region unlock first. There's a thread that I saw today that looked promising, but some had success and some didn't.
So your phone still works on AT&T a year later? That's good news. One of the worst things about this is that I will lose my $30 5GB T-Mobile plan. I was planning on using that plan until I had kids, then putting each of them on the plan too.
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I bought it from a used S3 on craiglists beginnng of last year. I pleaded to Tmobile that I would pay the remainder of the balance if the guy didn't pay his payments but they said I am crap out of luck. Used it for about 6 months and sold it. They said they share IEMIs but AT&T seems to me they don't care. They just want customers. If I spent $700 on a note, maybe an extra $20 to get it unlocked isn't so bad. Luckily my friend uses ATT for me to test out.
But they might be more aggressive now, considering Tmobile andATT sell same high end phones now like iphone and note 3.
---------- Post added at 10:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 PM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742
I think it will only cost you $3 to get it unlocked.

Dattack said:
I bought it from a used S3 on craiglists beginnng of last year. I pleaded to Tmobile that I would pay the remainder of the balance if the guy didn't pay his payments but they said I am crap out of luck. Used it for about 6 months and sold it. They said they share IEMIs but AT&T seems to me they don't care. They just want customers. If I spent $700 on a note, maybe an extra $20 to get it unlocked isn't so bad. Luckily my friend uses ATT for me to test out.
But they might be more aggressive now, considering Tmobile andATT sell same high end phones now like iphone and note 3.
---------- Post added at 10:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 PM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742
I think it will only cost you $3 to get it unlocked.
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Yes, I just found that thread too. Tomorrow I will find out, but I need to get an AT&T or Straight Talk sim card first. I'll do that first thing.

Another option?
I really don't want to lose my $30 5GB plan. I've been looking on Amazon and saw that they have some cheap T-Mobile 4G phones like this Nokia Lumia 521: http://goo.gl/KgvOgR
My thought is, I can purchase that, tether my Note 3 to it and keep using it. 90% of what I do on my Note 3 is data/browsing, gaming, etc. So if I can tether to the Lumia, I guess it would work.
Any thoughts?

Techngro said:
I really don't want to lose my $30 5GB plan. I've been looking on Amazon and saw that they have some cheap T-Mobile 4G phones like this Nokia Lumia 521: http://goo.gl/KgvOgR
My thought is, I can purchase that, tether my Note 3 to it and keep using it. 90% of what I do on my Note 3 is data/browsing, gaming, etc. So if I can tether to the Lumia, I guess it would work.
Any thoughts?
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Couldn't you try calling T-Mobile and have them un-block it or explain the situation to retentions? I just sold a phone on Swappa and they were pretty strict about a clean IMEI. I would reach out more to them.
People financing T-Mobile phones should NOT be allowed to sell them unless they're entirely paid off. PERIOD.

MattMJB0188 said:
Couldn't you try calling T-Mobile and have them un-block it or explain the situation to retentions? I just sold a phone on Swappa and they were pretty strict about a clean IMEI. I would reach out more to them.
People financing T-Mobile phones should NOT be allowed to sell them unless they're entirely paid off. PERIOD.
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I've already spoken to T-Mobile. Their position is, it isn't their problem. In their system, I'm not the original owner, so that's that. Until the original owner pays the money, the phone will remain blocked.
As for Swappa, I'm pretty disappointed in them. Their sales pitch is that they check IMEIs, which is great, but that doesn't really mean anything. My situation is proof of that. I thought using PayPal would give me protection, but after 45 days, they won't even let you open a dispute.
I have been communicating with Swappa (and the seller). They act like they are going to help you (for example, they said they considered what the seller did to be 'fraud'), but at the end of the day, they can't actually do anything about it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

pm sent about my own situation. maybe some hope.

Generally they only share data with other carriers when it (the device) is stolen. Blocked usually only applies to the original network. Just go use it on AT&T or equiv.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk

the same happen to my boss he bought a note 3 on swappa for 630 now its block
b4 i waas able to chanhe the emei on the note 2 but i cant doit on the note 3 because of 4.3

Techngro said:
I thought using PayPal would give me protection, but after 45 days, they won't even let you open a dispute.
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PayPal is less protection than using a credit card. Just about any credit card you could report this and they would reverse the charge. PayPal's 45 days is a ridiculously short period of time for disputes.
Swappa would have a hard time getting a reversal reversed due to the fraud involved.

