[sasbob]

Hi guys new to the forum but have a question and wondering if anyone can help

Mrs had her phone nicked so i`m looking at getting her one for Xmas, been looking at the new Blackberry Touch. Question is, if i were to get one off Ebay (someone selling their new upgraded phone but not wanting it) Whats to stop them reporting it lost/stolen after a few months and claiming a new one?? Mine gets locked as a stolen phone and i`m a few hundred out of pocket

I would need to get it unlocked as she`s working in Gibraltar for a few months so who locks the phone? Blackberry or the Network?

Bit confused anyone know more?


Before you ask she cant claim for hers as Vodaphone fobbed her off as Gib apparently isb`t part of the UK anymore

Thanks for any help!!

Bob

[Dubdub]

A phone is usually locked to the carrier that sells it. Click the tab above "Blackberry Unlock" for our unlocking service.

As for buying via eBay, check our FAQ. Hint: Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ

My advice is to get a new device, not a used one. Too many potential problems.

[sasbob]

I`m aware it can be unlocked to work with any carrier but cant it get locked in a different way if reported stolen?? If so can this be unlocked?

Or are you saying once unlocked no carrier can then lock it?

Thanks for your reply

[NJBlackBerry]

Once unlocked a phone cannot be relocked. A carrier can bar the phone from their network if it is reported as stolen.

[sasbob]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

Once unlocked a phone cannot be relocked. A carrier can bar the phone from their network if it is reported as stolen.

Great thanks, so to be safe the best option for peace of mind is to get it unlocked then not use it on the original network?

Just concerned about wasting a few hundred quid by some sneaky seller!!!

[devnull]

The safest option is to buy it new and not on ebay.

As far as I know, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, if the phone is barred(not to be confused with locked), it is useless on any network.

[Dubdub]

If it has been reported as stolen or lost, some carriers will ban the PIN making it unusable on any carrier. Verizon and Sprint do that here in the US. Read the FAQ article and do the things it recommends to see if the IMEI/ESN and PIN are clear.

[tsac]

Take the suggestions and buy a new phone. ebay = trouble.

[rambo47]

A middle option for procuring a used BlackBerry is to find one someplace reputable like the Buy/Sell/Trade sub-forum here at BBF. If you deal with a long-time member you're more likely to be dealing with somebody honest.

[Dubdub]

Good suggestion rambo

[mobifree]

I agree with what Rambo said.
When buying from ANY SOURCE other than a reputable retailer, always look at their feedback/reviews, google them to see if they're scammers or not.

Anyone can create an online account on ebay/craiglist, sell an item, take your money and close their account.

Once you get your item, it's reported lost/stolen, physically damage (liquid) or various other possibilities.

[DallasFlier]

Originally Posted by mobifree

I agree with what Rambo said.
When buying from ANY SOURCE other than a reputable retailer, always look at their feedback/reviews, google them to see if they're scammers or not.

Anyone can create an online account on ebay/craiglist, sell an item, take your money and close their account.

Once you get your item, it's reported lost/stolen, physically damage (liquid) or various other possibilities.

Good advice. eBay isn't inherently more trustworthy than the buy/sell forum here, nor is it inherently less trustworthy. If you're careful and prudent, and follow the suggestions in the eBay FAQ here mentioned earlier - plus check out the longevity and feedback record - you can certainly have a good experience via eBay. Just remember - here, there or anywhere else - if you're not buying from an authorized retail outlet, to be careful and follow the suggestions that Rambo and mobifree made.