checking if a iphone is stolen before buying

satman17 · 14-12-2013, 13:53

I have been offered an iphone 4s on a sell it now page on facebook, the owner says his sister gave it to him and thats all the info he will give me, is there a way to find out if its stolen before purchaing it?

qasdfdsaq · 14-12-2013, 16:20

Only if he gives you the IMEI or a verifiable report from a third party checker.

TescoJeans · 14-12-2013, 19:50

I always find it quite strange when people sell iPhones on those Facebook pages because you can clearly tell that 80% of them are obviously stolen. I feel sorry for genuine sellers who need the money.

I wouldn't buy one from a Facebook pager because you couldn't be too sure about it. Maybe it's just me but I have a thing about trying to avoid pre-owned items.

AxeVictim · 14-12-2013, 20:13

Even after buying it you run the risk of it being blocked later as the seller might report it lost or stolen to an insurance company.

chenks · 14-12-2013, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by TescoJeans

I always find it quite strange when people sell iPhones on those Facebook pages because you can clearly tell that 80% of them are obviously stolen. I feel sorry for genuine sellers who need the money.

utter nonsense.

artnada · 14-12-2013, 20:41

Easy way to protect yourself.

1. Always go to the persons house when buying it.

2. Get them to sign a piece of paper with the phone details AND the IMEI number, and how much cash you gave them. *#06# to see IMEI.

3. Warn them that if it gets blocked you WILL be back for your money and you WILL report it to the Police! <-- this is important.

I find it usually makes sure they don't try the old "Please Mr Insurance Man I've lost my phone" routine.

If you do all that, there's no reason why you shouldn't be happy.

satman17 · 15-12-2013, 17:09

So say you purchased from a seller who is completely straight and the phone is not dodgy in any way how would I unlock it if he would not do it? Could I go straight to the operator and request an unlock and how does it work with itunes ?

jchamier · 15-12-2013, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by satman17

So say you purchased from a seller who is completely straight and the phone is not dodgy in any way how would I unlock it if he would not do it? Could I go straight to the operator and request an unlock and how does it work with itunes ?

Most operators will ONLY let the original owner ask for unlock. This includes O2, Vodafone and EE (I don't know about Three).

Apple devices are unlocked at Apple, so when you put a new SIM into a locked phone it checks with apple's servers, so will need a WiFi connection. You don't need iTunes (unless you don't have WiFi). It asks for an Apple ID username/password and then checks.

Once unlocked you can swap SIMs on iPhones and iPad with the device on, but sometimes it takes ages to recognise (airplane mode can help).

14-12-2013, 13:53	#1
satman17 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,978	checking if a iphone is stolen before buying I have been offered an iphone 4s on a sell it now page on facebook, the owner says his sister gave it to him and thats all the info he will give me, is there a way to find out if its stolen before purchaing it?

15-12-2013, 17:09	#7
satman17 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,978	Ok So say you purchased from a seller who is completely straight and the phone is not dodgy in any way how would I unlock it if he would not do it? Could I go straight to the operator and request an unlock and how does it work with itunes ?

14-12-2013, 16:20	#2
qasdfdsaq Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,286	Only if he gives you the IMEI or a verifiable report from a third party checker.

14-12-2013, 19:50	#3
TescoJeans Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 980	I always find it quite strange when people sell iPhones on those Facebook pages because you can clearly tell that 80% of them are obviously stolen. I feel sorry for genuine sellers who need the money. I wouldn't buy one from a Facebook pager because you couldn't be too sure about it. Maybe it's just me but I have a thing about trying to avoid pre-owned items.

14-12-2013, 20:13	#4
AxeVictim Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 2,644	Even after buying it you run the risk of it being blocked later as the seller might report it lost or stolen to an insurance company.

14-12-2013, 20:21	#5
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by TescoJeans I always find it quite strange when people sell iPhones on those Facebook pages because you can clearly tell that 80% of them are obviously stolen. I feel sorry for genuine sellers who need the money. utter nonsense.

14-12-2013, 20:41	#6
artnada Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 9,397	Easy way to protect yourself. 1. Always go to the persons house when buying it. 2. Get them to sign a piece of paper with the phone details AND the IMEI number, and how much cash you gave them. #06# to see IMEI. 3. Warn them that if it gets blocked you WILL be back for your money and you WILL report it to the Police!* <-- this is important. I find it usually makes sure they don't try the old "Please Mr Insurance Man I've lost my phone" routine. If you do all that, there's no reason why you shouldn't be happy.

15-12-2013, 18:18	#8
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by satman17 So say you purchased from a seller who is completely straight and the phone is not dodgy in any way how would I unlock it if he would not do it? Could I go straight to the operator and request an unlock and how does it work with itunes ? Most operators will ONLY let the original owner ask for unlock. This includes O2, Vodafone and EE (I don't know about Three). Apple devices are unlocked at Apple, so when you put a new SIM into a locked phone it checks with apple's servers, so will need a WiFi connection. You don't need iTunes (unless you don't have WiFi). It asks for an Apple ID username/password and then checks. Once unlocked you can swap SIMs on iPhones and iPad with the device on, but sometimes it takes ages to recognise (airplane mode can help).

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checking if a iphone is stolen before buying