I lost my tilt a couple of days ago only to find it today after already calling it in to replace it under my warranty. My problem now is I already paid the 50 dollars to replace it. Should I send it back or give it to my brother who is begging for it. Can the company see that he will be using my "lost" phone even if he has his own sim card. Thanks for any advice.
link00thehero said:
Can the company see that he will be using my "lost" phone even if he has his own sim card. Thanks for any advice.
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Yes.
Don't know where you're living, but in E.U they can block IMEI in the whole system. You also may involve in insurance fraud, too.
To my opinion, you should call the company to check if they want you to do, and don't forget to ask back the deduction fee if they tell you to send it back.
My phone's service was turned off and will be reactivated once the new phone arrives with my new sim card. But what my brother wants to do is put his sim card in my old phone so he can use it that way. but that seems pretty shady to me. I don't want to get in trouble with my phone company. Should i let him do it and just use the phone they send me or just return it? I already paid for the new one, so is it wrong?
if they have blocked the IMEI number (most do when a phone is reported stolen / lost) then your brother will not be able to use it.
also if they catch your brother using it you (and your brother) can be done for a few reasons:
Insurance Fraud
Using stolen goods (knowing they are stolen)
etc
so to be honest id just phone them and see if you return the phone if they can reverse the charge. alot less hassle than paying fines etc in the near future
You probably won't get away with it..
But if you could - by all means, screw the insurance company as hard as you possibly can.
Not that I advocate this behavior at all, but I have been in a similar situation and had no problem using a previously thought lost device with a different sim on what used to be Cingular.
Under what warranty did you replace it?
You agreed to ship the phone back to them if you did find it. There's instructions that come in the box. But whether or not you do it is up to you.
Two options -
A. Ring up the company and see which they want back, OR
B. Don't.
If you go with A. you might get your money back, but I doubt it. I also doubt they will let you keep both.
If you go with B. you will be comitting fraud and if caught you will be in legal trouble and I will have no sympathy for you. If your brother wants a tilt, he can go buy his own, do NOT give him the spare or you will be putting a LOT of trust in him. Do NOT use it as a phone or otherwise allow it to be used as a phone - it will get traced which will lead to legal problems.
Realistically, you should go with A. - it's the right thing to do, it's less risky and the handset should effectively be useless to you anyway.
I love how you title this as a moral issue, but your only question is if the company can find out about it. Doesn't sound like you have any moral concerns but rather "will I get caught" concerns.
ship it to me. it'lld surly be lost for ever!
Call them. There is such a thing as Karma, if you don't call them you very well might really lose it and they won't give one back.
Regarding moral issue - this is EASY PEASEY - trade places - you are them and they are you - should THEY return it to you? You reported it stolen/lost - they replaced it you no longer own the other one - you must send it back.
Another analogy - you call your insurance company and say you have filed a police report that your car was stolen and then find it in your garage - can you cash the check and get another car and drive two of them? Nope - you are going to get caught filing a false report to the police and do some serious jail time.
The IMEI number is unique to the phone - you are going to get caught if you play fast and loose - don't pretend that it is a moral issue when you only want to know if you can get caught.
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
I guess it really depends on who your service carrier is.
If its ATT/Cingular, I wouldn't return it. I'm almost 100% sure that they can track what phone you're using but not the IMEI number of that phone. The reason I say this is because I have a habit of switching or getting new phones every few months. I purchased the Tilt used from a HoFo member. I recently had problems with it and had to RMA it. They asked me for me IMEI number and I had a feeling it was past the year mark but they said that it looks like you've only had the phone since Sept so it would be covered under warranty. The thing is I got the phone from the HoFo member in Sept, but he said he had been using it for a few months prior to that.
But I could be wrong. You could always call ATT/Cingular and just be blunt about it and ask them if they can track your lost phone via IMEI because you have an idea of who might have it.
ChumleyEX said:
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
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+1. I really shouldn't have found this so funny, but I did.
ChumleyEX said:
I guess you could go to howardforums and sell it as Mike Jones?
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Yep, or send it to Jakeypoo then call the FBI with a confirmed 'handling stolen goods'
For all our European counterparts. In the E.U. it is very much illegal to use a "stolen" or "lost" phone. They also block IMEIs and CAN track them. For the life of me, all I've been able to find about whether the cell phones companies track or block IMEIs or phones is that we don't do it here the US. At&t and at&t's insurance companies have told me is "sorry, we can't track or block the phone from being used again." To me, the reason is obvious. If the phone is stolen, at&t gets a new customer and you have to buy a new phone.
You make your own decision and you make it at your own risk but search away and maybe you'll find the answer you're really looking for.
I doubt you'll spend the rest of your life in prison..... Hell maybe.... If you really feel bad about ripping off a mutli-billion dollar corporation that is already ripping you off. Huh.... Tough choice....
Ring the carrier, tell them to cancel warranty replacement as you have found the original and to refund you the $50 and reactivate the existing phone with either the old or new sim card. I believe under your statuatory rights (at least in the UK anyway) they would have to oblidge as you have the right to cancel a service (in this case the warranty replacement) within a reasonable amount of time.
Try it and save yourself $50 maybe....
This is no moral dilema at all. Just ask yourself "What Would Jesus Do?"
There's your answer.
Do the right thing. Call them and ask what you should do. That way there is no more guilt or fear.
Related
I purchased the phone about a month ago, from the day I purchased it the camera did not operate correctly. I took my device to the store in an attempt to get it replaced with a new one. Unfortunately for me my camera just happened to work that day which was also the last day of the 30 day warranty. The guy pretty much said that he couldnt help me because my device worked, but then he gave me this number saying that if there is any further problems they will take care of it. So I call the ATT warranty department the next day (my camera broke again) and they said that they were sending me a REFURBISHED phone. I talked with them for 2 hours and they pretty much sait there is nothing they can do.
So I get this refurbished phone and right out of the box it looks of poor quality, I later find out that no matter what I do, the device will not charge. So I send in for another refurb which is of even worse condition and this one wont sync to my PC.
Do any of you guys have any ideas that could help I called the warranty department and coustomer care TWICE, asked to speak to both supervisors, threatened to change my entire family's service and they dont reply with anything except that the phone can not be replaced with a new phone. What do you think I should do?
dude that sucks!
ive never had a problem gettin a swap out.. and i bricked my first tilt..
u need to speak to managers and managers only, throw a fit make a scene in the store they'll work with u!
Learn from your mistake so you don't repeat it in the future. If you have an issue with a phone within the 30 day period, make sure it's fully taken care of within that time frame. Unfortunately you took some clerk's word for what would happen instead of double checking yourself.
AT&T most likely isn't going to do anything more from you. They have pretty good customer service and retention, but it is within their rights to give you a refurbished phone.
