Activating a Craigslist Phone

I bought a Blackberry from a guy on Craigslist. I trid to avtivate it and the US Cell Sales Rep said she couldnt do it. She said I have to call the guy and tell hime to deactivate it. He told me he hasnt paid his bill, but once he does US cell can then deactivate the phone. I dont think the phone is stollen. He left the recipt in the box. Is there any way around this? Or should I wait to see if he pays his bill. Does anyone know if they can turn the phone off and just put iy in my name? Thanks in advance.

Dylan

Well, if a device has an outstanding balance that is unpaid, the wireless carrier cannot deactivate the device. That would mean you couldn't reactivate the device because one phone can only be on one line.

Also, something you might want to investigate. If he was to have received the phone at a cheap, 2 year pricing, when he turns it off, they may request the phone back.

But if this kid dosnt pay back his past due amount. What would US Cell do about the phones? I would hope that I can just activate the phone and give US Cell an extra $25 a month for the data plan. I mean if they can get money anyway they can I would think they would be all over it.

Nope...they aren't all over money.

They have to follow laws and regulations like everyone else.