Is this a scammed phone? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions & Answers

Hiya,guys! Recently bought a g930f exynos or so i hoped. When checked,it said bootloader verizon and baseband version verizon. Suspicions arose when i saw in the menu verizon location agent. When restarting the phone,the verizon logo never comes up,just samsung one. And even the compass is accurate which on my verizon phone is all messed up. Some of the service codes work,too,like for checking imei,etc. But they do noy work on a verizon phone. However,the phone maybe feels a littlw bit laggier and it overheats like a lot. Feels almost too hot to handle sometimes.
So my 2 questions are these signs that he flashed the phone with g930f firmware somehow bcs bloatware is gone,only the location verizon agent. And the second one is which firmware is the most suitable to flash on a g930v bcs this phone lasted longer on sot but it did overheat more than mine.
Thanks a lot to everybody who joins the discussion.
Have a nice and sunny weekend!

Boot the phone into download mode, that is the true model and can not be faked like firmware etc

Never knew this,confirms that it is a g930v verizon.
Thank you,detection. So I might ask fir a partial or full refund,lol.
Btw,which rom is the most suitable to flash - is it just g930u fw cuz it is free of bloat and is qualcomm supported?

Yes I believe you can flash the G930U firmware to the V model S7, not sure what bloat if any it contains as I have the G930F
But if you were wanting to flash custom ROMs / recovery, you're gonna need the Exynos S7 (G930F or G930W8), all US model S7s with Snapdragon CPUs are bootloader locked

Thats why i wanted exynos and bcs it contains 0 bloatware and has longer battery life. Thank you very much for the useful information.

You're welcome, maybe you can use some legal jargon to force the seller into giving you the phone you paid for (G930F) if it was from a store
Good luck

Didnt wanna spam my topic but now how do i flash another rom on that phone? Will a hard reset from the button at the top of the phone set it to basic verizon branded firmware or no?
Ps : he says he didnt mess with the software of the phone (ebay seller with around 9k feedback), maximum partial refund 25 bux from 240$ that i paid.

pursuitforce said:
Didnt wanna spam my topic but now how do i flash another rom on that phone? Will a hard reset from the button at the top of the phone set it to basic verizon branded firmware or no?
Ps : he says he didnt mess with the software of the phone (ebay seller with around 9k feedback), maximum partial refund 25 bux from 240$ that i paid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grab the ROM from updato.com or sammobile.com and flash with ODIN 3.12.3 or higher version
(Phone must be in download mode (Volume down & Home & Power) )
Flashing HOME_CSC will not reset, flashing CSC will
Once you have flashed new firmware, a reset will not take you back to a previous firmware, it is no longer on the phone, it will only reset the firmware you have flashed
Ebay always side with the buyer, so threaten him with opening a case against him with ebay and you'll probably have more luck with better refund amount
He advertised it as G930F, you have proof it is not as advertised, therefore he broke the terms of the contract and will lose the case, make sure he knows that and he believes you will open a case

But what can I do except threaten to return the item? He said return or 25$ refund,these are my options.

Threaten to open a eBay case saying that if I dont get my full refund/exchange, I will open a case with eBay due to false advertising. He will either a.) give a refund/exchange or b.) you will have to open a case.
Hopefully not though.

pursuitforce said:
But what can I do except threaten to return the item? He said return or 25$ refund,these are my options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I would go for the full refund / return option, that's not the phone you thought you were buying and is limited because of the locked bootloader
But make sure you get the refund in full before sending anything back, and tell him you want him to pay for return delivery costs, you will win no matter what, don't let him bully you, ebay will side with you if you open a case and he knows it
I have won plenty of free items on ebay by threatening to open cases when the item was not as described, faked PS3 controller for example, I told the guy I was going to open a case if he didn't refund in full and pay for delivery for the return, he kicked up a fuss for a couple of messages, admitted defeat and I received an email saying I could keep the item and I was also refunded in full, done that a few times
They only do it because a lot of people don't know they will win the case, don't let scammers bully you, you've got the law on your side

Related

Warranty Exchange?