I also find it hard to believe that they shipped you two refurbished phones that right out of the box appeared to be of "poor quality." If the phone's had a shoddy appearance they wouldn't have been sent back out.
If your next replacement (refurb) is not functional, then tell them that it is getting ridiculous that you have had 3 replacments and they were all bad (again, I find that dubious). If the phone's are malfunctioning to any extent that you can't make calls (like a phone won't recharge) then they should be crediting your account on a daily basis when you can't use the phone.
Lastly, you can threaten to go to your credit card issuer (assuming you bought it with one) or to the BBB. Again, these are mostly threats, and I don't suggest you follow through unless you are truly getting bad refurbs 3 times in a row. Don't just take a negative attitude and look for problems becuase it isn't a new phone...you aren't likely to get one.
However, you could realistically cancel your service, and then refuse to pay any cancellation fees because they weren't honoring their end of the deal by providing you with functioning equipment. Even though you might have a leg to stand on....it will still probably get sent to collections and mar your credit.
Of the refurbs I got, these were in the condition I stated. When I called ATT they said something along the lines of 'every once in awhile a bad one slips through, but its pretty rare.'
I don't doubt a bad one slips through.... but two in a row....
What I am saying is third time is a charm...you can't keep getting bad ones
Also, I know how it can be mentally (as I would feel the same way) that a refurb just isn't as good and you would rather have a new one even if you saw a refurb pass every single test.
Try for #3 and if you are still out of luck...go with the other poster's suggestion and make a scene in the store
This reminds me of when i had the 8525 hermes. I was sent about 3 phones from them that were of bad quality. Bluetooth problems and yellowish tint screen.. The unwritten rule is that after 3 phones youre sopost to get a upgrade of the latest comperable model. Right now the tilt is the latest pocket pc but at the time, the tilt replaced the 8525 and thats how i recieved my tilt..
Moral is.... wait til the next ppc comes out and make a scene.. but also bring that point up to warranty replacement.
bengalih said:
I don't doubt a bad one slips through.... but two in a row....
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Happened to me last week, two bad ones, and a third one that was good. It's possible, and somewhat probable for a scenario like that to occur. It's not like saying he put a million dollars on "00" at the roulette table and won
I'm on my fourth tilt in 6 months. The first one got fried by an ebay charger (I think) my daughter threw the next one and messed up the display (can't believe they haven't charged me for that one... yet) The third did't sync with my PC like one of yours and the forth one's been great. All of the replacments have been refirbs but have looked as good as new with the one being bad out of the box.
I agree with bengalih just get another one if it's bad you'll know right away if not it should be perfectly fine.
mtbjoe said:
I'm on my fourth tilt in 6 months. The first one got fried by an ebay charger (I think) my daughter threw the next one and messed up the display (can't believe they haven't charged me for that one... yet) The third did't sync with my PC like one of yours and the forth one's been great. All of the replacments have been refirbs but have looked as good as new with the one being bad out of the box.
I agree with bengalih just get another one if it's bad you'll know right away if not it should be perfectly fine.
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well now we know why AT&T sometimes has such a sweet deal on refurb tilts LOL
Ok you said the second phone couldnt sync to pc. If you search through this forum I guarantee there is a fix for that.
Switch providers and tell them that you are making the switch because of the level of service (with details) that you have to date.
deathpulse said:
Switch providers and tell them that you are making the switch because of the level of service (with details) that you have to date.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Wow Sorry I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at the insinuation that they would actually care. The sad fact is T-Mobile Is worse in service availability. And Sprint? I wouldn't wish that on my enemy.
Here is a link: http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=4607
No BS this will work !!
I got a brand new custom built HP laptop ( to replace my custom built 2yr old laptop w/ 3yr accidental damage protection) because I followed the same advice I am going to give you. Similar situation with my laptop...sent it back twice, never fixed it right, 14 phone calls, over 450 minutes with customer support and such..won't bore ya with the details
Here's what I did...
Got all my phone records to them together
Had all the invoices etc together
Called and told them I had been "advised" that I had to give them one more chance to make it "right" ! Implying I had legal advise....Then I told them I was going to take them to small claims court..Period !
YES I was going to take them to court cause statistically they always settle!
If not I had my records and was in the right !!! Like you seem to be
Be stern, firm and assertive, not angry or yelling. I basically told them what will happen if they did not make it right...they folded like a cheap lawn chair and I got a brand new custom built $2000 laptop plus a full 3yr accidental damage warranty!
I still get a rush thinking about it !!!
I understand what you mean, but I am completely unprepared to take them to court over such a minor issue. Im going to expend all of my other options first, I still have to go back to the store and argue there that it is there fault because they did not support there 30-day return policy in the first place. The man let me walk out of the store with a broken phone. I should have handeled it then but I didnt realize I would be dialing in and getting more refurbs.
Also, my third refurb arrived today, the device functions completely as intended. The problem now is that the keyboard on this new device does not seem very responsive, or at least, not nearly as responsive as the keyboard on my first device (which I still have). I am upset with this as my other Tilt is in premium condition, not a single scratch. I think I am going to return this one as well.
not good
hey I work for the company and
1. they kinda HAVE to exchange your phone in store if you got it over the phone, over att.com or at a corporate store. if you are within 30 days the rep should do the exchange, the rep u got was an A*&*LE. some act like the store stock and shipping cost come from their pocket.
2. if you get an idiot customer svc rep just hangup and call back , sometime u have to bend the truth. say u have a phone that drops calls ( they are afraid of this) and u tried ur friend's SIM card and still does not work correctly.
3. sorry you did not come to my store.(NY)
4. almost impossible to get a new phone through warranty or insurance.
5. if ya'll have any Q's bout stuff PM me.
out...
This is exactly why sometimes the "best deal" is not a good deal...
I only buy my phones from the bigger retailers, Best Buy & the company directly....
Mom & Pop shops, and online retailers:
- Cheaper up front, can usually get you the best deal if you read the fine print and agree
- Usually require a 2nd contract stating you will not change you plan (or features) within 6 months to 1 year or they charge you a penalty (usually $200 for removing OR changing the kind of data service from a phone like the tilt-- ex.: change from Unlimited data $30/month to Unlimited data & Text for $50/month, you broke the contract, they will charge you $200)
- Do not have to accept returns. Returns are done by companies as a 'favor' -- they are not required by US law (for most stores/products, some exceptions)
Big retailers or the Service Provider directly:
- Always have a return policy
- Almost never require a 2nd contract agreeing to keep features
- Usually $25 more for basic phones, up to $100 more for smartphones (they do not require Data, which most M&P/Internet sites give you $75-$100 off for getting and keeping for 6 months)
Other nice advantage of Big Retailers: If customer service at one place gives you no help and you're within reason to return it... go a few miles to another location and try again.... (again, if you're trying to return something 45 days later, you'll probably get no help where ever you go)
This wasnt a 'Mom and Pop' Shop, it was an official retailer. I was going to get the phone at a smaller AT&T but they said I would have to go to an official store that carried there high-end products. When I bought the phone the person I bought it from, I believe I have his buisiness card, but I will check later, allowed me to open the box in the store. He then told me if I wasn't satisfied I had 30 days for a return or replacement. I came back, 29 days later and they said that I had to call there warranty department because the device was not broken, and there fore he could not replace it. Essentially, they lied to me.