Techngro said:
I've already spoken to T-Mobile. Their position is, it isn't their problem. In their system, I'm not the original owner, so that's that. Until the original owner pays the money, the phone will remain blocked.
As for Swappa, I'm pretty disappointed in them. Their sales pitch is that they check IMEIs, which is great, but that doesn't really mean anything. My situation is proof of that. I thought using PayPal would give me protection, but after 45 days, they won't even let you open a dispute.
I have been communicating with Swappa (and the seller). They act like they are going to help you (for example, they said they considered what the seller did to be 'fraud'), but at the end of the day, they can't actually do anything about it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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What's the seller saying? I am curious. See this is why I'd always just buy outright directly from the carrier. :/

MattMJB0188 said:
What's the seller saying? I am curious. See this is why I'd always just buy outright directly from the carrier. :/
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I have bought from swappa and sold. Never had this issue.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

mrej201 said:
the same happen to my boss he bought a note 3 on swappa for 630 now its block
b4 i waas able to chanhe the emei on the note 2 but i cant doit on the note 3 because of 4.3
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Yeah, Note 3 seems to be locked down tight now. Oh well, them's the breaks.
BACARDILIMON said:
I have bought from swappa and sold. Never had this issue.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
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This is the messed up part. I did a lot of research before I bought my phone from Swappa. I Googled over and over searching for any mention of phones bought on Swappa being blocked or blacklisted, or buyers being scammed. Nothing came up, so I felt pretty confident about using them.
MattMJB0188 said:
What's the seller saying? I am curious. See this is why I'd always just buy outright directly from the carrier. :/
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Yes, I have learned my lesson very thoroughly. Note 4 will be direct from T-Mobile.
When I was talking to the seller before the purchase, I asked if the phone was fully paid. He said it was. In addition, his listing said the phone was only 2 weeks old, so I assumed he was the original owner. After I contacted him about the block, he said that he wasn't the original owner and that T-Mobile told him the phone was not on EIP and was fully paid when he bought it from some guy. He says he doesn't have the money to refund, and can't find the person who sold him the phone. (What a shock!)

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Mrdabbas said:
So I bought this note 3 from this lady on craigslist. Its a T-Mobile note 3. I specifically asked her if it was paid off and she said yes. Well as it turns out the phone isn't paid off. So I'm pretty sure it's going you be blacklisted soon.
My question is this; since T-Mobile provided me the unlock code for the device and the device is now factory unlocked. What options does that give me one the phone is blacklisted ion the near future?
PS: the presumably nice looking lady would reply to me.. Sad what people would do to get money sometimes...
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Do you have her saying it paid off in writing.
TWEAKED N3

BACARDILIMON said:
Do you have her saying it paid off in writing.
]
TWEAKED N3
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Well I asked her if phone was under contract via text and she replied by said the phone is paid off in cash. But I went to her home and bought it and asked her again if it was paid off and she said it's paid off in full.. It's only after I found out it wasn't paid off that she disappeared.. And I also nearly saw her naked coming out the shower... So yeah...

Mrdabbas said:
Well I asked her if phone was under contract via text and she replied by said the phone is paid off in cash. But I went to her home and bought it and asked her again if it was paid off and she said it's paid off in full.. It's only after I found out it wasn't paid off that she disappeared.. And I also nearly saw her naked coming out the shower... So yeah...
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As long as u have text go to the cops make a report. Then call t mobile and tell them she told you in writing it was paid off. If anything you might have to do small claims court. But keep the text she sent you
TWEAKED N3

Mrdabbas said:
So I bought this note 3 from this lady on craigslist. Its a T-Mobile note 3. I specifically asked her if it was paid off and she said yes. Well as it turns out the phone isn't paid off. So I'm pretty sure it's going you be blacklisted soon.
My question is this; since T-Mobile provided me the unlock code for the device and the device is now factory unlocked. What options does that give me one the phone is blacklisted ion the near future?
PS: the presumably nice looking lady would reply to me.. Sad what people would do to get money sometimes...
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That's strange. T-Mobile usually won't provide unlock codes unless the phone is fully paid. Are you certain that she didn't pay the balance on the phone after you gave her the money?