I need to go about returning my 8125 to warranty exchange. Problem is, I did not purchase the phone, rather bought it brand new off of someone else. (who bought it from cingular) The other person is unwilling to do the exchange. Excluding the issue of the reasons for the exchange, and any physical damage (there is only scratches) could I do a warranty exchange without the involvement of the seller? I plan to say the phone keeps freezing. Worked with my razr.
Also, I flashed the phone to a new rom, will this void the warranty? Do i have to flash back to summiter's stock rom? Thanks a lot.
1) Normally Cingular's gonna want some sort of proof of purchase. Since the phone's not been out more than a year though you might be lucky on that point.
2) It had better have the STOCK ROM (not summiter's not Mr. Clean not anything custom, STOCK) before you send it in. Otherwise they're gonna know you messed with it.
where can i get the stock rom
Well according to this link http://www.htcwizardweb.net/node/161 one of the ROM's available from Summiter is infact the original ROM. Summiter must have backed it up before starting to play with it, I guess.
If the rom is still a cingular rom will not void warranty.
If not -
This is the stock rom ftp://[email protected]/Wizard/Roms/Cingular/Cingular_RUU_1.8.11.1.WWE.ship.exe
If the device is supercid unlocked then do a simple downgrade - if not you will have to go down this path. http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=47848
This sucks
I have the same problem got it brand new on ebay everything was wrapped in original box including the sim card. the touch screen is having issues the bottom part wont' do anything. tried to call cingular the would not help .. i explained that i am a cingular customer but i have the phone so i can use it on a data plan with t mobile and they would not help at all told me that if i didn't get the item from them or their authorized seller they will not help. I have been on the phone wiht HTC america a total of 4 hours back and forth and they won't help. look sell it on ebay...... and call it a day. I will never purchase another cingular branded phone. thinking of switching to tmobile but their service sucks. sprint out of the question i have too many unlocked phones big investment and i refuse to be locked to one phone using sprint or veriozon. the entire deal sucks.... they should sell phones like in europe walk in the store get a phone at the phone's price not at some larger price just to line the fat greasy pockets of cingular ceo's they tricked me inot migrating my good at&t plan they told me that i had 15 days to decide and i can cancel but when i asked for my at&t plan they tell me some story about they don't have th plans anymore. I still have th at&t sim so what give the whole think sucks. lets move to europe
Did you tell them you didn't buy it from them? I've done several exchanges and they have never asked me that. They just ask for the IMEI number (which identifies it as a Cingular phone and the model) and then process the exchange. Whatever you do, do NOT volunteer the fact that you got it elsewhere and you should be OK, but yes return it with the stock ROM
stock rom
you mean i can go to the store without a reciep and get a replacement
Re: This sucks
alynch75 said:
the entire deal sucks.... they should sell phones like in europe walk in the store get a phone at the phone's price not at some larger price just to line the fat greasy pockets of cingular ceo's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now this is a logical fallacy. Have you even bothered to price the cost of a Wizard in the UK? If they were priced the way you say, you'd be paying a whole lot more for them. Retail price on an unlocked Wizard is between $600 and $700 USD. Retail price on a locked unit (ie, just walk into a store in the US and buy it straight out) is $450. With a contract from either T-Mobile or Cingular you can get them from $0-$100.
When you buy used on eBay you always take a risk. Without a proof of purchase, the store/carrier is really under no obligation to warranty the phone for you. Sure, many times they will but it is silly to assume that they have to do it. If you wanted that level of service you would have bought from the store in the first place. Nothing says you can't walk into a retailer, buy a phone and not get a contract.