If it's not an AT&T corporate store, it's a Mom & Pop shop...
If they say "Authorized Retailer" they are not directly AT&T, they are reselling AT&T services and do not have to follow AT&T Corporate return policies...
Most of these locations are owned by individuals, or groups of individuals, as a business venture...
Keep in mind, anywhere from 50 to 85% of Wireless stores are NOT corporately owned by their service provider, and all of them (except T-Mobile) are allowed to put giant signs on the front of the building saying "AT&T" "Verizon" or "Sprint"... Sprint requires "Authorized Dealer" added to the logo, T-Mobile requires you to name your store something, and if you use T-Mobile logo it can be no more then 25% of the total sign space. AT&T I don't know the exact policy on their signage, but should require "Authorized Reseller" in the sign...
Of course, people can ignore these requirements, One of my old bosses did.. Hence why he's an old boss..
Quick Tip:
If they don't offer the IPhone they are not corporately owned...
At least in the DC metro area, every corporately owned AT&T store has a live active IPhone on display for customers to try
fizzie said:
I got a brand new custom built HP laptop ( to replace my custom built 2yr old laptop w/ 3yr accidental damage protection) because I followed the same advice I am going to give you. Similar situation with my laptop...sent it back twice, never fixed it right, 14 phone calls, over 450 minutes with customer support and such..won't bore ya with the details
Here's what I did...
Got all my phone records to them together
Had all the invoices etc together
Called and told them I had been "advised" that I had to give them one more chance to make it "right" ! Implying I had legal advise....Then I told them I was going to take them to small claims court..Period !
YES I was going to take them to court cause statistically they always settle!
If not I had my records and was in the right !!! Like you seem to be
Be stern, firm and assertive, not angry or yelling. I basically told them what will happen if they did not make it right...they folded like a cheap lawn chair and I got a brand new custom built $2000 laptop plus a full 3yr accidental damage warranty!
I still get a rush thinking about it !!!
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I worked for Acer Computers and they *****ed out with customers every single time something like this happened. This is sound advise
I found a Kaiser phone at my house after a party I had last weekend. It had a password on it but no sim card in it. I asked around and none of my friends/anyone we know are missing a kaiser, so I guess this one is up for grabs. I did some research on it and it seems to be a really excellent phone, a significant upgrade from my old, old razr, so since no one has claimed it I thought about keeping it.
My question is if I put my sim card into it, is there any way AT&T can track me down and accuse me of stealing it? If so, I may as well just sell it on ebay or craigslist rather than go through the hassle of defending myself over something that was left at my house.
well considering it was left at your house and if you asked everyone there if they lost it and they said no I wouldn't worry about it.
You might want to consider something really radical, taking it to AT&T and let them track down the owner. If it has a SIM card they can determine who is the owner.
GPS my foot!
a gentleman said:
I found a Kaiser phone at my house after a party I had last weekend. It had a password on it but no sim card in it.
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And this has what to do with GPS?
Seems strange to say the least - who goes around with a phone with the sim slot empty
I asked around and none of my friends/anyone we know are missing a kaiser...
My question is if I put my sim card into it, is there any way AT&T can track me down and accuse me of stealing it?
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Now you have my attention, my advise is to report it to AT&T and hand it in to the Police. Even if your party guests cant remember losing a Tilt at your place, there's no doubt it does belong to someone and that someone will be missing it. Even if that someone has insurance which covers it, the phone will be locked if an attempt is made to use it (at least thats what they do here in the UK) so it's only worth will be as parts but even then they're not your parts to sell.
Put yourself in the shoes of the person who has 'lost' it. If it's an AT&T contract phone, the IMEI number will enable them to track down the rightful owner very quickly and even if the sticker/markings are defaced, that info is within the phones programming.
a gentleman said:
I found a Kaiser phone at my house after a party I had last weekend. It had a password on it but no sim card in it. I asked around and none of my friends/anyone we know are missing a kaiser, so I guess this one is up for grabs. I did some research on it and it seems to be a really excellent phone, a significant upgrade from my old, old razr, so since no one has claimed it I thought about keeping it.
My question is if I put my sim card into it, is there any way AT&T can track me down and accuse me of stealing it? If so, I may as well just sell it on ebay or craigslist rather than go through the hassle of defending myself over something that was left at my house.
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Hmm no offence but this sounds a bit dodgy...why would someone leave a phone which costs around 300 pounds and not try to find it? The first thing I'd do would be to trace back my activities on the day I lost my phone. So you would have me in your house the next day asking if you haven't found it.
True but if it's a kaiser oem and not an actual Tilt, AT&T might not have the info. Taking it to the police is good, also you can put an ad in the paper stating lost PDA but not give what it is to see if real owner calls.
Flying Kiwi said:
And this has what to do with GPS?
Seems strange to say the least - who goes around with a phone with the sim slot empty
.
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Exactly my friend.
Dodgy!!!
I actually found a Sidekick2 at my local Target a few months back just sitting on a shelf in an aisle I was shopping in. I took it up to customer service and turned it in the lady asked me how they would be able to find out who's it was I said call 611 T-Mobile will know.
n3rxs said:
I actually found a Sidekick2 at my local Target a few months back just sitting on a shelf in an aisle I was shopping in. I took it up to customer service and turned it in the lady asked me how they would be able to find out who's it was I said call 611 T-Mobile will know.
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Ok but it had a sim card right???
Esteel said:
You might want to consider something really radical, taking it to AT&T and let them track down the owner. If it has a SIM card they can determine who is the owner.
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I live in the United States. The nearest AT&T store is about 50 minutes one way away from my home, which translates to about $30 in gas to just to turn it in. I stated in the original post that it did not have a SIM in it.
-Arturo- said:
Hmm no offence but this sounds a bit dodgy...why would someone leave a phone which costs around 300 pounds and not try to find it? The first thing I'd do would be to trace back my activities on the day I lost my phone. So you would have me in your house the next day asking if you haven't found it.
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A bit dodgy? I suppose you're implying that you think I stole it. Let me reassure you I did not. It was Saturday night over a week ago, people were drinking, and there were friends of friends who came to the party that my roommates and I didn't know. In an age of dual SIM slots, separate work and personal phones, and college kids who share phones, is it impossible to believe that someone may have swapped the card out and then mistakenly forgot where they lost the phone? It has been over a week and there has been no word from anyone, nor has anyone shown up at my doorstep.
n3rxs said:
True but if it's a kaiser oem and not an actual Tilt, AT&T might not have the info. Taking it to the police is good, also you can put an ad in the paper stating lost PDA but not give what it is to see if real owner calls.
