[Hidden-tech] buying used cell phones, unlocking and functionality

[andrew bellak]

Well buyer beware when buying a used mobile phone on eBay.

I wanted to share my experience so others might save time, energy, and
money were they to try to buy a used phone.

I have bought and sold used phones on eBay without incident until a week
ago.

I did learn that if one is to buy an iPhone for example, you might think
that if the serial numbers, called IMEI or ESN are 'clean' that you're in
the clear.

In addition to having a clean number, an iPhone will also need to be icloud
unlocked.

What I learned is that there is a risk that the original owner may be
making installment payments OR owe a balance from an early termination fee.

So if that original owner becomes delinquent on debts, the carrier shuts
off the signal to the phone. T-Mobile in this case would not tell me how
much was owed nor would they allow me to pay the original owner's debt even
if I wanted to.

This is ridiculous in my opinion.

So if you're going to pursue this avenue, get the serial number first and
call the carrier and clear it with them.

UNLOCKING
This leads me to ask about unlocking an iPhone.

If we unlock the phone, free it from the carrier, I would like to know how
well the phone may function afterwards.  Will it work fine for calling,
camera, maps/gps, texting, and email?

Other apps and games are not really of interest.

I'm not sure I'll ever buy a used phone again unless I know the person and
can be assured that it's free and clear.

Thanks
Andrew

Andrew Bellak
CEO
Registered Investment Advisor

andrew at StakeHoldersCapital.com
www.StakeHoldersCapital.com
(o) 888-STK-HLDR (785-4537) x.2
(o) 413-306-3244
(f) 888-735-HLDR (4537)
(m) 646-552-5783

skype = andrewbellak
twitter = andystkhldrscap
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