[djl4]

Okay, so here's the problem.
I got the Blackberry Bold off of Ebay (not the best place to buy). The previous person used the Bold on his/her T-Mobile network (it's unlocked). He set up his email and everything using the Bold's PIN and IMEI number.
I'm trying to set up my email, but I can't because there's already an email account set up.
I've called my wireless service provider, AT&T, and RIM. What they told me was to contact the previous owner and have him/her contact T-Mobile to delete the Subscriber ID, as they called it.

I'm still waiting for a response from the previous owner.

In the case the person never replies, is there anything I can do?

[BlackBerry-Q8]

did u try to Wipe the device?

[Dubdub]

You were told the correct procedure. You need to contact the previous owner and have him/her cancel their BIS account. This will release the PIN and IMEI so you can use it to set up your email on that device.

Some carriers will help you out and reset it, others will not. Just depends. You could always try another call to your carrier and plead your case politely and see what happens.

[djl4]

Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.
It is possible for carriers to reset though, correct?
Even if I can't get into contact with that person, carriers can reset it?
Who do I have contact? T mobile? My carrier, ATT? RIM?

Again, I appreciate the help.
Thank you.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by BlackBerry-Q8

did u try to Wipe the device?

wiping has nothing to do with it.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by djl4

Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.
It is possible for carriers to reset though, correct?
Even if I can't get into contact with that person, carriers can reset it?
Who do I have contact? T mobile? My carrier, ATT? RIM?

Again, I appreciate the help.
Thank you.

You would need to work with your carrier if you can't contact the previous owner. In most cases, you will need to provide some proof of ownership, however.

[djl4]

Dubdub, thank you again for replying. I appreciate your help.
Would having the PIN and IMEI number suffice?
How else would I be able to prove it?
Do I contact my service provider (AT&T) or the previous owner's wireless provider?
Would going to a physical store and speaking to a customer service rep help?

I apologize for asking so many questions. I just find it frustrating how I can't use the main function of a Blackberry.

Thank you in advance.

[Dubdub]

You need the PIN and IMEI, obviously. Yiu need to work through your carrier. I would try going to a corp store with the device in hand and see what happens.

A bill of sale or some similar proof would be best, just to prove you own it and didn't find it someplace.

Also try calling customer service as I said above. Be polite and explain the situation. Sooner or later you might find someone willing to help.

[BruceDBR]

Geez. I came here looking for an answer to just this question. I am trying to help out a friend that has the same issue, bought a Bold off of Ebay. TGhe phone is great, but there is a associated with this device. I wiped the handheld 3 times and the silly account keeps coming back.

I did that one time, sold an old Blackberry but ddn't cancel my account. The lady that bought it from me emailed me, I cancelled the account right away, apologized profusely and she was fine. The problem is, for my friend, that the person is spanish and no one i know, knows spanish.


I'll tell him to go to a corporate store and see if tehy can help.

[djl4]

Sorry, Bruce.
I hope it goes will for your friend.

So, nothing happened. The person I contacted said he would get it fixed, but with the long weekend, I'm going to have to wait. Even if I wait, I don't even know if he's going to get it done.
I'm just going to have to wait until Tuesday to see what happens.
It's really frustrating.
Never buy a used Blackberry off of Ebay. Lesson learned.

[Dubdub]

From our FAQ: Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ


Buying a used BB isn't as easy as buyng a used cell phone, as you found out.

[djl4]

Thanks for the link.
Only if I had known...