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It is an actual Tilt. Says AT&T on the top right corner. Once again let me stress that spending money to find the owner of this phone is out of the question. At the moment I am $28 short of the money I need to buy a ($158, used) book required to do my homework for college. My solution? I'm basically not eating while going into class super early to borrow a classmate's book to do my homework until I can afford to purchase my own.
As I said before, I live in the United States. If I turned it in to the police here, one of two things would happen:
1.) It would sit on a shelf indefinitely and the cops would snicker behind my back as I left.
2.) It would sit on a shelf until a cop decided it would be a nice upgrade for him.
Either way, if I turned it into the police the owner would not get it back. All I want to know is, if I used this as my own phone, would AT&T care/make a big enough deal out of it that it could cause me legal trouble?
We've got a great mystery on our hands.
Sherlock Holmes​
and
The SIMless Kaiser​
The missing SIM card is the greatest mystery. Who would leave their phone behind without the SIM card? Was the SIM door open when you found it? What state was it in? On or off? What applications were open? Does it have an AT&T ROM?
No justification to keep it or sell it from me.
a gentleman said:
I live in the United States. The nearest AT&T store is about 50 minutes one way away from my home, which translates to about $30 in gas to just to turn it in.
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Do you think there may be other options to notify a company that deals in communications technology apart from a personal visit?
I stated in the original post that it did not have a SIM in it.
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I stated in my post that it does have an IMEI number though and that does allow it's rightful owner to be traced (along with its serial number, any identifying marks/scratches or even fingerprints if it came down to it). Why have you not responded to my post? You asked for advise and I tried to help.
and then re the US Police
1.) It would sit on a shelf indefinitely and the cops would snicker behind my back as I left.
2.) It would sit on a shelf until a cop decided it would be a nice upgrade for him.
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and then
Either way, if I turned it into the police the owner would not get it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you've been watching to many episodes of The Simpsons. Cheif Wiggum isn't their roll model.
All I want to know is, if I used this as my own phone, would AT&T care/make a big enough deal out of it that it could cause me legal trouble?
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Click to collapse
I've already answered that issue so what part of the phone being locked when someone attempts to use it isn't clear? I think you have already decided what you want to do and are now looking for justifications to support that. You're not going to get that from me.
Flying Kiwi said:
Do you think there may be other options to notify a company that deals in communications technology apart from a personal visit?
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Well, I decided to take your advice and call AT&T. The representative basically told me I have two options.
1.) Keep the phone.
2.) Pay to ship it to them.
He refused to answer any questions regarding legality of my use of it. At least I know now that AT&T doesn't care. It's another phone sale for them, after all.
Flying Kiwi said:
I stated in my post that it does have an IMEI number though and that does allow it's rightful owner to be traced (along with its serial number, any identifying marks/scratches or even fingerprints if it came down to it). Why have you not responded to my post? You asked for advise and I tried to help.
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AT&T apparently isn't interested in tracing the phone back to them. They didn't even ask me for the IMEI.
Flying Kiwi said:
and then re the US Police
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You're out of your element, limey. Talk to me when you live in a country whose federal prison system houses over 2,000,000 felons, instead of 70,000. The cops don't give a rat's rainbow ass about lost cell phones when there are real crimes being committed.
Flying Kiwi said:
I've already answered that issue so what part of the phone being locked when someone attempts to use it isn't clear? I think you have already decided what you want to do and are now looking for justifications to support that. You're not going to get that from me.
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Click to collapse
You haven't answered a goddamn thing. I asked one simple question. Allow me to reiterate and explain. The police here need proper motivation to take something seriously. If I handed a phone in at the police station, they would likely laugh in my face. However, if some whiny moron comes in and reports a phone stolen and continues pressing the issue over and over with them, and then I turn up using it with my SIM card in it, I'm afraid they'll assume I'm guilty of stealing it when I am not. That is why I asked this ONE simple question that not a single person in this thread has answered. The circumstances of my acquisition are completely moot at this point. All I want is an opinion on whether or not my using this Kaiser could result in legal problems.
The only solutions I've been offered are ways to get the phone back to it's rightful owner. This is not the issue. This will not happen. I have already done everything in my power to try to get the phone back to who it belonged to (notice; PAST-TENSE).
Now allow me to once again make this perfectly clear. Does anyone have any experience with UNITED STATES police regarding their dedication to investigating reports of phone theft, and does my use of the phone in any way give them legal grounds to ASSUME that I am the thief and to cause me legal troubles when I did nothing wrong?
Edit: I just realized that you believe that AT&T locks the phone here. They do not. They do not enforce the blacklist, so should I put my SIM card in, I will be able to use it.
a gentleman said:
Well, I decided to take your advice and call AT&T. The representative basically told me I have two options.
1.) Keep the phone.
2.) Pay to ship it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're telling us they weren't interested in providing you with a freepost address or sending you a prepaid envelope to send it to them in?
He refused to answer any questions regarding legality of my use of it.
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Click to collapse
Why, if he said you could keep it (your words not mine), what would be the point unless it could be used. Somethings not adding up here.
At least I know now that AT&T doesn't care. It's another phone sale for them, after all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What makes you come to that conclusion? You say you made one call, are you judging all of AT&T on that basis? What makes you think it's another phone sale for them, the person who 'lost' the phone may well be using another old phone until the contract expires or they may have bought a different phone elsewhere to use on the AT&T network.
AT&T apparently isn't interested in tracing the phone back to them. They didn't even ask me for the IMEI.
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Click to collapse
Did they say they're not (apparently) interested in tracking the phone back to them or is it just that they cant tell you who the rightful owner is for data protection reasons - you're jumping to a conclusion there which I think is the wrong one. Did you even offer the IMEI to them? It's a pity we don't have the other persons account of how the phone conversation went because there are lots of things here that don't add up.
You're out of your element, limey.
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Do you think from my forum name that I may not be a 'limey' or does anyone currently residing in the UK automatically 'earn' that title?
The cops don't give a rat's rainbow ass about lost cell phones when there are real crimes being committed.
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Over here in limey land cellphone theft is commonly associated with other forms of crime as well so it'd be an unwise police officer who didn't take any interest in such an expensive phone turning up looking to go back to its rightful owner.
You haven't answered a goddamn thing.
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Not one thing eh or could it be my answers just aren't what you were hoping for?
I asked one simple question.
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Click to collapse
I think it's reasonable for people to offer advise based on your question even though it may not directly answer all of your question, after all, most of us here aren't lawyers who are trained to provide legal advise.
