[HELP] Am i being scammed? - Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Questions and Answers

Need some advice XDA. (im from the UK)
im aware of the common scam of second hand contract binded phones sold on eBay and other marketplaces where after they have been sold a few month down the line there IMEI is blacklisted and blocked and there is nothing you can do about it.
Is this happening to me?
I bought a s7 edge from eBay (sealed box g935f)
It was described as being "no network logo's factory unlocked"
I received it, opened it and it booted with 3 (three) network logo and then when i got through set up it was filled with reinstalled 3 network Apps.
now as far as i know if a mobile is has this branded firmware it is binded to a contract... am i wrong?
i messaged the seller and he assured me it was not a contract phone but was purchased from 3 and he said being as its a unlocked phone he assumed it would not have any logo branding on the software and seeing as he did not open the box he couldn't be sure.
in the end i asked for a receipt.. he provided this delivery note (attatched file) (i have crossed out his address and imei in paint)
-yes that really is the original picture quality (god knows if he really is just taking the piss or eBay hosting is terrible)
after i questioned this delivery note and bad quality image he got very irate and simply asked me to return the device for a refund and began accusing me of being a scammer saying that he will get the police involved if i send back a different handset and try to pass it off as the one he sent
What do you think?
is he trying to scam me with a contract phone?
or is he being honest can a non contract phone be on a network branded firmware?

Resumen:
its not a Scam, make sure that it works and keep it.
the logo is because of the rom.
---------------------------------------------
Look, this will help you, Three and other companies have the option to sell unlocket or locket phones, but all of the phones, has the Three's ROM, the rom, make sure that the phone works, and u have data and all, its fine..

misterashman said:
Need some advice XDA. (im from the UK)
im aware of the common scam of second hand contract binded phones sold on eBay and other marketplaces where after they have been sold a few month down the line there IMEI is blacklisted and blocked and there is nothing you can do about it.
Is this happening to me?
I bought a s7 edge from eBay (sealed box g935f)
It was described as being "no network logo's factory unlocked"
I received it, opened it and it booted with 3 (three) network logo and then when i got through set up it was filled with reinstalled 3 network Apps.
now as far as i know if a mobile is has this branded firmware it is binded to a contract... am i wrong?
i messaged the seller and he assured me it was not a contract phone but was purchased from 3 and he said being as its a unlocked phone he assumed it would not have any logo branding on the software and seeing as he did not open the box he couldn't be sure.
in the end i asked for a receipt.. he provided this delivery note (attatched file) (i have crossed out his address and imei in paint)
-yes that really is the original picture quality (god knows if he really is just taking the piss or eBay hosting is terrible)
after i questioned this delivery note and bad quality image he got very irate and simply asked me to return the device for a refund and began accusing me of being a scammer saying that he will get the police involved if i send back a different handset and try to pass it off as the one he sent
What do you think?
is he trying to scam me with a contract phone?
or is he being honest can a non contract phone be on a network branded firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who cares, flash BTU firmware and problem solved. In my country, a lot of people by phones they don't need on contract then resell them to make money. Nothing shady there. If the imei is clean, why worry?

Stevica Smederevac said:
Who cares, flash BTU firmware and problem solved. In my country, a lot of people by phones they don't need on contract then resell them to make money. Nothing shady there. If the imei is clean, why worry?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK people get a phone on contract with insurance sell them on ebay wait a month or 2 and then report it stolen . They get replacement phone and the guy who bought his old one gets a blacklisted IMEI and can't do anything about it

bathcrow said:
Resumen:
its not a Scam, make sure that it works and keep it.
the logo is because of the rom.
---------------------------------------------
Look, this will help you, Three and other companies have the option to sell unlocket or locket phones, but all of the phones, has the Three's ROM, the rom, make sure that the phone works, and u have data and all, its fine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how can I tell if the phone is binded to a contract?

misterashman said:
So how can I tell if the phone is binded to a contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should call three and ask them if the imei is binded, because you bought it.

bathcrow said:
you should call three and ask them if the imei is binded, because you bought it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately 3 won't release any information about it because Im not the one that bought it from them :/

misterashman said:
Unfortunately 3 won't release any information about it because Im not the one that bought it from them :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly i cant help you further than this.

bathcrow said:
sadly i cant help you further than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks anyway! I think I'm just gonna have to return it. I can't afford to risk it.
As far as I know 3 don't sell phones separate from a contract unless you pay more than what Samsung charge lol

misterashman said:
Thanks anyway! I think I'm just gonna have to return it. I can't afford to risk it.
As far as I know 3 don't sell phones separate from a contract unless you pay more than what Samsung charge lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.