If you've got a defective phone you really should be taking it up with the guy who sold it to you on eBay as fully working.
hello wait a minute
I got it on ebay and the guy who sold it said it was brand new now i can't get in contact with him. the contact info that ebay has is a po box. they guy won't return my calls. He sent me one email asking me for the imie number after i gave him that number all of a sudden the phone would not boot into windows. The inial problem was the touch screen now the entire thing is toast. Should I call my credit card company and dispute the charge.
Just giving someone an IMEI number should not cause a boot failure by itself, however the simply fact that he asked for it is somewhat suspect as there is no legit reason for a seller to need to ask a buyer for the IMEI number of a phone after it has been sold.
I'm not saying this is your case, but the first thing that pops to mind is insurance fraud. A popular eBay scam right now is to sign up for phone service and get an expensive phone for free. The person in question will also get phone insurance. Then they put the phone up for sale and collect the cash, while at the same time reporting it to the carrier as lost or stolen. The phone then gets replaced and they have both cash in hand as well as a new phone.
In much of the world (ie all over Europe) this doesn't work well as IMEI blocking has been implemented by the carriers there. If a phone is reported lost or stolen the IMEI is added to a database and none of the cooperating networks will allow it to register. In the US this hasn't happened yet on the GSM networks. With the CDMA networks they tie to the ESN on the phone and will block a lost or stolen phone (as well as one with an outstanding balance).
Regardless, had the IMEI been blocked by the carrier, you would not be able to make calls but the Wizard should still boot up and function as a PDA. Of course, if the seller was trying to pull insurance fraud that would explain why he asked for the IMEI and is now ignoring you. It would be rather simple for the seller to do a warranty exchange with Cingular on your behalf, but if the phone was reported lost or stolen he wouldn't exactly want to be phoning up Cingular and asking them to service the phone.
Just some idle speculation.
Re: hello wait a minute
alynch75 said:
I got it on ebay and the guy who sold it said it was brand new now i can't get in contact with him. the contact info that ebay has is a po box. they guy won't return my calls. He sent me one email asking me for the imie number after i gave him that number all of a sudden the phone would not boot into windows. The inial problem was the touch screen now the entire thing is toast. Should I call my credit card company and dispute the charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that you should contact EBay or Paypal and your credit card number to put the case on the dispute...let them know that the item not in working condition as they advertise. You may spent a lot of effort and time for it but at least..... this will make the seller to contact you and deal with you again.
Format has failed
I was able to flash the rom. The flashed completed but it still freezes at the start up screen it says the following:
IPL 2.25
SPL 2.25
GSM 02.25.11
OS 2.25.11.1
its stuck onthe Cingular logo screen. When I try to do a hard reset it give the error message
format has failed.....
Can this device be saved?
Sounds like it is having trouble initializing a section of the flash. My guess is that there's a bad flash chip on there. If I ever saw that on my Wizard I'd be on the phone asking for a warranty replacement.
How do i get the replacemente
How do I get the replacement. I got it off Ebay. Will HTC give me a replacement if so please send me a number where I can contact them.
update of my situation
Well still no reply from the seller so I called the credit card company and dispute the charge. i have copies of the guys ad... and copies of the rude emails he sent me. The credit card company told me just hold on to the defective phone and the emails and they will take care of it.. Apparantly the seller was working from a Post office box he was pay apal verified. I just hope no one else falls victim to this guy.
Re: stock rom
alynch75 said:
you mean i can go to the store without a reciep and get a replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Do it online or through the phone. (Online is easiest)