If I handed a phone in at the police station, they would likely laugh in my face.
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Click to collapse
I seriously doubt that. When I handed in a (quite valuable looking) phone I found left on a train seat to the train companies lost and found dept and reported it to the police a few months ago, there was no laughing in my face at all, not even a little bit. In fact all involved were grateful and from what I gathered in my follow-up, the person later came and claimed their phone back.
However, if some whiny moron comes in and reports a phone stolen and continues pressing the issue over and over with them, and then I turn up using it with my SIM card in it, I'm afraid they'll assume I'm guilty of stealing it when I am not.
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Click to collapse
Even though you say YOU didn't steal it, how do you know it's not stolen (by someone else)? I wouldn't give you much of a chance if a case went to court for you having possession of a stolen item and you claimed well I didn't steal it and I'd done everything I reasonably can to try and sort it, without having at least handed it into the Police. Is that the sort of legal advise you wanted or is does that conflict to much with your plan to keep the phone or sell it for gain? As for keeping it, you are right I wasn't aware AT&T don't lock phones reported missing but I am aware networks can tell roughly where a given phone is while being used. If you want me to hold your hand and say there'll be no problems if you keep it or sell it, I'm unwilling to offer that. The fact you repeatedly don't seem willing to accept advise that is offered makes me think this is some kind of leg pulling excercise - if it is, congratulations, you've succeded in pulling my leg.
Flying Kiwi said:
So you're telling us they weren't interested in providing you with a freepost address or sending you a prepaid envelope to send it to them in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Flying Kiwi said:
Why, if he said you could keep it (your words not mine), what would be the point unless it could be used. Somethings not adding up here.
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Click to collapse
Perhaps it had something to do with the "This call may be monitored for quality assurance" recording before he picked up?
Flying Kiwi said:
What makes you come to that conclusion? You say you made one call, are you judging all of AT&T on that basis? What makes you think it's another phone sale for them, the person who 'lost' the phone may well be using another old phone until the contract expires or they may have bought a different phone elsewhere to use on the AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could tell based on the tone of the representative's voice. He couldn't have cared less whether or not the person got their phone back or even if they bought their next phone from AT&T. However, since their former phone was an AT&T product, it is more likely than not that their next will be as well.
Flying Kiwi said:
Did they say they're not (apparently) interested in tracking the phone back to them or is it just that they cant tell you who the rightful owner is for data protection reasons - you're jumping to a conclusion there which I think is the wrong one. Did you even offer the IMEI to them? It's a pity we don't have the other persons account of how the phone conversation went because there are lots of things here that don't add up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See above.
Flying Kiwi said:
Do you think from my forum name that I may not be a 'limey' or does anyone currently residing in the UK automatically 'earn' that title?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Automatically earned.
Flying Kiwi said:
Over here in limey land cellphone theft is commonly associated with other forms of crime as well so it'd be an unwise police officer who didn't take any interest in such an expensive phone turning up looking to go back to its rightful owner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your naivety is actually beginning to amuse me.
Flying Kiwi said:
Not one thing eh or could it be my answers just aren't what you were hoping for?
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Click to collapse
Please read before you type. I only asked one question. What you offered was conjecture and nonsense.
Flying Kiwi said:
1.) I think it's reasonable for people to offer advise based on your question even though it may not directly answer all of your question, after all, 2.) most of us here aren't lawyers who are trained to provide legal advise.
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Click to collapse
1.) Redundant. Not interested.
2.) Wasn't asking for professional legal advice. Was asking for opinions based on past experiences.
Flying Kiwi said:
I seriously doubt that. When I handed in a (quite valuable looking) phone I found left on a train seat to the train companies lost and found dept and reported it to the police a few months ago, there was no laughing in my face at all, not even a little bit. In fact all involved were grateful and from what I gathered in my follow-up, the person later came and claimed their phone back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, once again your naivety amuses me. In America, if you were on fire, most people wouldn't piss on you to put it out (that's a figure of speech, if you couldn't tell. Try to think about what it means.), and would step over your corpse if it meant the slightest personal benefit.
Flying Kiwi said:
Even though you say YOU didn't steal it, how do you know it's not stolen (by someone else)? I wouldn't give you much of a chance if a case went to court for you having possession of a stolen item and you claimed well I didn't steal it and I'd done everything I reasonably can to try and sort it, without having at least handed it into the Police. Is that the sort of legal advise you wanted or is does that conflict to much with your plan to keep the phone or sell it for gain? As for keeping it, you are right I wasn't aware AT&T don't lock phones reported missing but I am aware networks can tell roughly where a given phone is while being used. If you want me to hold your hand and say there'll be no problems if you keep it or sell it, I'm unwilling to offer that. The fact you repeatedly don't seem willing to accept advise that is offered makes me think this is some kind of leg pulling excercise - if it is, congratulations, you've succeded in pulling my leg.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your English composition is falling apart. In regard to this part of your ridiculous post, I believe I will take your previous advice in that you are clearly quite unqualified to answer any questions regarding the legality of such a subject. Once again I find myself questioning whether you comprehended, or even read my last post. I am not asking for advice. I am asking for opinions and personal experiences that may shed some light on the question I asked.
a gentleman said:
Does anyone have any experience with UNITED STATES police regarding their dedication to investigating reports of phone theft, and does my use of the phone in any way give them legal grounds to ASSUME that I am the thief and to cause me legal troubles when I did nothing wrong?
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Cmon, don't get so upset. You should have known many would frown upon this so let people give their opnion and don't get so upset.
And IMO, do the right thing and be "a gentleman"
good luck whatever direction you happen to choose.
a gentleman said:
In America, if you were on fire, most people wouldn't piss on you to put it out (that's a figure of speech, if you couldn't tell. Try to think about what it means.), and would step over your corpse if it meant the slightest personal benefit.
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Ha! It sounds proposterous, but it's pretty true...I had a good chuckle on this one.
Dude...wether or not you can use the phone is irrelevant cause the law is pretty clear on how you need to treat lost and found property...if caught using it you are as guilty as if you stole it yourself (going by the strict letter of the law)....so the question you need to ask yourself is wether its worth the trouble....the other thing you need to figure out is why would someone leave a phone without a SIM at your house and not claim it...is there a possibility that the phone itself is hot...(previously stolen and conveniently discarded at your place) my advice : too many variables and if's and maybe's just not worth the trouble ....
EDIT :- And yes its possible to track the phone through the IMEI number in the event the original user wants to do it...
Got 2 phones, 1 for me and one for my Girlfriend.
They arrived Friday.
Hers was stolen today from a local college.
I called T-MO and had them blacklist The IMEI
Is there any recourse I can take through Google?
I called them but it seemed they were only familiar with UPS as the theif.
I had text'd the phone telling the person I would pay a cash reward for the return or they could turn it in to Lost and found. But they turned the phone off half hour later.
