Guys, I really need your help.

[mjwassmer]

I just purchased a Droid Incredible from somebody on Craigslist. I met up with the person, gave them the money, and arrived home about half an hour ago. I tried to activate the phone--it wouldn't.

Turns out the MEID is bad. I can't activate it. I don't know if this person knew that, or what. I'm trying to get back in touch with them now. A few questions:

Is there anyway to unlock this phone?

Do you think I have any legal rights here if for some reason I can't contact this person? I did write down their license plate number.

 

[mjwassmer]

I realize I made a big mistake in not checking the MEID first. I just didn't know.

 

[cromo8]

good job on writing down the license plate, yes you should have at least asked on here we all would have adviced u to check it, you have legal right if he sold you a defective device

 

[mwhartman]

Sorry about your experience. I would contact VZW and explain that you purchased a used device and ask if they can help activate.
I doubt you have any legal ground but if VZW can't help then contact the local authorities and explain the situation.

Good Luck.

Mike

 

[mjwassmer]

Thanks for the tips. I calmed down a bit and did some more digging.

I bought this phone from the woman for $220. I looked on Ebay to see how much a brand new HTC Droid Incredible would go with a bad ESN and found this...

HTC Droid Incredible Prefect Condition (BAD ESN) - eBay (item 190432951489 end time Aug-25-10 22:50:47 PDT)

This guys already over the $220 mark. Ha, so maybe I'll make money out of being scammed if I sell it on Ebay and make sure to say that it has a bad ESN.

 

[mjwassmer]

I do have another question, though: what makes a bad ESN?

What do you have to do with your phone to make it to where you can sell it to someone?

 

[Vulcan1600]

I do have another question, though: what makes a bad ESN?

What do you have to do with your phone to make it to where you can sell it to someone?

The three that come to mind are:

1. Stolen and you're their next victim
2. Purchased on an account that was closed and now in collections
3. Purchased and never activated because the Terms and Conditions were not accepted.

 

[mjwassmer]

Well, someone just bought it from me for 230. Wow. Made 10 bucks.

 

[furbearingmammal]

Well, someone just bought it from me for 230. Wow. Made 10 bucks.

Happy outcome?

 

[mjwassmer]

Suppose so!

 

[furbearingmammal]

All's well that ends well!

 

[Slothead]

So did your buyer get YOUR license number?

 

[Vulcan1600]

Does your buyer know the ESN is bad?

 

[mjwassmer]

Yes, I advertised it on Ebay as having a bad ESN. I wouldn't do to someone else what that lady did to me.

 

[furbearingmammal]

Know it is has one isn't the same as knowing what it means, but if you advertised the fact then it's buyer beware.

I hope you sold it as-is, otherwise even with that notice there might be issues.