[Q] Bought a "new" note 3 from ebay...

Supposedly untouched brand new in box "unlocked". When I went to give it the ol rootaroo found the knox at 0x1. So here is my question.
Other than screwing me out of the warranty, what other problems will this cause me?
It's a tmobile. What happens when kit kat comes along, or any other update, am I going to be able to update? As of now, there are no roms, so I am stuck with what samsung sends down the pike and if I cant even get that then what good is the phone. I put in an open case, but if it's not going to screw me up too bad, I might just keep it. However, at 649, for another 50 I can buy one straight from tmobile. Should I return it?
Regards,
J
jackler1 said:
Supposedly untouched brand new in box "unlocked". When I went to give it the ol rootaroo found the knox at 0x1. So here is my question.
Other than screwing me out of the warranty, what other problems will this cause me?
It's a tmobile. What happens when kit kat comes along, or any other update, am I going to be able to update? As of now, there are no roms, so I am stuck with what samsung sends down the pike and if I cant even get that then what good is the phone. I put in an open case, but if it's not going to screw me up too bad, I might just keep it. However, at 649, for another 50 I can buy one straight from tmobile. Should I return it?
Regards,
J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aside from the warranty which you have mentioned, Not a lot else except KNOX functions (which unless you use for company purposes is useless to the every day user 99% of the time) -
As for returning it, it's up to you, if you feel you have been tricked into buying a phone with no warranty and mis sold, then return it
It was misrepresented as "new" so you do have an option to return. Hopefully you paid via paypal or a secure way as I wouldn't trust them to return the monies voluntarily.
jackler1 said:
Supposedly untouched brand new in box "unlocked". When I went to give it the ol rootaroo found the knox at 0x1. So here is my question.
Other than screwing me out of the warranty, what other problems will this cause me?
It's a tmobile. What happens when kit kat comes along, or any other update, am I going to be able to update? As of now, there are no roms, so I am stuck with what samsung sends down the pike and if I cant even get that then what good is the phone. I put in an open case, but if it's not going to screw me up too bad, I might just keep it. However, at 649, for another 50 I can buy one straight from tmobile. Should I return it?
Regards,
J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not new. Return.
And don't buy electrical things at eBay unless you want to take risk.
A friend recently bought what was supposed to be a used, unlocked AT&T S3 on Amazon, to use on T-Mobile. When she got it I discovered that it is actually a T-Mobile S3. She had problems getting any data connection on it and after speaking with T-Mobile tech support for a few days they ran her IMEI and said they would honor the warranty, she explained that she bought it from a 3rd party and that they said that it doesn't have a warranty but the tech said not to worry, it is covered by the manufacturer. T-Mobile is currently sending her another S3 at no cost.
Sent from my S3 using whatever is in the chamber...
radicalisto said:
Aside from the warranty which you have mentioned, Not a lot else except KNOX functions (which unless you use for company purposes is useless to the every day user 99% of the time) -
As for returning it, it's up to you, if you feel you have been tricked into buying a phone with no warranty and mis sold, then return it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying that should updates come, such as kit kat, I will have no problems getting said updates?
I just want to make sure the phone isn't locked out from updates, won't care if I ever get roms.....
Yeah you'll get updates, if you're rooted you won't get them via OTA though. You'll have to use KIES or flash via ODIN. Not really a massive task tbh
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
.... and you'll probably get those updates much faster here on XDA than you will via OTA updates anyway!