Keep your eyes out for any too good to be true deals.
Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.
************UPDATE*************
Amex didn't cover anything.
T-mobile claims They cant block it because it was purchased through Google.
Google says they cant do anything after the phone was "Activated" although All we did was put in a sim and turn it on.
So basically a big F You from google
I WILL NEVER BUY A GOOGLE PRODUCT EVER AGAIN!
Basically if you bought a phone from google as soon as you open the box Anyone can steal it free and clear.
There is No recourse possible. You cant block the IMEI. Nexus Devices are Gold Mines for theifs. Steal it Factory reset it and you got yourself a free device.
I AM SHOCKED that Google is So Stupid.
*****************
Update.
I dont blame anyone for the phone being stolen. BUT ALL NEXUS OWNERS BEWARE!!!!
If your phone is stolen Google doesnt give a ****. and neither does your carrier.
Its gone and it wont be turned into lost and found because its a perfectly functioning free device for anyone to find or steal with NO RECOURSE. that can be TAKEN
you are God Dam **** Out of luck.
Deal with it thats what you get for going with GOOGLE. See page 8 for details And I do have the emails from google still.
DAMN!
dinc4g said:
Got 2 phones, 1 for me and one for my Girlfriend.
They arrived Friday.
Hers was stolen today from a local college.
I called T-MO and had them blacklist The IMEI
Is there any recourse I can take through Google?
I called them but it seemed they were only familiar with UPS as the theif.
I had text'd the phone telling the person I would pay a cash reward for the return or they could turn it in to Lost and found. But they turned the phone off half hour later.
Keep your eyes out for any too good to be true deals.
Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That SUCKS. Google can do nothing for you, my best advice would be to report it stolen to your local authorities. Make sure to give them the serial number and stuff so they can verify that it's yours if they find it.
dinc4g said:
Got 2 phones, 1 for me and one for my Girlfriend.
They arrived Friday.
Hers was stolen today from a local college.
I called T-MO and had them blacklist The IMEI
Is there any recourse I can take through Google?
I called them but it seemed they were only familiar with UPS as the theif.
I had text'd the phone telling the person I would pay a cash reward for the return or they could turn it in to Lost and found. But they turned the phone off half hour later.
Keep your eyes out for any too good to be true deals.
Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check with the credit card company that you used to pay for the phone, I think they have some kind of purchase protection within 60 or 90 days.
hpacura said:
Check with the credit card company that you used to pay for the phone, I think they have some kind of purchase protection within 60 or 90 days.
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Click to collapse
Opps I replied to the wrong person. Meant to reply to OP.
I don't know anything about it, but I saw a feature called android device manager. Both my nexus 5 and my old phone show up on this site:
https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
dinc4g said:
Got 2 phones, 1 for me and one for my Girlfriend.
They arrived Friday.
Hers was stolen today from a local college.
I called T-MO and had them blacklist The IMEI
Is there any recourse I can take through Google?
I called them but it seemed they were only familiar with UPS as the theif.
I had text'd the phone telling the person I would pay a cash reward for the return or they could turn it in to Lost and found. But they turned the phone off half hour later.
Keep your eyes out for any too good to be true deals.
Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try using the Android Device Manager to locate it before contacting the thief? Or was she not able to even open the box to register it?
jhudak said:
I don't know anything about it, but I saw a feature called android device manager. Both my nexus 5 and my old phone show up on this site:
https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jerfer02 said:
Did you try using the Android Device Manager to locate it before contacting the thief? Or was she not able to even open the box to register it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He would have had activated that feature from the phone in order for it to work...
That SUCKS. Google can do nothing for you, my best advice would be to report it stolen to your local authorities. Make sure to give them the serial number and stuff so they can verify that it's yours if they find it.
Thanks Police report filed!
Check with the credit card company that you used to pay for the phone, I think they have some kind of purchase protection within 60 or 90 days
Thanks Ill Call AMEX Tonight and see what kind of protection they have. I always use amex because they are pretty good about purchase.
Did you try using the Android Device Manager to locate it before contacting the thief? Or was she not able to even open the box to register it?
I didnt but thank you so much for the insight. Im going to try and track the device now.
Couldn't he call Google to brick the phone ?
I had mine stolen by UPS (as*holes sent me an empty box) and they bricked the phone .
inlovewithnexus said:
Couldn't he call Google to brick the phone ?
I had mine stolen by UPS (as*holes sent me an empty box) and they bricked the phone .
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Click to collapse
Actually I called google first, They directed me to my carrier. All google will do is Blacklist The IMEI if its stolen in transit. I asked and pleaded with the google support guy who was very sympathetic but he said there was nothing they could do.
I had my girlfriend "Ring" the phone from google devices. hoping the guy is in class and it makes a big scene.
She also then "Locked" the phone via Google devices.
I really appriciate all the input guys. I actually dont feel so screwed over even though it still sucks. Having NO recourse is like the absolute worst!
dinc4g said:
Actually I called google first, They directed me to my carrier. All google will do is Blacklist The IMEI if its stolen in transit. I asked and pleaded with the google support guy who was very sympathetic but he said there was nothing they could do.
I had my girlfriend "Ring" the phone from google devices. hoping the guy is in class and it makes a big scene.
She also then "Locked" the phone via Google devices.
I really appriciate all the input guys. I actually dont feel so screwed over even though it still sucks. Having NO recourse is like the absolute worst!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few things:
1) You should always have a lock on the phone (ALWAYS). It's simple to put a password or pattern unlock on the phone and it pretty much completely prevents someone from using the phone. It's still possible to reset the phone, but it's much more difficult for the average thief (too much so to make it worth it).
2) Activate Android Device Manager immediately after turning on any Android phone for the first time. It'll let you track the phone, ring it loudly if you need to, lock it remotely (and permanently), and wipe it, if necessary. It's the best built-in protection possible, and it works really well.
You shipped a phone at college dorm?
Hindsight my friend. This is the first phone I or her have had stolen.
I already activated it on everyone I knows device. And its only been 14 hours :good:
Phone was out of the box, Literally the first day she left the house with it is when it was stolen.
Must have been someone who knew the phone was there
Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk 4
If u enabled it you can track the location of the phone as long as it is logged into your gmail account.
https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Just realized this was already mentioned above.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
To the OP, it's an awesome thing that you used AmEx for the purchase as they have incredible benefits. Their purchase protection is second to none (Up to $1000 per incident/$50,000 per year). It's also good you've filed a police report, since you'll need the report number.
1) Call 1-800-322-1277. That's AmEx's purchase protection department.
2) File a stolen item report with them. They'll ask for the supporting documentation or info from the police report.
3) Once they've done their stuff (usually a couple business days) you'll have the funds credited back to your card.
I always use my AmEx for important/expensive purchases just because of this benefit.
poor google
dinc4g said:
Got 2 phones, 1 for me and one for my Girlfriend.