Galactus said:
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice I'll make sure to do that, going to post it today.

Galactus said:
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowadays, phones from Three are sold unlocked, but still have some Three branding due to the CSC.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

foxmeister said:
Nowadays, phones from Three are sold unlocked, but still have some Three branding due to the CSC.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I didn't mean in the traditional sense that the phone is sim-locked, but that it is still branded somewhat, so it's more likely that it is an unwanted network upgrade from Three directly.

lol, what is this?

Its a smiley ...

Related

HD2 - sealed box - what's a fair price?

Right guys, I have received my FIFTH replacement HD2 today and I'm not even going to open the box, it's for sale. So what would a brand new, sealed box HD2 - on the O2 network - be worth on the market? I see they can be had unlocked from Play.com for £499 with free delivery and the ones on Ebay are probably used and messed around with, so I think mine is worth more than they go for....any ideas?
Will be worth less than that if it's got an O2 ROM I think its safe to assume, also O2 HD2's appear to be locked according to one of the threads on here
How come you're simply not accepting it from O2 and cancelling the contract? I assume that if you sell it then you have to continue paying for it till the contract runs out.
Brand new sealed HD2's are going for between £380 and £450 on ebay, with brand new ones that are not sealed going for a touch less. However, most have been around the £400 mark. I have been watching intently over the past week as wanted to buy one.
The cheapest I could find on the internet was £469.99 on offer from eXpansys. However, on sunday I was out having a coffee with my wife and popped into carphone warehouse on the off chance they might have a HD2, and see if they'd price match.
Much to my amazement their price for a brand new factory sealed SIM free HD2 was £449.95, so I got out my credit card and bought it there and then. My iphone 3G 16GB is now up for sale on ebay to recover some of the cost of my HD2, and then in6 weeks time when I'm due an upgrade I'll sell that as well. I was just too impatient to wait for my upgrade
johncmolyneux said:
How come you're simply not accepting it from O2 and cancelling the contract? I assume that if you sell it then you have to continue paying for it till the contract runs out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Due to the number of replacements I've had, I'm now over the 28 days and therefore can't cancel my contract. If I purchase a different handset with the proceeds from the sale, that can be my 'contract' phone if you like. Sure I'll still be tied to the original contract but I'll have a phone so it will make no difference.
sunking101 said:
Due to the number of replacements I've had, I'm now over the 28 days and therefore can't cancel my contract. If I purchase a different handset with the proceeds from the sale, that can be my 'contract' phone if you like. Sure I'll still be tied to the original contract but I'll have a phone so it will make no difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getcha. Sounds like O2 win here though, despite not being able to supply you with a satisfactory handset. I'm sure if it went as far as court then you'd win, but who's gonna go that far for a phone?
DMAND said:
Will be worth less than that if it's got an O2 ROM I think its safe to assume, also O2 HD2's appear to be locked according to one of the threads on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they are locked apparently. O2 unlock them free though, if you email them. Can take up to 28 days. I don't want to open the box and unlock the phone because then it would be classed as 'used'. If anyone wants to unlock it there is no problem doing so...
johncmolyneux said:
Getcha. Sounds like O2 win here though, despite not being able to supply you with a satisfactory handset. I'm sure if it went as far as court then you'd win, but who's gonna go that far for a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. What's the betting this phone sat here in the sealed box is *perfect* too.