[Q] N900W8 software problems

i had a thread in generals, but figured it was the wrong place so i moved the post to here. c/p from OP
Hi all, I'm new to XDA so hopefully someone can help me. I purchased a brand new unlocked note 3 N9000W8 in canada from a cellphone store on Monday Morning. The phone was great and worked without a hitch and had android 4.3 on it.
Later on during the day, there were numerous news headlines regarding a 4.4.2 was officially released. So i decided to do the software update. With failed attempts with the message "Your device have been modified, Software updates are not available"
I checked my Settings > about device > status > device status and it states custom or modified. I am unsure how this is possible thinking it was a brand new phone. After some in depth reading i powered off the phone and check the android download mode (power, home button vol down key combo).
It states device status: custom, firmware: custom, knox 0x1 (which meant my warranty was gone essentially). I proceeded to call the shop i purchased the phone at, and the manager said they buy the phones from the distributor which unlocks them before it gets in their hands. so it must have been rooted prior to me receiving the phone.
Long story short...i know its been quite the reading already my appologies. I used samsung KIES to backup the phone and it updated it back to the stock firmware 4.4.2. I was prepared to loose the root as i dont need it. More concerned about the warranty. With the device and firmware status back to original i can now do OTA updates, however
Problem i have now is after the factory firmware upgrade to stock, my sim no longer works on the network. Seems as if the device has a sim lock, but it never asked for one. A local cellphone shop in st.catharines said there might be an issue with the baseband after the official update.
before the update, i tried all the suggestions such as unmounting the sd card, wiping cache, using supersu to unroot.
Can anyone chime in on what the problem may be? I go to school here, so if all else fails i will have to go back to toronto where i purchased it, and have them figure it out. just a hassle for me to get there without a car.
Seems that the phone was software unlocked while it was rooted. Un rooting the device will simply lock the phone back up. Have you tried entering your carriers APN settings under mobile network?
You have a couple of options, you can root your phone again and software unlock your phone using "CF Region Lock Away" (I've heard that it worked on 4.3 (N900W8) not sure if it'll work with 4.4.2.
2nd option is to get a hardware unlock code from a retailer who unlocks phones.
If I were in your position, I'd try and return the USED phone back to the person you bought it from as it was clearly tampered with. You bought a phone which has KNOX 0x1 which VOIDS your warranty. You were under the assumption that the phone you bought was brand new in the box, FALSE ADVERTISING.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
tedmonddo said:
i had a thread in generals, but figured it was the wrong place so i moved the post to here. c/p from OP
Hi all, I'm new to XDA so hopefully someone can help me. I purchased a brand new unlocked note 3 N9000W8 in canada from a cellphone store on Monday Morning. The phone was great and worked without a hitch and had android 4.3 on it.
Later on during the day, there were numerous news headlines regarding a 4.4.2 was officially released. So i decided to do the software update. With failed attempts with the message "Your device have been modified, Software updates are not available"
I checked my Settings > about device > status > device status and it states custom or modified. I am unsure how this is possible thinking it was a brand new phone. After some in depth reading i powered off the phone and check the android download mode (power, home button vol down key combo).
It states device status: custom, firmware: custom, knox 0x1 (which meant my warranty was gone essentially). I proceeded to call the shop i purchased the phone at, and the manager said they buy the phones from the distributor which unlocks them before it gets in their hands. so it must have been rooted prior to me receiving the phone.
