Database Users

I think I may have bought my girlfriend a stolen HD2...

My gf's old phone broke, and I found a cheap HD2 on craigslist. I went ahead and bought it from the guy. He seemed ok, maybe a LITTLE shady. When I brought it home and told her how I got it, she became worried that if we put her sim card into it, and it IS stolen, a red flag will show up at T-mobile and she might get into trouble.
Is there any way T-mobile can tell who has the phone if it IS stolen? Also, if she ever has to send it in for a replacement through warranty, will she be screwed? I know I shouldn't have bought it off of Craigslist, but it's too late for that now...

Well, you could always call T-Mobile and ask them if it was reported stolen ....
Don't think they will call the police on you , If you tell them you are going to , but I bet they will want to take your name, just in case ...

Lol this whole thread seems shady as hell.
Sounds like the OP might be trying to fish answers for his own endeavors...

lol, i know. it sounds pretty bad, but i assure you, that's not the case.

they can tell if it's stolen. they can tell if more than one person has the same IMEI number. whoever was using the phone will have that IMEI on their account, and if your gf puts her sim card in it, they will be able to see the IMEI from the phone. that's done on purpose, so that if someone does report a stolen phone, and the IMEI turns up on another account, they can flag it. however if it was not reported stolen, then there isn't much they can do as they don't know whether or not the original owner sold it to you or a shady guy on craigslist sold it to you, so reporting to the authorities would be pointless for them, as it may have been a legal transaction. as for calling them, they're probably not going to give you the info if that IMEI is registered in their system, they may not even tell you if it is. but if it has been reported stolen, and the IMEI shows up under a different account it will probably be flagged, I'm not sure what would happen at that point. More than likely rather than calling the authorities they'll just cut off the service to the phone.

Try a prepaid sim card and see if it was IMEI blocked?

well, we put her sim card in it and nothing has happened so far. i suppose it was legit.

If you got it with box, supplies and cables its very low chance that it stolen. Actual price in my local craiglist is really low, but it doesn't mean that most of all are stollen

tmobile dont care if the phone stolen or not. it doesnt really matter.

Slash8915 said:
My gf's old phone broke, and I found a cheap HD2 on craigslist. I went ahead and bought it from the guy. He seemed ok, maybe a LITTLE shady. When I brought it home and told her how I got it, she became worried that if we put her sim card into it, and it IS stolen, a red flag will show up at T-mobile and she might get into trouble.
Is there any way T-mobile can tell who has the phone if it IS stolen? Also, if she ever has to send it in for a replacement through warranty, will she be screwed? I know I shouldn't have bought it off of Craigslist, but it's too late for that now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that were possible I would like to think they would have told me when my TouchPro2 got stolen... The fact that they didn't mention anything like that leads me to believe they can't tell just by the sim card.

i buy/sell phones on craigslist almost weekly and put my sim in all of them
when i call t-mobile to change the internet plan they always ask me where i bought the phone. i always say from t-mobile and they never say anything about it. guess they cant really tell

hope this helps
Slash8915 said:
My gf's old phone broke, and I found a cheap HD2 on craigslist. I went ahead and bought it from the guy. He seemed ok, maybe a LITTLE shady. When I brought it home and told her how I got it, she became worried that if we put her sim card into it, and it IS stolen, a red flag will show up at T-mobile and she might get into trouble.
Is there any way T-mobile can tell who has the phone if it IS stolen? Also, if she ever has to send it in for a replacement through warranty, will she be screwed? I know I shouldn't have bought it off of Craigslist, but it's too late for that now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm not in the US but i always purchase phones from US and UK on ebay.
Always when i buy phones which are doubt to be stolen or reported as stolen i use this site www.checkmend.com.
They are even recommended by ebay. They claim to have a connection to a database that has all the information on Mobile Phones, Laptops, GPS navigators, etc. Which they can track by the serial number.
In your case you will need to provide them with the IMEI number of your phone and they will give a report on the status of the phone and past owners if they are registered. (they send this report by email instantly. they charge you USD 2.99 for this service. i thinks its quite worth than the risk.)
in my experience I've tried this service twice and a HD that i bought from the UK was returned with a report that said "This item has been blocked during its lifetime by one or more UK network(s)." which means it was reported lost or stolen.
and i even tried my HD2 which i'm using currently which i got from US cos i didn't get any box or accessory with it. But the report came out clear and i am in peace of mind.
Hope this helps.

ruwan7 said:
in my experience I've tried this service twice and a HD that i bought from the UK was returned with a report that said "This item has been blocked during its lifetime by one or more UK network(s)." which means it was reported lost or stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
usefull site. does it give any detail? i blocked my last phone thinking i'd lost it, 4 weeks later it turned up in a friends sofa, so i had them un block it and used it for another 18months.
i guess that would give the response you gave above..