Hi - this is true - i placed the other forum thread "HD2 locked" - i got my unlock code last night. Turns out that mine was obsolutely brand spanking new and o2 hadnt generated the code to unlock it - the previous owner/ebayer put in a request for the code (it took about 3 weeks) - i am now unlocked!!
@Sunking,
You decided on a price yet?
WB
wacky.banana said:
@Sunking,
You decided on a price yet?
WB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, got any ideas? I was thinking around £430 but I'm not sure if that's too lo-ball.
It's probably too high ball if you ask me. You've got three things in your way:
1. It's branded to O2 (yes, it's easy to unbrand and customise now we've got HSPL but it's an additional step and it's a negative)
2. It's sim locked to O2 (you'll have to request an unlock code from O2 and it takes about 2 weeks - but crucially you seem to have to use your O2 registered sim you bought the device against to get the correct code)
3 - Anyone on O2 can buy the exact same thing as yours for £365
May I ask what issues you have had with the phone? I've got one from O2 myself (only one) and have not noticed anything amiss.
kai_ said:
It's probably too high ball if you ask me. You've got three things in your way:
1. It's branded to O2 (yes, it's easy to unbrand and customise now we've got HSPL but it's an additional step and it's a negative)
2. It's sim locked to O2 (you'll have to request an unlock code from O2 and it takes about 2 weeks - but crucially you seem to have to use your O2 registered sim you bought the device against to get the correct code)
3 - Anyone on O2 can buy the exact same thing as yours for £365
May I ask what issues you have had with the phone? I've got one from O2 myself (only one) and have not noticed anything amiss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
£365? Where??
sunking101 said:
£365? Where??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 haven't publicised this very much, but an existing O2 contract holder can buy one SIM free for £365 (in fact it was £277 for the 1st day, by mistake!)
Not all shops or call centre staff know about it, and some say it is business customers only, but that is incorrect.
We had a thread on it Here but no posts in the last week!
NeilM said:
O2 haven't publicised this very much, but an existing O2 contract holder can buy one SIM free for £365 (in fact it was £277 for the 1st day, by mistake!)
Not all shops or call centre staff know about it, and some say it is business customers only, but that is incorrect.
We had a thread on it Here but no posts in the last week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the shops don't know about it and the call centre staff don't know about it, I'll expect it's a tall order to purchase one at that price then. So basically my brand new HD2 is worth (much) less than a used one on Ebay....
id probably say 400 at the most for it
sunking101 said:
If the shops don't know about it and the call centre staff don't know about it, I'll expect it's a tall order to purchase one at that price then. So basically my brand new HD2 is worth (much) less than a used one on Ebay....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The spoiler for most people is that you have to already be in an O2 contract. I suspect those that do know about it are selling on at the 'normal' Ebay price
NeilM said:
The spoiler for most people is that you have to already be in an O2 contract. I suspect those that do know about it are selling on at the 'normal' Ebay price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I want to do a buy it now....can't be watching the price go up to £44,000 at the end of the auction because some idiot scammers have decided to ruin it! I was just trying to get an indication of what price to set.
There are two for sale on ebay both at 360, one is still sealed and one isn't.
Doesn't seem like there is much difference with sealed and unsealed. Although the sealed one is locked to T-Mobile.