Long story short...i know its been quite the reading already my appologies. I used samsung KIES to backup the phone and it updated it back to the stock firmware 4.4.2. I was prepared to loose the root as i dont need it. More concerned about the warranty. With the device and firmware status back to original i can now do OTA updates, however
Problem i have now is after the factory firmware upgrade to stock, my sim no longer works on the network. Seems as if the device has a sim lock, but it never asked for one. A local cellphone shop in st.catharines said there might be an issue with the baseband after the official update.
before the update, i tried all the suggestions such as unmounting the sd card, wiping cache, using supersu to unroot.
Can anyone chime in on what the problem may be? I go to school here, so if all else fails i will have to go back to toronto where i purchased it, and have them figure it out. just a hassle for me to get there without a car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro.....
Meet me at the store you bought this from in T.O, I will get you a refund in 5 minutes.
Not even slightly kidding.
You were RIPPED OFF bud!! Do not allow that to go down. Tell them to switch it for another one, until you get one that has a warranty.
Seriously, my offer stands. If you want to meet down there sometime this week I would be glad to do so, I live about an hour outside the GTA but I don't give a ****. If there is anything I can do to help you in this situation I'll do it.
I have tried registering it on the fido network without any luck. Even the local cellphone shop was tinkering with it for 30minutes trying to help me out. They weren't able to do anything either. From my understanding, a software unlock only works for europe phones (based on what i have read) even the local guys said its usually just a pin unlock.
Update: The retailer that i bought it from said he ordered me a new white note 3 unlocked as well to replace my problematic one. When i go again i have to make sure its not rooted. IS there such thing as a Factory unlocked/unbranded samsung note 3 from samsung themselves?
djnoicatse said:
Seems that the phone was software unlocked while it was rooted. Un rooting the device will simply lock the phone back up. Have you tried entering your carriers APN settings under mobile network?
You have a couple of options, you can root your phone again and software unlock your phone using "CF Region Lock Away" (I've heard that it worked on 4.3 (N900W8) not sure if it'll work with 4.4.2.
2nd option is to get a hardware unlock code from a retailer who unlocks phones.
If I were in your position, I'd try and return the USED phone back to the person you bought it from as it was clearly tampered with. You bought a phone which has KNOX 0x1 which VOIDS your warranty. You were under the assumption that the phone you bought was brand new in the box, FALSE ADVERTISING.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The manager is more than willing to help me by getting me a new device. As mentioned in the previous post, i do hope that this one is unmodified/unrooted out of the box. Anything to look out for besides the software download information screen?
May i ask where you got your device? maybe i can go there and get mine. I might take you up on that offer, and I can swing by to get you. I live on the border of milton/oakville so you're not that far out.Go to school in st.catharines. It seems you're much more knowledgeable about this that i was at first.
appreciate the help
nexxusty said:
Bro.....
Meet me at the store you bought this from in T.O, I will get you a refund in 5 minutes.
Not even slightly kidding.
You were RIPPED OFF bud!! Do not allow that to go down. Tell them to switch it for another one, until you get one that has a warranty.
Seriously, my offer stands. If you want to meet down there sometime this week I would be glad to do so, I live about an hour outside the GTA but I don't give a ****. If there is anything I can do to help you in this situation I'll do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tedmonddo said:
The manager is more than willing to help me by getting me a new device. As mentioned in the previous post, i do hope that this one is unmodified/unrooted out of the box. Anything to look out for besides the software download information screen?