Someone mentioned the IEM number that is the way they can tell if its stolen. So when and IF you ever take your phone into the store to have the useless sales people help you solve some problem. That is how they will know if its stolen. If there is a way to tell by electronic signal Tmobile simply doesnt care. I asked when I bought mine and they told me to get insurance. I asked how do you know if I dont just keep the phone and get a new one for 100 bucks. IEM number shows up was their answer.

Your IMEI and sim info are constantly broadcast about the cell network, you don't have to go into a store for this information to be picked up.
http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=imeinr is one of the most common websites for checking your IMEI number (it's free), but do be careful with posting your IMEI/Serial number online at any site. Some are looking for valid IMEI numbers to use illegally.

Damn those shady Craigslist guys...

c2tmdsn said:
when i call t-mobile to change the internet plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be mistaken but I believe that if you select the G1 unlimited data plan, then any smart phone you have after that will not need to be updated...I am using the G1 plan with my HD2 and it works fine. So maybe you can avoid lying to them.

[Q] vodafone called me (aus)

well today i received a phone call from vodafone an australian mobile company
saying that my phone is stolen, they know my name . they asked me where i bought it from, and i told him i bought it online brand new.
the man said that the phone will be investigated and blocked because it was stolen.
can he do this? how did he get my number and name? , i am not with vodafone, im with optus.
the phone was bought online (gumtree) brand new in a box,
i mean is this even possible for them to block my phone, and have my details when im with another network....
my possibilities is that the guy i bought it off stole it?
help please

i think its phone prank...

You shoundnt be worried, first of all i hope you didnt give details like were you live, second of all you should ask his name and say that you will go personally to the office and talk, it`s safer and if it`s a prank or something like that he should end the call.

Gumtree = eBay for criminals.
Maybe the seller is a dodgy character and reported the phone stolen to Voda, who can then block it by IMEI.

CitizenLee said:
Gumtree = eBay for criminals.
Maybe the seller is a dodgy character and reported the phone stolen to Voda, who can then block it by IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a possibility - however maybe the seller is a thief and the original owner is reporting it stolen.
simmmy said:
the man said that the phone will be investigated and blocked because it was stolen.
can he do this? how did he get my number and name? , i am not with vodafone, im with optus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any kind of receipt of your purchase?
Next time he calls - ask for his name & work number (switch, not direct).
I assume Vodafone/Telstra/Optus/3 share names/numbers/IMEI with each other. I think it was part of an effort to make it easier to switch carrier.

MikeMelbourne said:
This is a possibility - however maybe the seller is a thief and the original owner is reporting it stolen.
Do you have any kind of receipt of your purchase?
Next time he calls - ask for his name & work number (switch, not direct).
I assume Vodafone/Telstra/Optus/3 share names/numbers/IMEI with each other. I think it was part of an effort to make it easier to switch carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess you could be right...im afraid
yeah i searched up on google, and all the carriers in australia share blocked imei numbers etc, well its a matter of getting blocked or not, we'll see how everything goes , thanks

Can´t you block the phone through htcsense.com?
I mean,if it is a dishonest seller?

As a general rule of thumb, I never give out any information to anyone over the phone when someone calls me. I also never ask for their contact number, if they say they are from Optus, then I will call Optus directly and ask for their department, etc.

still havent received in any other calls yets, phone still up and running . hopefully it stays like this

Bought a Blcklisted phone

Hello,
About a month ago i bought an used Nexus 4 device on ebay. After 1 month of use i get no signal, not being able to make calls , send messages etc. after some search i found out phone is blacklisted, maybe stolen i dont know. can i fix this? could i get it back to working order? thank you

tonisr said:
Hello,
About a month ago i bought an used Nexus 4 device on ebay. After 1 month of use i get no signal, not being able to make calls , send messages etc. after some search i found out phone is blacklisted, maybe stolen i dont know. can i fix this? could i get it back to working order? thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get 45 days to return any item on ebay, just go to the resolution center and "Report that you received an item that wasn't as described"

Salvy said:
You get 45 days to return any item on ebay, just go to the resolution center and "Report that you received an item that wasn't as described"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i bought it cheap so cant find another for that price. anyways thats what i will do in the end.so there is no way i could fix it?

tonisr said:
i bought it cheap so cant find another for that price. anyways thats what i will do in the end.so there is no way i could fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately for you and the person who the phone was stolen from. the blacklist is on the carrier end. and as far as i know you can't hide or alter the IMEI serial on your phone. so unless you want an oversized ipod touch, i suggest you return it and hopefully can get a refund from the seller on ebay.