What are my rights?

Sorry mods, I didnt know where else to put this. Feel free to move it if this isn't a good place.
Ok, So I sent my phone in for repair (a backlight problem) and they sent it back after 2 weeks, and its still exactly the same.
So Ive sent it back again.
But in all honesty, Im not happy paying my monthly bill for a phone Ive not been using.
So do I have the right to demand a refund/not paying next month?
Also, Can I demand a brand new phone if it comes back broken again this time?
thanks guys
Boinngggggggg
Your signature says that you're running a custom ROM. If that's true then I wouldn't expect that you have any rights because you will have voided the warranty. What did they tell you when the phone was returned last time?
jakem said:
Your signature says that you're running a custom ROM. If that's true then I wouldn't expect that you have any rights because you will have voided the warranty. What did they tell you when the phone was returned last time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed everything back to stock so there is no sign Ive had a custom rom.
They said they couldn't find a problem at all with the phone. They re-flashed the software for me So i guess its a hardwear problem with the acctual phone....
lonelykatana said:
I flashed everything back to stock so there is no sign Ive had a custom rom.
They said they couldn't find a problem at all with the phone. They re-flashed the software for me So i guess its a hardwear problem with the acctual phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I think the first step will be for you to get HTC to agree that there's a problem with the phone. Until that happens you don't really have a leg to stand on because the phone company will simply argue that you're not owed a refund because there's no problem with the phone (and I think they'd be right to say that).
Once you've proven that the phone is faulty you may be able to contact the phone company and ask for a refund. Unfortunately I don't know exactly what your rights are in this case but it seems reasonable that you shouldn't have to pay for the time when you were unable to use your contract phone. Maybe someone with a bit more expertise can jump in and help here.
The main point though is that you need to prove that you have a problem before you can ask for your money back and I don't think you've managed to do that just yet.
but your still using the SIM right?
Can you take it to their high street shop and demo them the fault? Does the backlight come on at all?
quasi_mojo said:
but your still using the SIM right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No because I dont have a backup phone...
Can you take it to their high street shop and demo them the fault? Does the backlight come on at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its the oppersit, It doesn't go off....
But thats not what Im asking.
lonelykatana said:
No because I dont have a backup phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then i'd argue with them till im blue in the face! i dont think you should be paying for a service you cannot use. at the very least they should knock it off your next bill or credit you what you've paid already...
id politely argue the point that you cant use your sim without a working handset and since the one they provided is faulty they either have to provide a backup handset whilst yours is being repaired or credit your account.
not sure how it would all work out but its worth a go.
as for the other stuff... if they keep sending it back saying there isnt a problem then you need to be able to prove that there is.
My experience...
My HD2 is off for repair, and as I haven't got insurance which would have entitled me to a loan hand set, VF UK have credited me with a month’s worth of my line rental. Used that to buy a crappy PAYG Nokia and popped my contract SIM in to it. It has £10 of calls on the PAYG SIM I can keep 'in case of emergency, which means I am actually only £10 down.
in the uk if you return something 3 times for the same fault and on the third occassion it still has the same fault you have the law on your side which i believe states they have not made reasonable effort to resolve the problem and they have to replace the device with the same model or another of equal value.
i had a similar thing with vodafone and they ended up giving me a 3gs for my broken hd2 as they had no hd2's or desires in stock.
vodafone didn't charge me for the 2 months it took to send it in and out for repair as i was being inconvenienced through no fault of my own.
on your repair notes it should state the fault you sent it in for each time. phone trading standards or at least threaten to if they don't sort it out
Johnston411 said:
in the uk if you return something 3 times for the same fault and on the third occassion it still has the same fault you have the law on your side which i believe states they have not made reasonable effort to resolve the problem and they have to replace the device with the same model or another of equal value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what they've told me on '3 strikes and you're out', but also that have some HD2's in reserve for situations like this...
There must be a way for you to put your plan on hold so you don't pay the plan since you are not using it... all the matter of coordination and loosing time
Johnston411 said:
in the uk if you return something 3 times for the same fault and on the third occassion it still has the same fault you have the law on your side which i believe states they have not made reasonable effort to resolve the problem and they have to replace the device with the same model or another of equal value.
i had a similar thing with vodafone and they ended up giving me a 3gs for my broken hd2 as they had no hd2's or desires in stock.
vodafone didn't charge me for the 2 months it took to send it in and out for repair as i was being inconvenienced through no fault of my own.
on your repair notes it should state the fault you sent it in for each time. phone trading standards or at least threaten to if they don't sort it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh thats made me happy
Im glad to know Ive not been left with no cover.
Thanks guys