They arrived Friday.
Hers was stolen today from a local college.
I called T-MO and had them blacklist The IMEI
Is there any recourse I can take through Google?
I called them but it seemed they were only familiar with UPS as the theif.
I had text'd the phone telling the person I would pay a cash reward for the return or they could turn it in to Lost and found. But they turned the phone off half hour later.
Keep your eyes out for any too good to be true deals.
Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Sounds like googles at fault here for her phone being stolen after delivery.
trsix said:
Yes. Sounds like googles at fault here for her phone being stolen after delivery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody said google was at fault.
So here is a horrible update...
I called google initially to report it stolen so they could blacklist the IMEI, Google said they couldnt help so I should call the carrier. I called Tmobile and they claimed they were blacklisting it. a day and a half later nothing is done.
I call Tmobile again and this time they claim they cant do anything since the phone wasnt purchased from them.
So Im pretty upset at this point I try calling LG and they cant help me.
So I call google back Yesterday Friday the 15'th and the CSR tells me there is nothing they can do.
At this point Im Enraged. How can they let this fall through the cracks?
If it was an Iphone it wouldve been HANDLED that day.
But I get the bounce around and now its Saturday and the phone still isnt blacklisted.
Basically googles Inability to Do anything has allowed the theif to either sell it or trade it in for money. basically ensuring I never get the device back.
To make matters worse My Amex is a Bank of america AMEX and people are saying it doesnt have purchase protection only warranty extension.
So at this point I cant get anyone at google to help me. Ive called 6 times, Been referred to 2 specialists and basically told that there is nothing that can be done. Google is telling me they cant black list phones and so I should just deal with it.
I find it unacceptable and I am looking for a way to voice my disdain for google customer service.
They really botched the situation.
Considering.
I called google within 1 hour of the theft and they told me to call my carrier to black list the phone.
This could have been handled on the spot.
If anyone has any information that could help. Even google corporate contact information it would be nice.
I will never buy another product from google after all this BS.
The Google needs to stop screwing the customer.
If we buy a phone from them and the carrier has no authority to blacklist it then Who will ?
Basically you can steal anyone's nexus device and not ever worry about a blacklisted IMEI??????
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2341520&page=2
dinc4g said:
The Google needs to stop screwing the customer.
If we buy a phone from them and the carrier has no authority to blacklist it then Who will ?
Basically you can steal anyone's nexus device and not ever worry about a blacklisted IMEI??????
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2341520&page=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for your issue, but Google has no play whatsoever to 'blacklist' an IMEI. Carriers do that. If TMO refuses, there is nothing else to do/say about it. You need to focus on getting your money back.
Ok. I bought a nexus 6 with the new devive protection. I can not do anything to it now. i can not contact the seller (local deal). What's my option now? sell it back with warning it's lock with an account?
haixingau said:
Ok. I bought a nexus 6 with the new devive protection. I can not do anything to it now. i can not contact the seller (local deal). What's my option now? sell it back with warning it's lock with an account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you bought a nexus 6 from a local seller without checking the device first to see if it was still under contract or stolen?
Call the police and ask them if it has been reported stolen? Contact Google and let the account owner know you have his phone.
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ
humm
My intention was to used it oversea. So there really no need to check for blacklisted. I was not aware of the new device protection. That why
DebianDog said:
Call the police and ask them if it has been reported stolen? Contact Google and let the account owner know you have his phone.
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i contact Google? I don't mind giving the owner his phone back. But I bought it for 150$, how I do I know the owner will give me back my money.
haixingau said:
How do i contact Google? I don't mind giving the owner his phone back. But I bought it for 150$, how I do I know the owner will give me back my money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The owner isn't the person who sold it to you, so unless the guys is feeling generous, you are probably out $150. But if you keep it you will be keeping stolen property (likely, as I don't know it was actually stolen). It is a bad situation for you, sorry!
You paid $150 for a 600 or 700 dollar phone and didn't think anything was wrong? LOL
Well you could open up a ticket Google you would have to get on the internet and look I don't know.
I suppose the owner could give you your hundred fifty dollars back as a finders fee but if it is stolen you are in possession of stolen property. I don't know the laws where you live but, I assure you it's not good where I live.
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ
Let me get this straight, you purchased a phone without making sure it would work first? Hopefully you learned from this.
There is a very high probability that the device has been stolen. There is an equally high probability that you are now in possession of stolen property.
You are now morally obligated to report this to the proper authorities regardless of where the intended use of phone may be. Overseas or otherwise.
No one here will help you to try to bypass the security features that are specifically designed for this very purpose.
Do the right thing.
Is there even a way to bypass the new security features without taking apart the device? I was under the impression it was similar to Apple's. Making the device useless for anyone but the original owner or a repair shop.
Depressed Man said:
Is there even a way to bypass the new security features without taking apart the device? I was under the impression it was similar to Apple's. Making the device useless for anyone but the original owner or a repair shop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see, you want to magically bypass a new security feature made specifically for a situation like this?
Original owner locks his phone to his account, phone gets lost or stolen, and someone sells it to you .... now you want into the phone....
Um ... Nope.
OP - Did he show you the phone working? My guess is not as well because it wasn't theirs to sell.
You do have our collective pity, however you only have the option of getting hold of the seller, whom IMHO isn't the owner. Or if that slight chance exists, then he goes in and removes his account (which should have been done in the first place before selling - another indication their bogus)
Depressed Man said:
Is there even a way to bypass the new security features without taking apart the device? I was under the impression it was similar to Apple's. Making the device useless for anyone but the original owner or a repair shop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even everyday repair shops can't do anything
rootSU said:
Even everyday repair shops can't do anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great! Hopefully Android smartphone thefts will drop as quickly as iPhone thefts.
Thank you for your opinions. I'll take that in for consideration.
Evolution_Freak said:
Let me get this straight, you purchased a phone without making sure it would work first? Hopefully you learned from this.
There is a very high probability that the device has been stolen. There is an equally high probability that you are now in possession of stolen property.
You are now morally obligated to report this to the proper authorities regardless of where the intended use of phone may be. Overseas or otherwise.
No one here will help you to try to bypass the security features that are specifically designed for this very purpose.
Do the right thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your opinions. I'll take that in for consideration. Morally ....hummm....that's depends on good days or bad days... sometimes it's get lost and had to be found again.... I have lost the moral thingy ....somebody found it on the street ....go sell it to another person....i guess it's now another person moral have to obligated to return my moral to me....sigh...
haixingau said:
Thank you for your opinions. I'll take that in for consideration. Morally ....hummm....that's depends on good days or bad days... sometimes it's get lost and had to be found again.... I have lost the moral thingy ....somebody found it on the street ....go sell it to another person....i guess it's now another person moral have to obligated to return my moral to me....sigh...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy your 150 dollar paperweight.
haixingau said:
Thank you for your opinions. I'll take that in for consideration. Morally ....hummm....that's depends on good days or bad days... sometimes it's get lost and had to be found again.... I have lost the moral thingy ....somebody found it on the street ....go sell it to another person....i guess it's now another person moral have to obligated to return my moral to me....sigh...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your personal morality aside, you won't find anyone here to help you. The phone is functioning as it should once it is lost or stolen. To otherwise bypass is against the EULA, as well as criminal in certain parts of this world.