tonisr said:
i bought it cheap so cant find another for that price. anyways thats what i will do in the end.so there is no way i could fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Legally, nope.
How cheap? ~200? Even at that price is not worth it if is blacklisted. Anyways the Nexus 4 is very cheap as it is! (comparing it to similar phones).
If you still want to buy another from ebay, I would recommend to get the 8GB version, since that one is only sold directly from Google, is impossible that it can get blacklisted.

ok thanks guys i will open a dispute against buyer. thank you

Woah blacklist.. so they can literally blacklist your phone from working at all wrt making calls and stuffs.. ?

Andre_Vitto said:
Woah blacklist.. so they can literally blacklist your phone from working at all wrt making calls and stuffs.. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you report your phone stolen to your ISP, they will add the device's unique IMEI to a database that blocks it from accessing the network, effectively making it useless on the carrier. Depending on how the blacklist database works, the device may still work with other carriers, but it's also possible for this blacklist to be shared among carriers. So as long as you buy your device from the Play Store or directly from your carrier, it will be fine. Used phones should always be tested with a SIM before buying it, and keep your IMEI safe. Even if you buy a used phone, it's possible for the seller to report it stolen after they get your money.

If the buyer doesn't accept it or its too late, just sell it out for parts. You can sell the screen, back cover, battery, camera, usb port, and headphone port, for at least $200. Just don't sell the motherboard as that's the part that has the blacklisting
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Bloodflame said:
If you report your phone stolen to your ISP, they will add the device's unique IMEI to a database that blocks it from accessing the network, effectively making it useless on the carrier. Depending on how the blacklist database works, the device may still work with other carriers, but it's also possible for this blacklist to be shared among carriers. So as long as you buy your device from the Play Store or directly from your carrier, it will be fine. Used phones should always be tested with a SIM before buying it, and keep your IMEI safe. Even if you buy a used phone, it's possible for the seller to report it stolen after they get your money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U have any idea do blacklisted phones in canada work outside of CA? In EUROPE for example? Thanks

Well, seeming as the Nexus 4 is only $199, £159, that price is amazingly cheap, I'd say you should get your money back and order one from the play store..

AT&T Unlocked Phone Blacklisted on Tmobile

This might sound like a broken record with ebay/craigslist scams, you can add me to the list.
I'm going to keep it short and to the point.
- I'm a T-Mobile user, purchased an AT&T Phone (LG Optimus G) on Craigslist , which i then unlocked via ebay code.
- a couple weeks of use the phone was reported stolen, blacklisted.
> On the day of purchase I saved the craigslist ad on the computer, which contained the seller's number, and it had the date as well.
What should i do?
- Contact the seller?
- Contact AT&T Insurance Company?
- Sell it on Ebay, is it illegal?
Would greatly appreciate any help or info as I am stranded without a phone, so the sooner the better, thank you.

sasoq said:
This might sound like a broken record with ebay/craigslist scams, you can add me to the list.
I'm going to keep it short and to the point.
- I'm a T-Mobile user, purchased an AT&T Phone (LG Optimus G) on Craigslist , which i then unlocked via ebay code.
- a couple weeks of use the phone was reported stolen, blacklisted.
> On the day of purchase I saved the craigslist ad on the computer, which contained the seller's number, and it had the date as well.
What should i do?
- Contact the seller?
- Contact AT&T Insurance Company?
- Sell it on Ebay, is it illegal?
Would greatly appreciate any help or info as I am stranded without a phone, so the sooner the better, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact the seller that would be common sense.... lol
If you contact or go to AT&T they will want to take the phone from you.....
you can sell it on eBay no problem , The Phone will ONLY work outside of the USA. Its not illegal to sell it on eBay if you look there are thousands of them just make sure you put it clear the the IMEI is bad

hyelton said:
Contact the seller that would be common sense.... lol
If you contact or go to AT&T they will want to take the phone from you.....
you can sell it on eBay no problem , The Phone will ONLY work outside of the USA. Its not illegal to sell it on eBay if you look there are thousands of them just make sure you put it clear the the IMEI is bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The number on the Ad was a fake number so can't get in any contact with them.
If I sell it on Ebay, wouldn't it be illegal since it was reported stolen?

sasoq said:
The number on the Ad was a fake number so can't get in any contact with them.
If I sell it on Ebay, wouldn't it be illegal since it was reported stolen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... There are thousands of them on there. It would be illegal if you sold it without saying it had a bad IMEI.
How do you know it was reported Stolen? They are NOT allowed to tell you that. It can can either be reported stolen or lost.
They prob reported it lost, as if someone reports it stolen they have to make a police report.