NEWS update from Bell for owners of i9000m

After waiting for a whole damn hour in line to get a phone serviced
They said they will not service any phone without an invoice
Also Samsung has officially extended the warranty from 15/30 days to 60 days
So any phone that dies within those 60 days it'll basically be replaced, but for that to happen you will need an invoice.
They said they are NOT honouring the eBay purchases, so anyone who purchased through eBay... good luck.
oh, also the phone must be LOCKED, if it's UnLocked they will also not service it.
Any phone after the 61 days will be serviced regardless of where it was purchased, but... for that you will need an invoice, $45 submission fee, and whatever it cost for the repair when you pick it up.
I sure hope I get a new handset - I'll note the IMEI/production date # when I get my replacement back in a few weeks.
i'm pretty sure you will, most Bell stores and resellers are in back order due the low stock of the phone
mainly because of all the repairs and exchanges needed
AllGamer said:
...So any phone that dies within those 60 days it'll basically be replaced, but for that to happen you will need an invoice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What issue is this? Are you referring to the issue people are having with the phone turning off on it's own. Or do you mean the phone completely dies and your not able to turn it back on at all?
it's for any type of service you want to do with the phone
AllGamer said:
it's for any type of service you want to do with the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? What did you do with your phone? Mine's just fine. I'm confused and did I did not read much on here since the last few days.
my phone is fine, i was just doing a favour to the guys in USA having trouble with getting the phone serviced by Bell "because you don't have an account with us, we have no way to charge you"
*crosses fingers* Hopefully mine won't wig out.
It's my phone. Luckily the original owner still has the invoice so we should be able to get it repaired unless Bell comes out with another excuse.
Guess I better put those how to re-lock instructions somewhere safe...
Yeah, kinda jumped the gun buying itslick off ebay, make sure you print out the ebay invoice for records.
You can still get it serviced after the 60 days period
garyHal said:
*crosses fingers* Hopefully mine won't wig out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
I bought mine at Best Buy. They WON'T honour it AT ALL! So they send me to a Bell store. The Bell store sends me back to BB. BB sends me back to Bell... this happens 4 more times in each store, which ends up with me really pissed off cause I have a receipt for the phone that I bought out right from BB. BB totally refuses to exchange my phone, and says you have to go to the manufacturer now, so the tech at the bell store said since I didn't buy the phone from a "Bell store" they can't replace it and they can only send it out for repair. EVEN THOUGH its been way LESS than 30 days. (18 to be exact) So, I had no other choice but to send it out to be repaired. Its been 2 weeks, and still "out for repair". They tell me to check back next week. I can't believe I couldn't even get an exchange since my phone definitely qualifies under Samsung's DOA (30 days) policy, and the bell tech even admitted it too. Who cares where I bought it from! I have a Best Buy recepit, and OBVIOUSLY BB gets their stock from BELL!
So the 60 day period for exchange is ONLY if you bought it from a BELL store. >.<
YG007 said:
I bought mine at Best Buy. They WON'T honour it AT ALL! So they send me to a Bell store. The Bell store sends me back to BB. BB sends me back to Bell... this happens 4 more times in each store, which ends up with me really pissed off cause I have a receipt for the phone that I bought out right from BB. BB totally refuses to exchange my phone, and says you have to go to the manufacturer now, so the tech at the bell store said since I didn't buy the phone from a "Bell store" they can't replace it and they can only send it out for repair. EVEN THOUGH its been way LESS than 30 days. (18 to be exact) So, I had no other choice but to send it out to be repaired. Its been 2 weeks, and still "out for repair". They tell me to check back next week. I can't believe I couldn't even get an exchange since my phone definitely qualifies under Samsung's DOA (30 days) policy, and the bell tech even admitted it too. Who cares where I bought it from! I have a Best Buy recepit, and OBVIOUSLY BB gets their stock from BELL!
So the 60 day period for exchange is ONLY if you bought it from a BELL store. >.<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this standard operating procedure across the board for Canadian carriers? If so it is a total night and day difference from us in the States where the point of sale is responsible for 30 days, Carrier for the next 11 months, and the manufacturer stays out of it.
The only manufacturer I have ever had honor a warranty directly was HTC and that was after hours of arm wringing over the phone.
Brutal! The damn thing is locked to Bell's network, Best Buy is an authorized seller of Bell phones and plans. I got mine from Best Buy on launch day for the 99 buck sale with $75 gift card. The next day I went to a Bell store to swap numbers with my other phone and got the phone insurance while I waited. They have to give me a new phone even if I smash it on the counter right in front of them. Covers wear and tear also.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
HTC and Palm were very straight forward if you purchased the phone unlocked from factory, they will not hesitate to give you a RMA number to send the phone back for repairs
Bell has always been a biatch to deal with, in ANYTHING.
Samsung has their hands tied due their Exclusive Deal with Bell, so... until that exclusive deals expires, Samsung wont be able to help you directly.
by late October when Rogers releases the Galaxy S (AT&T model) things should have settled down by then, and it should be a better experience dealing with Samsungs own Customer Service rather than Bell's well known nightmare CS, same crap from Rogers CS, that's why i switched to Fido, they are only CS that are more human
May i know what u mean about lock and unlock for hanfphone
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
AllGamer said:
that's why i switched to Fido, they are only CS that are more human
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But isn't Fido owned by Rogers? Odd that they run them independently with different policies like that.
SIM lock / unlock
originally this model i9000m was locked to Bell, no body else was supposed to use it outside of Bell
so if you send it your phone for service, other than Flash related problem, they will know your phone was unlocked
if the flashed is screwed up, they can't check it at all, and that will pass
but if the phone is bootable, and they can get into the OS, then they'll know if it was SIM unlocked or not
like if you are sending the phone for service because of a screen problem, or speaker problem, or some other thing that does not involved a dead phone
so either kill it good before you send it in, or wipe all traces of evidence
decepticon said:
But isn't Fido owned by Rogers? Odd that they run them independently with different policies like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, thanks goodness they are run separately
it's because they are expecting to sell it back out at some point
AllGamer said:
yeah, thanks goodness they are run separately
it's because they are expecting to sell it back out at some point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next trip to Canada I am getting a Fido prepaid account then to support a decent company. Usually I just get a Rogers SIM if my prepaid account is inactive (Rogers keeps them active for 2-3 years without adding funds.)

