Buying from Ebay

[ealex5655]

I'm looking to buy the BB Torch to use with my current provider, T-Mobile. I've read over many posts relating to unlocking etc.. and I feel pretty comfortable with that part of it. My concern is with the purchase itself. I know there are a lot of scams like stealing phones outright or turning a phone into insurance as lost and then selling it. But I just got my 9700 less than six months ago, and T-Mobile doesn't carry the Torch anyway. So Ebay it is. Can I get into trouble if I end up inadvertantly buying a stolen phone or a phone that was claimed as lost or stolen for an insurance claimed?

And is there a way to tell when I get the phone, or will I just automatically know it's legit when/if it works once I swap SIM's (when I see it's not booted or locked up or whatever)?

Thanks so much!
~Alex.

[markhunsaker]

Get the seller to give you the ESN number. You can call AT&T and ask a rep to check to see if the phone has been blacklisted.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Mister Xiado]

AT&T doesn't work with ESNs, and AT&T does not "blacklist" IMEI numbers. If an IMEI is active on someone else's account and has been reported as stolen, you may be directed to contact the original owner of the phone, but there is nothing to prevent you from using any GSM phone that is compatible with the frequencies AT&T operates at.

T-Mobile isn't as laissez faire.

[FreeYourCellphone]

Just buy from a reputable seller to avoid headaches,

Make sure they have sold other torches and have feedback from buyers who bought torches from them.


Cheers,

James