May i ask where you got your device? maybe i can go there and get mine. I might take you up on that offer, and I can swing by to get you. I live on the border of milton/oakville so you're not that far out.Go to school in st.catharines. It seems you're much more knowledgeable about this that i was at first.
appreciate the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I traded a Red Nexus 5 I had at the time for a Black Unlocked Note 3 +$200 cash on Kijiji. Came with a Spigen Slim Armor too.
There are tons of decent deals on Kijiji, you NEED to know how to spot fakes, check IMEI's, look for defects, etc.
I can help you find something if you'd like, just say the word. I will still help you deal with the other guy as well. I'll bring an SD card with .apk's on it like CPU-Z to make sure it's legit. The IMEI we just type in protectyourdata.ca on my phone or tethered laptop to make sure it isn't blacklisted. Checking for unlock is easy too, as long as we have multiple sims from different companies (I have 2, we might have 3 with yours).
I'll make sure you walk out of there with a fully legitimate Note 3. 100%.
If I can help a fellow XDA'er, a Canadian to boot, I will do it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I come off like a **** (especially to n00bs, I am really mean now and then...) but I am always willing to help.
I watched a few videos on how to spot fake devices and this one was legit for sure. I plan to go saturday to get this sorted out once and for all. The problem is i require the knox to be 0x0 as my part time job requires me to have a phone that is enterprise capable, for the byod. In the event he only has rooted unlocked phones, i will get my money back because i need a legit clean phone.
as mentioned i really appreciate the help, Can you send me a PM with your phone number? If you have a few hours to spare on saturday im more than willing to swing by and get you, in hopes to figure out my phone problem.
nexxusty said:
I traded a Red Nexus 5 I had at the time for a Black Unlocked Note 3 +$200 cash on Kijiji. Came with a Spigen Slim Armor too.
There are tons of decent deals on Kijiji, you NEED to know how to spot fakes, check IMEI's, look for defects, etc.
I can help you find something if you'd like, just say the word. I will still help you deal with the other guy as well. I'll bring an SD card with .apk's on it like CPU-Z to make sure it's legit. The IMEI we just type in protectyourdata.ca on my phone or tethered laptop to make sure it isn't blacklisted. Checking for unlock is easy too, as long as we have multiple sims from different companies (I have 2, we might have 3 with yours).
I'll make sure you walk out of there with a fully legitimate Note 3. 100%.
If I can help a fellow XDA'er, a Canadian to boot, I will do it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I come off like a **** (especially to n00bs, I am really mean now and then...) but I am always willing to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tedmonddo said:
I watched a few videos on how to spot fake devices and this one was legit for sure. I plan to go saturday to get this sorted out once and for all. The problem is i require the knox to be 0x0 as my part time job requires me to have a phone that is enterprise capable, for the byod. In the event he only has rooted unlocked phones, i will get my money back because i need a legit clean phone.
as mentioned i really appreciate the help, Can you send me a PM with your phone number? If you have a few hours to spare on saturday im more than willing to swing by and get you, in hopes to figure out my phone problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand. Knox containers, etc. hehe.
Will PM you my number. Just to let you know though, I'm NOT a small guy. I hope you don't have a Smart Car or something... lol.
6'4, 330 lbs here.
Talk soon.
no smart car here. will wait for pm
nexxusty said:
I totally understand. Knox containers, etc. hehe.
Will PM you my number. Just to let you know though, I'm NOT a small guy. I hope you don't have a Smart Car or something... lol.
6'4, 330 lbs here.
Talk soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Galaxy S5 fake/international/broken - I am at loss