[Q] Dubious Sale.. (Possibly)

I appologise if this isn't the right place to post this, but I couldn't think where else it would go !...
Somebody at work is supposedly going to sell me his Samsung Galaxy S II today for £270, which ordinarily wouldn't bother me, but this phone is new and under contract. When I asked him about it he said he'll keep the contract and after six month's or so when he's able to upgrade the phone, he'll get a new one.
I'm not too concerned about the ethics of it, because as far as I can see I'm not really doing anything wrong, he's obviously made his mind up and if wants to sell somebody a new £500 phone for half the price and continue paying for it then that's up to him.
What I am concerned about is if he's isn't telling me the truth, and reports it stolen after selling it to me, what's the possibility of me ending up with a phone that is unusable on any network.
I may be thinking to far into it, but I have ask myself why he'd want to do it, but then again it's not that different from somebody borrowing from a loan shark and paying twice as much back.
I vaguely remember discussions a few years ago about IMEI locking stolen handsets off networks and I was wondering if this has been implemented yet, if so, is it all networks or just the major ones.
I know that it's possible to change IMEI numbers, but since it's highly illegal here in the UK, it's not an option I like to consider.
Thanks ...John...
If the IMEI does get locked in the uk, I think you could sell it abroad as the IMEI check is different. As for an upgrade after 6 months, I don't think any operator do this and would get me thinking.
Just get a receipt from him with his signature on it. If he's reluctant to do so, back away from the sale. If he does try something further down the line, the receipt proves that it's yours.
Thats far to cheap I would ask what network the phone is on then make enquiry of that network and also ask to see his original contract/bill of sale .
Network phone presume its locked top that network .
The seller would be responsible in the first instance for the phones warranty .Doubt if the original network would stand a warranty claim . I would check out if Samsung hold warranty for a second user .
The phone is not part of the contract and is an inducement to buy the contract which he will be liable for until end of contract . Yes he can sell an unwanted phone and many do .
jje
Just to chip in, I can see where you're coming from, I'd be cautious too however I can also see where the seller is coming from. When I got my Galaxy S on contract I got a fantastic deal but later decided to sell my phone for a lot less than it was worth because 1) it was a quick sale and 2) it was damn cheap on monthly price was worth it for the texts/phone/internet alone so wanted to keep the contract but not the phone.
If you get box and accessories then you could say you purchased from the owner complete...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
A receipt is a good idea and will ensure you wont get prosecuted if it does come back on you but the phone could still get confiscated if it has been reported stolen.
Personally I'd take the risk and get a receipt, if they work with you and it does come on top then you might be able to get your money back anyway.
Go for it, its a great Phone.
I brought the money in last night, and didn't see him. Got a call off him and he said he'll bring it in today (starting to wonder if he's just full of it), but for now I'll give him the benefit of the doubt anyway.
In one way I hope he doesn't bring it in, and in another way I hope he does.
...John...

