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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > iPhone, iPad & iPod > Buying iPhone on eBay or Craigslist

Buying iPhone on eBay or Craigslist
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macuser9909
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Jul 11, 2007, 06:42 PM
 
Hey, quick question: If I were to go to CraigsList or eBay and buy an iPhone, (at a discounted cost) and I complete the transaction having received no receipt, then activate as I normally would, what happens? Is the serial number transmitted anywhere? Am I screwed if the product is stolen? Or what if it breaks and I take it to the Apple store, what will they tell me? I am jut curious because you never know who is scamming you. Thanks for your help.
     
PBG4 User
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Jul 11, 2007, 07:38 PM
 
In the US, you are screwed if you purchase / acquire stolen goods. If someone else can prove they are the legal owner of an item, the police will take it from you to give back to the rightful owner. I know Apple's computer warranties are transferable, but don't know if this applies to the iPhone. Your best bet would be to contact Apple to get an answer to your warranty question.
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::maroma::
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Jul 11, 2007, 07:41 PM
 
I can't imagine you'd be saving that much money, unless the items are indeed stolen. Anyone who would buy a $600 iPhone and sell it for significantly less is a nut job. I wouldn't chance it, personally. Maybe wait for Apple refurbished iPhones if you're looking to save some cash.
     
icruise
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Jul 11, 2007, 08:13 PM
 
Yeah, I have trouble coming up with a legitimate scenario in which you could save a significant amount of money on a non-stolen iPhone. Even people who bought them to sell on eBay are not going to sell at a loss. Assuming it hasn't been opened, they could still get their money back. It's not worth the potential hassles involved.
     
macuser9909  (op)
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Jul 11, 2007, 08:33 PM
 
Thanks for the help, so basically if I do purchase a stolen iPhone, am I in trouble if I indeed sync it up and make a new ATT Plan?
     
icruise
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Jul 11, 2007, 08:50 PM
 
I would imagine that you could sync it up and activate it and everything, but you're running the risk that the police would show up and (best case scenario) confiscate it. Then you'd have a 2-year AT&T commitment with no iPhone to use it with. And it's also possible that it could be registered with Apple as having been stolen, in which case you'd be out of luck from the start. Why risk it? Is there a specific auction you have in mind?
     
macuser9909  (op)
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Jul 11, 2007, 11:50 PM
 
Thanks guys for the help, definitely swayed my decision. I'm gonna bite the bullet and save extra cash and go for it.
     
icruise
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Jul 11, 2007, 11:53 PM
 
How on earth did you come to that decision based on what we told you?
     
::maroma::
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Jul 12, 2007, 11:59 AM
 
I think he meant he's going to save extra cash and get a new iPhone...?

I think.
     
Nodnarb
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Jul 12, 2007, 12:35 PM
 
Originally Posted by ::maroma:: View Post
I think he meant he's going to save extra cash and get a new iPhone...?

I think.
That's what I read too.
     
PEPPERRULES
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Jul 18, 2007, 08:09 PM
 
Ebay and craiglists are both bad calls, especially with a traceable product like a cell phone.
     
PEPPERRULES
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Jul 18, 2007, 08:10 PM
 
After re-reading, it looks like you made up your mind anyway.
     
NoBadBreaks9
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Jul 20, 2007, 05:27 AM
 
i would sooo not buy a craigslist iphone
     
   
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