would you buy a cell phone off craigslist?

**Nasir Jones** · 04-26-2012, 02:42 PM

thinking of buying a 9900 off of craigslist. sent them a few questions and they respond by typing in slang and spelling words incorrectly

dont' know if i can trust the person. the ad said never been open and i saw some pictures it did have a seal on the box

**kennyliftit** · 04-26-2012, 02:48 PM

Yes I've purchased a phone off of craigslist before. Its always a risk. Call your carrier and have them check the phones "esn" number. They can tell you if it was stolen or reported stolen. However the risk is the phone may be stolen and reported after you make the purchase leaving you with a useless device.

Have the individual meet you at your local carrier to make the transfer. That's my recommendation

**costas1966** · 04-26-2012, 02:54 PM

I have bought a few of them, and so far have been happy with the results. I take the time to find out what I can, and usually power it up with my sim card on the spot and make a call to make sure it works.

Just be careful.

**kg4icg** · 04-26-2012, 03:08 PM

Under certain criteria. 1 that they are local, 2 that they meet me at the carrier's store, and 3 pay at the time of carrier being able to activate said device, no advance payment.

**janerblue** · 04-26-2012, 03:14 PM

I sold seven of our phones through Craigslist and would buy as well. I however would have conditions such as I would activate the phone in his/her presence.

**Schufly** · 04-26-2012, 04:57 PM

I've bought and sold many phones on CL. You need to be educated and careful. And I won't deal with anyone who can't communicate intelligently.

**papped** · 04-26-2012, 05:02 PM

It's kinda like ebay, but you need to know what you are doing even more so and the risk is higher.

Personally I'd just rather find a reputable seller on ebay as you have chargebacks, feedback system, buyer/seller protection (granted it's not a catch all). But the prices are a bit higher than CL due to fees and whatnot.

**palomartian** · 04-26-2012, 05:07 PM

Maybe other things but not a 9900. Even new in the box you run a significant risk the thing is a lemon.

**OniPod** · 04-26-2012, 05:54 PM

I personally stay away from the list. ebay is safer. More mechanisms in place to recover your $$ if the deal goes sour.

At the end of day. Do your homework, and take precautions.

**o4liberty** · 04-26-2012, 05:54 PM

I would only buy one if I could activate in front of the seller to confirm that it works and has a clean esn.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

**Nashstruck** · 04-26-2012, 06:00 PM

Never ever.

**sharma0702** · 04-26-2012, 07:11 PM

Due to clumsiness, and whatnot I bought 2 9000's off of CL back in the day. Both times was good, no bullsh*t or anything. One individual said he'd meet me at a Rogers store of my choice to make sure that the device worked, and was not stolen. There are good people out there, don't let a few bad apples leave a sour taste in your mouth.

**howarmat** · 04-26-2012, 07:14 PM

keep it on topic please folks

**ismethajametovic** · 04-26-2012, 08:35 PM

I traded/sold my BB from a guy on craigslist. Meet @ a public well lighted location with plenty of people walking/sitting around and you'll be fine as long as you pay attention to your surroundings.

Test the phone yourself. If they refuse for you to turn the phone on and test the phone, well you already know your answer to this situation.

Also, when buying off craigslist, always leave your cash inside your car or with someone you're with. When you guys are ready to finalize the deal, get the cash out of the car, so that you're protected if the person tries to mug you and what not.