Xperia Play not reading any simcard - No service/no simcard?

I just received my brand new Xperia Play yesterday.
It was purchased from ebay and was brand new in the box.
It was advertised as an unwanted upgrade as well as being unlocked.
However, yesterday I tried my international simcard which did not work, vodafone simcard and even after taking it to carphonewarehouse & orange trying a further 2 simcards, it fails to read ANY simcard regardless of company.
I have just a week to solve this problem since I am on holiday in the UK and have to leave nexr weekend.
Based on the above problem, what do you experts think the problem is?
I tried factory resettings, default settings, etc, still not reading any simcards.
The phone obviously is no good to me since it cannot make/receive calls/texts.
Aside from this problem, everything else is working perfectly.
Could this be a hardware issue or software? How can I figure out the problem.
Since time is a factor I don't have time to send it back and wait for repairs or a replacement.
Should this fault be quick & easy to solve I don't mind paying £20 or so if it can be fixed, beats waiting weeks for a replacement.
Any ideas you guys have please feel free to give me any ideas to try to get this phone reading sim cards.
Thanks guys/girls...
EVERY time I turn on my phone I get the following message ''please insert simcard and restart your phone'' even though the simcard inside the phone is working perfectly fine...
It sounds like a H/W fault... contact the seller and/or paypal
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
AndroHero said:
It sounds like a H/W fault... contact the seller and/or paypal
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed contact the seller and am awaiting his answer...
Is the fault easy, quick and more or less cheap to fix from a local mobile phone shop?
If I was to download & use a custom rom, could this possibly fix the problem?
In the past I've had problems with bluetooth/wireless lan refusing to work even though everything else did.
After trying another rom it then worked.
This makes me wanna try another rom before returning the phone and waiting weeks for a replacement.
The seller however got back to me saying it was all working before, he has no idea why it's not reading simcards and to return it should it not work.
I will update the rom and report back.
kanej2006 said:
If I was to download & use a custom rom, could this possibly fix the problem?
In the past I've had problems with bluetooth/wireless lan refusing to work even though everything else did.
After trying another rom it then worked.
This makes me wanna try another rom before returning the phone and waiting weeks for a replacement.
The seller however got back to me saying it was all working before, he has no idea why it's not reading simcards and to return it should it not work.
I will update the rom and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a new ROM won't repair the problem. What country was the seller in when he sold it to you? Maybe it's still sim locked. Try to unlock it using a 3rd party.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab P-1000 using Tapatalk
_______________________________
WHEN IN DOUBT, XDA
wow, i like this slogan.
hiu115 said:
Flashing a new ROM won't repair the problem. What country was the seller in when he sold it to you? Maybe it's still sim locked. Try to unlock it using a 3rd party.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab P-1000 using Tapatalk
_______________________________
WHEN IN DOUBT, XDA
wow, i like this slogan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a UK seller to a UK buyer (me)
I've tried 4 different simcards of all different networks, not reading any simcard.
The phone appears to be unlocked according to the seller.
Can this issue be easily & cheaply fixed in a local mobile repair shop?
if its not been bootloader unlocked and then ota bricked then it sounds to me like its blacklisted in other words reported lost/stolen or fraudulant and so pretty much useless to anyone in the UK
mac_d4di said:
if its not been bootloader unlocked and then ota bricked then it sounds to me like its blacklisted in other words reported lost/stolen or fraudulant and so pretty much useless to anyone in the UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, how can I find out WTF is actually wrong with the phone?
The LAST thing I wanna do is return it, and then waiting ages for a replacement or refund.
Is it worth me taking the phone to a mobile repair place and asking them to look into this?
hiu115 said:
Flashing a new ROM won't repair the problem. What country was the seller in when he sold it to you? Maybe it's still sim locked. Try to unlock it using a 3rd party.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab P-1000 using Tapatalk
_______________________________
WHEN IN DOUBT, XDA
wow, i like this slogan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont think its sim locked since its saying please insert sim card if it was locked more than likely itll say please enter network unlock code
does sound like a hardware issue do you have the battery cover on when your trying it?
i know my play when the battery cover is off the sd card wont work etc maybe its the same with the sim card
