Hello Guys, hope you can provide some inputs.

I bought a BB 8310 from Singapore and brought back to my country for my wife from a legit store. My wife already owns a blackberry pearl and would want to use her new bb from the service provider.

We found that the IMIE number in my new 8310 is already registered to another mobile user and that the IMEI number inside my new phone did not match the sticker at the back of the unit. So now I can't get a line for new 8310, but can use it for text and calls only.

Have any experienced this and what can we do about this, from the looks of I have made a bad purchase. I will go back to the store when I travel back buts its a hassle and I can't do that immediately. Any advise would help. Are we not protected from this? I'm not a techi on this stuff and it sure is disappointing situation.

Thanks!

I have read here of another person who got their phone from singapore, which had a hacked PIN number. basically it was sorta a clone.

Its obv. its not a new phone, and unfortunately theres nothing you can do to release the IMEI.
I would say its a dodgy device and return it if they will let you.

Thanks MidnightDraven for the reply, I guess I'm screwed then. Will try to get back on the store where I bought it better to include Singapore authorities as well. This practice makes tourism in one place sucks, paying hard earned money for something legit and later finding out your screwed.

Can RIm of BB do something about it, as we are all aware that we are purchasing their products and not aware we are being screwed? Just hoping all will turn out ok.

Still, for me and my wife's usage, BB products are great and very usefull, will not hesitate to purchase one again.

Any other inputs are well appreciated.

Thanks again!

RIM wont likely do anything about it.
It wouldn't surprise me if the device was stolen, the IMEI would have been reported and blacklisted, so the change in IMEI helps.