Techngro said:
That's strange. T-Mobile usually won't provide unlock codes unless the phone is fully paid. Are you certain that she didn't pay the balance on the phone after you gave her the money?
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Note true mine is unlocked. All you have to say is your traveling and need to use other Sim cards
TWEAKED N3

They wouldnt provide code for s3 of kine when I was traveling cause I owed $80 on it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

Thread has been cleaned. Taking pictures of people without their knowledge or consent is illegal.

For future purchases for yourself and anyone for that fact, if you go to http://swappa.com/esn you can see if there is money owed or not. I only owe $23 on mine and it still shows via that link that its not paid in full.

droidkevlar said:
For future purchases for yourself and anyone for that fact, if you go to http://swappa.com/esn you can see if there is money owed or not. I only owe $23 on mine and it still shows via that link that its not paid in full.
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It's my understanding that the IMEI checker will only show if the phone is blocked or not blocked, but won't tell you whether the device is on EIP. Can you confirm that it actually says 'not paid in full' or something to that effect?

Techngro said:
It's my understanding that the IMEI checker will only show if the phone is blocked or not blocked, but won't tell you whether the device is on EIP. Can you confirm that it actually says 'not paid in full' or something to that effect?
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See attached showing its financed.

droidkevlar said:
See attached showing its financed.
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Ok thx.

BACARDILIMON said:
Note true mine is unlocked. All you have to say is your traveling and need to use other Sim cards
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i told them im traveling overseas and they sent me an email with the unlock code and i put an inactive sim card from another carrier and input the unlock code.... "success! phone is now unlocked"... so i check on swappa and it said phone is still being financed... what am i going to do with this phone?... the cops here in Oakland Ca get so many reports its nearly impossible to get anywhere with them. If its blacklisted and unlocked, what carriers can i use it on? should i just send it to my family overseas and see if they can make any use of it there?

Mrdabbas said:
i told them im traveling overseas and they sent me an email with the unlock code and i put an inactive sim card from another carrier and input the unlock code.... "success! phone is now unlocked"... so i check on swappa and it said phone is still being financed... what am i going to do with this phone?... the cops here in Oakland Ca get so many reports its nearly impossible to get anywhere with them. If its blacklisted and unlocked, what carriers can i use it on? should i just send it to my family overseas and see if they can make any use of it there?
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Have you tried calling T-Mobile directly and verified with them that this phone is still being financed?
If not, then you're good.
If yes, file a police report and take her to a small claim court. It's very easy to do this, no lawyer needed.

Swappa says my old s3 I still have is financed. But is not. I know I bought I t newm been paid off for 2 months. Looks like slow reporting.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

Stryke_the_Orc said:
Thread has been cleaned. Taking pictures of people without their knowledge or consent is illegal.
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In what Country is this practice illegal? In the US I can take pictures of whomever I please doing whatever they happen to be doing in public. In Public, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Not challenge going your moderator status, but people misrepresent laws all the time.... like the Police do.

I was under the impression that the owner of the device has to call for the unlock code. The OP is saying he received an unlock code from T-Mobile for a phone registered to someone else? I'm also under the impression that you have to use a phone on T-Mobiles network for a certain number of days before they will provide the code.
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free of charge within two business days (or provides further information about timing) for eligible devices.
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
Unlock Eligibility for Monthly Phones and Tablets
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device was financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), then all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that has are under a service contract term, then at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account was migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock Eligibility for Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Phones and Tablets
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year, then the Pay in Advance account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
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Stepping out of her shower is hardly in public, and even in public there are laws regarding such actions. Keep this thread on topic or it will be closed.

Thread cleaned.

Possible to sim unlock even if carrier says not eligable?

Hi all,
Just got a 3 XL, bought it from a Best Buy marketplace seller in Canada, said it was unlocked but when I put my sim in says contact network to unlock, nothing about entering a code like I've seen on locked phones before.
Contacted Sprint in US who found it from the EMEI and say it's not eligable for unlocking as it's either stolen or someone stopped paying their contract and sold it.
Is there any way of unlocking still or am I going to have to return it?
Thanks!

kaligula1234 said:
Hi all,
Just got a 3 XL, bought it from a Best Buy marketplace seller in Canada, said it was unlocked but when I put my sim in says contact network to unlock, nothing about entering a code like I've seen on locked phones before.
Contacted Sprint in US who found it from the EMEI and say it's not eligable for unlocking as it's either stolen or someone stopped paying their contract and sold it.
Is there any way of unlocking still or am I going to have to return it?
Thanks!
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I would return it. Sprint isn't going to release a contract phone.

