Bought used phone - did I get screwed or can I use this thing?

Okay, I have a question regarding a Samsung a840 that I bought off ebay recently. The phone is in excellent physical shape, and functions perfectly. However, when I try to do a handset swap online, I get a message saying the new handset isn't compatible or something along those lines?

I have a feeling that this phone is stolen... so I don't really want to call Telus and ask them because now I'm probably dealing with a stolen cell phone. I did pay about 60 dollars or so on ebay, so technically it is mine and I do think I have the right to use it. It's a replacement because I had the same phone before this, but dropped it in the ocean.

Anyways, is there any way that I can reset or reprogram so it will allow me to use it? I'd be dissapointed if I couldn't use it because telus doesn't sell this phone anymore (I have the pink one too, which makes it harder to get). Infact that's the only reason why I bought it on ebay (and it was the only pink one on there).

If not, I might just turn around and sell this again, maybe someone can make use of it. Either way, a huge bummer if I can't use this thing. I'm stuck using my old a540 from back in the day until I find something better... I loved the 840, but it looks like I might have to see what other Samsungs I can get through telus.

Thanks!

*Edit* - and it is a Telus handset... so it should work as far as I know?

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If it is a stolen phone, you don't have the right to keep and use it and it isn't yours. The seller owes you $60. If it isn't, then phoning Telus will solve the mystery.

Is it a Telus handset? If it isn't, does Telus accept foreign equipment? Some CDMA providers don't.

Yes it is a Telus handset.

And you honestly think the seller is going to give me my $60 bucks back? Of course he isn't. I'll accept the fact if I am out $60, but I'm not going to attempt to get my money back for this item, there's no proof at all that it's stolen.

The auction indicated this phone was a lost & found item from this guys work, so after 3 weeks of being unclaimed it was his duty to auction it off and the profit would go towards his company.

I can't just e-mail him and accuse him of stealing it... he's going to stick to his story.

Any suggestions? Or am I SOL.

Originally Posted by .Jenna.

Yes it is a Telus handset.

And you honestly think the seller is going to give me my $60 bucks back? Of course he isn't. I'll accept the fact if I am out $60, but I'm not going to attempt to get my money back for this item, there's no proof at all that it's stolen.

If you won't call Telus, you're SOL.

I really do wish you'd reconsider your stance though. Although I doubt anybody would kick a big fuss over it, if you have stolen property you're still breaking the law. If you know (or really ought to know - plugging your ears and humming "I can't hear you" doesn't count) that it's stolen, and keep it anyway, it is even more likely you could have trouble.

Incidentally I didn't realistically think you'd get your $60 back - but legally, if this is a stolen handset, that's your only option . The handset still belongs to whomever it was stolen from.

Contact your seller, explain the problem, see if he'll help. Perhaps he doesn't know it's stolen and he'll give you a refund. Perhaps it isn't stolen and it's just a Telus problem, but if you won't call Telus there is no way to figure that out.

Buying a used phone is never a good idea. Too many things can be wrong.