[xs0ng]

So I'm looking to buy a Galaxy Note II off Craigslist. I am only looking to buy brand new ones and will not sniff it if I don't see unbroken seals and everything in place, clean, and working once I open it.

My question is about the IMEI #. I know all about them and how T-Mobile can block the phone if it was stolen or the guy didn't pay the bills. I also know that the IMEI can be clean when I buy it and then be blocked in a few weeks.

My real question is, would a brand new phone have a blocked IMEI? If I call T-Mobile with the IMEI number can they tell me if it's in process of being blacklisted in the case that somebody reported it stolen or if it's been activated previously so I can avoid being blocked 2-4 weeks later?

Thanks.

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› See More: Bad IMEI #

[tavenger5]

It's possible for a new one to be blacklisted - the IMEI is usually printed on the box so, if it was stolen then it may be put on a blacklist.

I'm not sure that t-mobile would tell you if it was blacklisted or not, but it's worth a try.

[xs0ng]

It's possible for a new one to be blacklisted - the IMEI is usually printed on the box so, if it was stolen then it may be put on a blacklist.

I'm not sure that t-mobile would tell you if it was blacklisted or not, but it's worth a try.

I have a question though.

If I can call them and verify that the phone has never been activated and that its never been put to use with a contract, am I in the clear?

The reason I ask is because I was thinking...

How can they later tell me that they blacklisted the phone due to the previous owner not paying his bills if they already confirmed me that there was never a previous owner?

Also, how can they blacklist the phone in 2 weeks telling me it was reported stolen if there was never a previous owner? Don't you need proof of ownership to file a lost or stolen phone?

So I was thinking as I buy this new phone, wouldn't I be in the clear if I get the IMEI# checked and everything's okay?

Again, this is a NEW phone.

[tavenger5]

I don't see why you wouldn't be okay if the IMEI checks out. I see what you mean though. If the owner got it at a discount for renewing contract, never opens it, tries to sell it while not paying bills, never pays bill, etc..

The only other scenario I can think of is if it was stolen from a store or off of a truck. Technically it would still be new. Even in that case it would be blacklisted.

[xs0ng]

I don't see why you wouldn't be okay if the IMEI checks out. I see what you mean though. If the owner got it at a discount for renewing contract, never opens it, tries to sell it while not paying bills, never pays bill, etc..

The only other scenario I can think of is if it was stolen from a store or off of a truck. Technically it would still be new. Even in that case it would be blacklisted.

Right.

But if it were stolen from a store or off a truck, it would already be blacklisted and I wouldn't be surprised in 2-4 weeks when my phone tells me its been blocked, correct?

As for the new contract thing, I can ask t-mobile if it's ever been associated with a contract correct? That shouldn't be an issue.

My real concern is that I buy it clean then get a message in 2-4 saying it's been blacklisted.

This is why I wanted to know if T-Mobile can tell me if it's ever been reported stolen or lost. Don't wanna be surprised in 2 weeks.

BTW Thanks for your quick responses!