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

[John Shannon]

Hi Andrew,

Although this article discusses how to buy a used phone on Craigslist,
much of the information is transferable.

http://recraigslist.com/2013/03/how-to-buy-a-used-cell-phone/

Look at "3. IMEI / MEID Check" for more info on  ID numbers, cancelled
plans, and how that affects your ability to use the phone.

The article is over a year old so some of this info may have changed.

Good luck,

John

John Shannon
JDS Communications
21 Taylor Street
Amherst, MA 01002
c: (413) 835-1025
skype: john.shannon108

On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:23 AM, Jeff Brand <jeff at deltafactory.com> wrote:
>    ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>    ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
>
> If the IMEI is blocked, then I believe it will remain that way even when unlocked and moved to another GSM carrier (AT&T). It seems like it's a common problem. Sellers can often get rid of the phone before it shows up on the blocked list.
>
> Functionality not related to cell service will work as expected: Wifi, GPS, camera, and email. You can work around some of the phone-like behavior over Wifi with various apps like WhatsApp, Google Hangouts/Voice, Skype, etc. However, I'm not sure if Apple takes any action against devices with blocked IMEIs with regard to the App Store, especially paid apps.
>
> I would get a refund ASAP.
>
>
> On 9/18/2014 10:41 PM, andrew bellak wrote:
>
>    ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>    ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
>
>
> 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
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