I have a galaxy S5 that I have purchased from someone on Craigslist (been doing this for years, never had a bad experience).
But I am completely at loss about this device.
The box and the battery labels have one kind of a EMEI and the phone SW in the "about" section a completely different one.
Prior to purchasing the phone, I have asked the owner for the EMEI, I have called the ATT store and they said it's unlocked. (this is the one on the back of the device under the battery and the box). After I have purchased the phone (because I am a fool) and realized there is something wrong with it, I have called Samsung US customer service. I have given them both EMEI numbers from under the battery and in the menu, but they were not able to find anything. They said that if it is an international device, they would not have any information on this device. Which makes sense, but doesn't help at all.
I have downloaded an info app to get the exact model number because if I click on the model in the menu, it pops up and I can change it to anything I want.(wtf???) The info app says its a SM900S version, the SSN number on the back says its a G900G SMH version.(The model no. is simply SM-G900). The sticker says a certain serial number, the inside SW in about section says 123456789ABCD. This phone is a joke.
Battery drains like crazy, the display seems to be something like a 240p resolution when taking videos or pictures.
Watching youtube videos is laggy and washed out. I thought it's the fake Galaxy S5, but the finger scanner works, heartbeat sensor works as well (these would not work on the fake ones as far as I understand it correctly). By now I figured this is not an American version but a unlocked version (works with ATT on H speed and T-Mobile on Edge and uses roaming for a European version). The info app shows that there is a 801 processor in it and that all CPU's are running. GPU is 330.
What puzzles me is the screen resolution and the horrible quality of the picture/videos on the screen and camera. I have reset the phone to see if it helps, but it doesn't. I don't feel great about reselling it knowing that there are these issues there. I wanted to see if it is even possible to burn a ROM on this device and see if it helps, but since the label and SW version show a different model, I have no clue which version, or whether I can install a ROM in the first place.
For the love of God, can anyone think of something here. Please do not go into "don't buy of Craigslist" thing.
I really need help with this piece of ****e
I live in DC, MD, VA area. I am willing to meet with someone in the DMV or PA area if you would be willing to take a look at this phone.
emanko111 said:
I have a galaxy S5 that I purchased from a Craigslist owner (been doing this for years, never had a bad experience).
But I am completely at loss about this device.
The box and the battery labels have one kind of a EMEI and the phone SW in the "about" section a completely different one.
Prior to purchasing the phone, I have asked the owner for the EMEI, I have called the ATT store and they said it's unlocked. (this is the one on the back of the device under the battery and the box). After I have purchased the phone (because I am a fool) and realized there is something wrong with it, I have called Samsung US customer service. I have given them both EMEI numbers from under the battery and in the menu, but they were not able to find anything. They said that if it is an international device, they would not have any information on this device. Which makes sense, but doesn't help at all.
I have downloaded an info app to get the exact model number because if I click on the model in the menu, it pops up and I can change it to anything I want.(wtf???) The info app says its a SM900S version, the SSN number on the back says its a G900G SMH version.(The model no. is simply SM-G900). The sticker says a certain serial number, the inside SW in about section says 123456789ABCD. This phone is a joke.
Battery drains like crazy, the display seems to be something like a 240p resolution when taking videos or pictures.
Watching youtube videos is laggy and washed out. I thought it's the fake Galaxy S5, but the finger scanner works, heartbeat sensor works as well (these would not work on the fake ones as far as I understand it correctly). By now I figured this is not an American version but a unlocked version (works with ATT on H speed and T-Mobile on Edge and uses roaming for a European version). The info app shows that there is a 801 processor in it and that all CPU's are running. GPU is 330.
What puzzles me is the screen resolution and the horrible quality of the picture/videos on the screen and camera. I have reset the phone to see if it helps, but it doesn't. I don't feel great about reselling it knowing that there are these issues there. I wanted to see if it is even possible to burn a ROM on this device and see if it helps, but since the label and SW version show a different model, I have no clue which version, or whether I can install a ROM in the first place.
For the love of God, can anyone think of something here. Please do not go into "don't buy of Craigslist" thing.
I really need help with this piece of ****e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought the device with a creditcard you should be able to get your money back because of fraude. Or contact the seller and see if he reverses the sale, if he will not do that file a police report for fraude and give them as much details/info as you can. Thats about it mate you can do imo, good luck mate
gee2012 said:
If you bought the device with a creditcard you should be able to get your money back because of fraude. Or contact the seller and see if he reverses the sale, if he will not do that file a police report for fraude and give them as much details/info as you can. Thats about it mate you can do imo, good luck mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Of courseI have paid cash, it's hard not to with CS stuff. (he went down from $480 to $420 bc I was willing to meet him the PM hours).
I will contact the police although from what I heard, they don't give a damn about "fraud" cases such as these.
Also, I wonder how can I prove that I have purchased a device from him, if I have no receipt?
emanko111 said:
Thanks.
Of courseI have paid cash, it's hard not to with CS stuff. (he went down from $480 to $420 bc I was willing to meet him the PM hours).
I will contact the police although from what I heard, they don't give a damn about "fraud" cases such as these.
Also, I wonder how can I prove that I have purchased a device from him, if I have no receipt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless there we`re witnesses present during the sale you can`t prove anything.
Its impossible to prove who a seller is through the ad so legally the police can't do anything, And you didn't pay with credit card so basically you are completely stuffed and your only 2 choices are to track him down and beat the **** out of him or just take this as a life lesson and spend a bit more next time from a reputable seller.
Michael_P said:
Its impossible to prove who a seller is through the ad so legally the police can't do anything, And you didn't pay with credit card so basically you are completely stuffed and your only 2 choices are to track him down and beat the **** out of him or just take this as a life lesson and spend a bit more next time from a reputable seller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
But does anyone have an idea about whats going on with the phone?
I have the same model, but I was aware beforehand that it was a fake. My question is this: Has anyone found the correct way to hard reset this model SM-G900 (G900SMH) ? I can get to the factory reset screen, with the android guy saying "no command". I need help on this one, if anybody has the correct sequence of button presses?

[HELP] Am i being scammed?

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 ...

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