ktmom said:
I would return it. Sprint isn't going to release a contract phone.
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Damnit, thanks tho

kaligula1234 said:
Damnit, thanks tho
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he is correct. per sprint policy device needs to b paid in full and active for 50 days and acct needs to b in good standing before theyll unlock a device.
not to mention sounds like u dunno who the previous owners were. Sprint cannot provide u with any specific information attached to the previous owner for security reasons. This means u cant find out how much is owed or who to contact or anything.
Also to add, this sounds very suspicious.. ur saying a best buy retailer sold u a sprint device that was blacklisted or not paid off by another person? I would take it back n get ur money lol i nvr heard of them selling devices that r attached to someone else with unpaid balance or w.e the case is...if they took it in a trade or something they usually will check to see if its free and clear to avoid these types of situations..

elliwigy said:
...
Also to add, this sounds very suspicious.. ur saying a best buy retailer sold u a sprint device that was blacklisted or not paid off by another person? ...
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It was said that it was bought from a marketplace seller. Not BestBuy directly. Kinda like buying from a third party seller off Amazon

Question Any ways around AT&T refusing to let me OEM unlock till paid off?

I understand that that's normal, last year there was a workaround so I just figured I'd ask to see if there was currently any similar options, as I'd love to check out some custom roms, Thanks for any info!

Just pay them off. The actual amount may be far less than you think especially if in the last year or two of the contract.
I know from stories I heard from friends that AT&T can be very persistent and aggressive about a customer reneging on a contract... for years.
They may blacklist the imei.
If you're having trouble with your plan, and need to lower costs try talking to their Customer Loyalty Group ie Retainment Dept. They can offer you service deals and packages not normally available. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...

blackhawk said:
Just pay them off. The actual amount may be far less than you think especially if in the last year or two of the contract.
I know from stories I heard from friends that AT&T can be very persistent and aggressive about a customer reneging on a contract... for years.
They may blacklist the imei.
If you're having trouble with your plan, and need to lower costs try talking to their Customer Loyalty Group ie Retainment Dept. They can offer you service deals and packages not normally available. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...
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Paying the device off outright isn't possible. Every other phone I've ever had from them I was always able to get them to let me unlock it. I don't think I've ever seen a carrier that DOESN'T blacklist a stolen phone lmfao. Thx for the info, if finances end up tough that'll be good to know. The pixel 6 pro came out this past October. It'll be awhile before I've had it a year or two lol.

Doesn't always matter if you pay them off or not. I'm not sure if this policy is new, but when I went to purchase my 6Pro I wanted to pay it off then and have it unlocked for development. I was told that even if I paid it off, they wouldn't issue an unlock for 6 months after my purchase. Heard that from 2 different sources at different locations. Kindof stupid if you ask me... if it's my device, and I pay you for it in full, I should get to develop on it how I want... not how you want me to.

Rescue9 said:
Doesn't always matter if you pay them off or not. I'm not sure if this policy is new, but when I went to purchase my 6Pro I wanted to pay it off then and have it unlocked for development. I was told that even if I paid it off, they wouldn't issue an unlock for 6 months after my purchase. Heard that from 2 different sources at different locations. Kindof stupid if you ask me... if it's my device, and I pay you for it in full, I should get to develop on it how I want... not how you want me to.
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Right, this is why I always buy unlocked and never from any carrier! I would put it on a credit card and pay it off as fast as I could with interest before I'd succumb to their BS!

Rescue9 said:
Doesn't always matter if you pay them off or not. I'm not sure if this policy is new, but when I went to purchase my 6Pro I wanted to pay it off then and have it unlocked for development. I was told that even if I paid it off, they wouldn't issue an unlock for 6 months after my purchase. Heard that from 2 different sources at different locations. Kindof stupid if you ask me... if it's my device, and I pay you for it in full, I should get to develop on it how I want... not how you want me to.
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It's in the contract and usually not a problem. I have a AT&T N975U (now unlocked) and an unlocked N975U1, not much difference between them. That surprised me however the optimization for both is nearly identical which pleased me
Go with whatever version suites your needs/price range best...