sure i dont have to ask your putting in the simcard correctly right?
shame nonetheless it might be more expensive to try and fix it since parts are not easily available
The sim card works without battery cover... If you inserted the card in properly... It should work.... If not then refund it.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
kanej2006 said:
Hmmm, how can I find out WTF is actually wrong with the phone?
The LAST thing I wanna do is return it, and then waiting ages for a replacement or refund.
Is it worth me taking the phone to a mobile repair place and asking them to look into this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing to do is pop it into an orange shop and ask them to check the imei on the blacklisting website, if it comes up blocked you know for certain. If it not then it could be a hardware issue but i doubt it. Good luck
mac_d4di said:
Best thing to do is pop it into an orange shop and ask them to check the imei on the blacklisting website, if it comes up blocked you know for certain. If it not then it could be a hardware issue but i doubt it. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good idea.
Anyway I've just come back from a few mobile repair shops.
After checking the phone, the engineer said it appears to be blocked and will only work outside the country.
Should this be the case, it's not a major issue since I live in Dubai. I happen to be in London for a holiday.
The phone was bought from ebay, and if the handset is indeed blocked then the seller is taking the piss since he simply mentioned the phone being an unwanted upgrade as well as unlocked!
I will contact the seller now and see what he says.
it will work mostly everywhere except the uk
This is the only problem with buying phones off eBay, it happend to my sister twice. The good news is that it will work in other country's if it's ota blocked, as it just means that the imea number don't work with UK networks as they have a UK database with all phones that have been reported lost or stolen.
The problem with eBay/PayPal is you only have so many days to file a dispute, so the seller waits till times up then reports it lost or stolen then claims on there insurance, or in some cases take out a new contract just to sell the phone on eBay then not pay the bill. There's a chav lad near me that pays ppl to take out contracts and pays them so much for the phone, what these ppl don't realise is there ruining there credit rating.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
DAVIDGBJONES said:
This is the only problem with buying phones off eBay, it happend to my sister twice. The good news is that it will work in other country's if it's ota blocked, as it just means that the imea number don't work with UK networks as they have a UK database with all phones that have been reported lost or stolen.
The problem with eBay/PayPal is you only have so many days to file a dispute, so the seller waits till times up then reports it lost or stolen then claims on there insurance, or in some cases take out a new contract just to sell the phone on eBay then not pay the bill. There's a chav lad near me that pays ppl to take out contracts and pays them so much for the phone, what these ppl don't realise is there ruining there credit rating.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've had quite bad experience using ebay even when buying from ebayers with high & perfect feedback.
Anyway the seller got back to me and swears it is a genuine phone that was claimed from an insurance company and is unlocked and sim free.
He said he tried 2 different sim cards with the phone before advertising it.
My question is how did it previously work yet now it refuses to read any sim?
I may take the phone to an alternative shop and ask them to look into this.
Could it be the sim/sim reader is faulty or damaged and therefore not reading sim cards?
if it was blocked by networks it would just scan for networks and not be able to register on one, it wouldnt say insert sim.
This has been badly flashed IMHO and to my knowledge there is no fix
Go into Service Menu and check Simlock Status:
Dial this:
*#*#SERIVCE#*#*
There are also different Service Tests. For me this problems sounds like the "faulty" method which was used to fix the OTA-Brick on unlocked bootloader!
If it is this problem, your phone will be simlocked (not network-locked!!!) to ANY sim card. And you have to unlock via Software -> Omnius/SE-Tool etc. etc.
Regards
Thanks everyone for your support.
As of now I have no idea of what the problem is.
All I can say is the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play is in a repair shop.
It will cost me £45 and on tuesday it should be repaired regardless.
Should they be able to fix the item, great, otherwise if they are unable to fix it then I will get a refund.
I will get back to you lot on tuesday with the results!
My poor 24 hour old brand new Sony Ericsson Xperia Play is in for repairs already and it's still got all the front and back protectors still on...
I've had the simcard reading thing happen to me a few times. After a few reboots, it would be fine again.

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