hyelton said:
No... There are thousands of them on there. It would be illegal if you sold it without saying it had a bad IMEI.
How do you know it was reported Stolen? They are NOT allowed to tell you that. It can can either be reported stolen or lost.
They prob reported it lost, as if someone reports it stolen they have to make a police report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted t-mobile last week and they said it was reported stolen. How can i know if a police report has been made for it?
Thanks again for responding, there are alot of views on this and no one has advice or info.

sasoq said:
The number on the Ad was a fake number so can't get in any contact with them.
If I sell it on Ebay, wouldn't it be illegal since it was reported stolen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sasoq said:
I contacted t-mobile last week and they said it was reported stolen. How can i know if a police report has been made for it?
Thanks again for responding, there are alot of views on this and no one has advice or info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait.. T-Mobile said that? your best bet would to try and call AT&T as they would of had to of reported it to AT&T and not T-Mobile. But you wont know if someone filed a report. I`d just list it on eBay as a Bad IMEI phone, its not illegal and its not ripping anyone off as the phone can be used for parts and will work anywhere outside of the USA/Canada.

Your best bet would be to put it on eBay with a bad IMEI. As far as you know, it's simply a broken phone. You don't need to tell the buyers the circumstances.
Sent from my 3D FM pentesting smartphone... With Google!

hyelton said:
Wait.. T-Mobile said that? your best bet would to try and call AT&T as they would of had to of reported it to AT&T and not T-Mobile. But you wont know if someone filed a report. I`d just list it on eBay as a Bad IMEI phone, its not illegal and its not ripping anyone off as the phone can be used for parts and will work anywhere outside of the USA/Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking the seller sold it to me then reported it stolen. And if it is reported stolen i wouldn't be able to sell it because it's stolen property.
Do you think at&t would want the phoned turned in if I contact them?

Friend Purchased Stolen Phone, need help.

So one of my friends bought a Version S5 off of Craigslist, turned out it was stolen so Verizon couldn't do anything about it. He asked me for help, but I wasn't too sure if the phone can be unlocked and used with a previous Sim card to work. Is there anyway to get the phone to work, even if I towel root it?
I know it means Verizon has it blacklisted but it could technically be used on a different carrier if unlocked, right?

Br4nd3n said:
So one of my friends bought a Version S5 off of Craigslist, turned out it was stolen so Verizon couldn't do anything about it. He asked me for help, but I wasn't too sure if the phone can be unlocked and used with a previous Sim card to work. Is there anyway to get the phone to work, even if I towel root it?
I know it means Verizon has it blacklisted but it could technically be used on a different carrier if unlocked, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will never work on any carrier, throw it in the trash.
The IMEI serial number is blacklisted by VZW and unless the original owner gets it back, it will never work again.

Okie John said:
The phone will never work on any carrier, throw it in the trash.
The IMEI serial number is blacklisted by VZW and unless the original owner gets it back, it will never work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know in older models you could "repair" blacklisted IMEIs to unblacklist the phone, anything like that for this s5 variant?

Br4nd3n said:
I know in older models you could "repair" blacklisted IMEIs to unblacklist the phone, anything like that for this s5 variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only ones who can unblacklist an IMEI are the carriers. Unless you can manage to change the IMEI, but then still... the carrier would have to allow that IMEI on the network.

Craigslist strikes again!

I purchased my phone locally from Craigslist but i had the seller agree to meet me at a verizon store to complete the transaction and have the phone checked out. It was brand new still in the box. That's probably the best way to go when purchasing a phone from Craigslist. If the seller won't meet you at your carrier's store just move on.

You could always use an online IMEI checker/verifier after meeting up, before handing over the money. Craigslist in general is super risky, though, even for personal safety. I recommend www.swappa.com

BigBot96 said:
You could always use an online IMEI checker/verifier after meeting up, before handing over the money. Craigslist in general is super risky, though, even for personal safety. I recommend www.swappa.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i did check it online he was more than willing to give me the info i needed to check it out over the phone which was great. For safety reasons and a second verification i asked him to meet up at verizon.

I buy almost all my phones off craigslist and before I hand over any money, I call Verizon and have their customer service check out the IMEI number and confirm it is not blacklisted. Not to be harsh, but now your friend knows what a 2 minute phone call costs.

How much did he pay for it? And does he want to recoup pay off the value?

Calling the carrier means nothing since they can report it lost/stolen after you take possession and they already have your money.