Just. Wow. You are in possession of stolen property from the looks of it. This is a crime in most places around the world!
And, no, this has nothing to do with "morality" but everything to do with ILLEGALITY! You're in ILLEGAL possession of someone else's STOLEN property. Return it to them immediately!
haha this thread is golden.. you bought a $700 phone for $150 and didn't think to question a single thing. priceless.
Does anyone else here work in the technical support or any cellular related fields whether it's retail or customer service? Some people are really freaking ignorant of the technology or absolutely stubborn when it comes to how phones and service works. I am tired of people demanding a new phone when every little thing happens. Does a car dealership replace your current car with a new one when it's under warranty? No they fix the problem with the car. It's not my fault you moved and you don't have coverage at your new house. When you got your phone we gave you a grace period to try it out and determine if coverage is good enough where you live. Moving doesn't give you a new grace period. You're not under contact anymore so if you want to leave us...pay off your device and go. I'll even help you unlock it once you've paid it off. Backups, backups...holy sh*t freaking backup your data people. When an application wreaks havoc or you got ad bots or whether something software related fails you might as well be prepared to hard reset your phone. No, you're not getting a warranty replacement without doing that step first. You're gonna have to transfer your data either way so back your sh*t up. It's not my responsibility to ensure your pictures and contacts don't get lost. Take some responsibility for your data and educate yourself on how to save it. Warranty is not an upgrade path either. Don't ask for a different color or model. That one year by the manufacturer is for the exact model. We (the carrier) are nice enough to take care of the warranty on behalf of the manufacturer. You think Samsung or Asus will send you an upgraded or different device? Take it up with them. Don't whine and cry because you can't scam warranty and insurance for an upgrade. You want a new phone then pay off the one you have or buy it at full price.
Anyways just had to vent. Working in technical support is actually a lot of fun and I really enjoy educating and teaching customers how to use their devices and explore the world a smartphone has to offer. However the amount of rampant stupidity and unreal requests are absolutely absurd.
Tell me about it. Every. Single. Bloody. Day.
I truly, truly believe there should be a driving license for using a smartphone. The amount of people who have no idea how the device, the one that they entrust their entire lives to, actually works is damn near astronomical.
"My WiFi doesn't work. What did you do to it?!?! *insert expletives filled capslock rant about fraud and scammers*" To a provider that doesn't supply landlines, only mobile. About 80% of the people apparently don't know the difference between WiFi and Mobile Data.
Had this gem last week: Someone opened the charger flap on the S5, and the thing broke off. He bend down to pick it off the floor, and dropped the phone instead. Screen cracked, phone dead. Now that customer is demanding that the provider covers the repair costs of the dropped phone. He claims it wasn't his fault that the phone dropped, it was the fault of that broken off flap, and so it should fall under warranty.
"How do I view the photo I just took?" Why are you even using a smartphone?
This also happens about three times a day:
"My phone doesn't work." No other information, just that.
"Sir, which brand and model is your phone?"
"It's an iPhone."
"Which one?"
"An S4."
"Uh, sir, an iPhone 4S or a Samsung Galaxy S4?"
"Aren't they all the same?"
And then there's these people:
"I have a bill here for 300 quid of additional, out-of-package costs. I was calling a friend and forgot to end the call. You should've ended it for me. I'm not paying that."
Oh, and the amount of people referring to 4G as G4.... -.-
On the other side of that coin, I hate talking to the CS reps of ANY technology company.
"I need you to reprovision my data because your system thinks I have an iPhone and it's messing with my data"
"Sir, may I ask have you restarted your phone?"
and I have to go thru like 12 different times telling him to please do what I asked in the first place.
Or I walk into a T-Mobile store and the rep is telling me I can't use a verizon phone on the network, because it's verizon.
"But the phone comes unlocked, just give me a SIM card"
"Verizon is CDMA blah blah"
And I get to argue with the guy for an hour about how things actually work.
Or even worse when I try to get a warranty replacement device. No I don't want to restart my phone or factory reset it, or put in my Google Account login information again, or try a new SIM card, or anything like that.
The device is broken, I know about phones, just replace it and let's get on with it!
So trust me it's very frustrating for us consumers too...
Yep, definitely frustrating for consumers.
I have a phone that runs on unknown network bands, can I test a sim (i would pay the $2 if required)?
Nope, you are already on the best network.
But yours has different frequency bands
*Blank stare* Umm your already on the best network for reception
*Walk out knowing I could do the job better*
Sent from my fake galaxy note 4, now revived from the dead, again!
You do realize that the shop assistants are hired for their sales skills, not their knowledge of the product, I hope? All they receive is Sales training, not product information nor technical training.
Most of them couldn't tell an iPhone apart from a Samsung if their lives depended on it. Going to those monkeys with a tech question is like asking a 5 year old about String Theory. It's pointless.
You might as well walk into IKEA's storage section with a question about network frequencies. You're statistically more likely to find people with tech knowledge there than behind the counter in a provider shop. :laugh:
ShadowLea said:
You do realize that the shop assistants are hired for their service skills, not their knowledge of the product, I hope? All they receive is Sales training, not product information nor technical training.
Most of them couldn't tell an iPhone apart from a Samsung if their lives depended on it. Going to those monkeys with a tech question is like asking a 5 year old about String Theory. It's pointless.
You might as well walk into IKEA's storage section with a question about network frequencies. You're statistically more likely to find people with tech knowledge there than behind the counter in a provider shop. :laugh:
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Click to collapse
This is the B&M guys, the "service technicians" on the phone, the "specialists" on the phone, the guys in chats etc.
I have never had someone who knew enough about networks, bands, actual device specs etc, talk to me from any portion of any phone company.
And I've been on every phone network...
orangekid said:
This is the B&M guys, the "service technicians" on the phone, the "specialists" on the phone, the guys in chats etc.
I have never had someone who knew enough about networks, bands, actual device specs etc, talk to me from any portion of any phone company.
And I've been on every phone network...
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Click to collapse
From what I know in the EU, you never actually get to speak to the Tech guys when you call in. It's still only a Customer Contact employee. They contact the Tech department on an internal line, but the tech lads never speak to customers. Don't know if the US system is different (probably not).
Oh I've met my fair share of the technologically handicapped in the shops, too. One shining example is the idiot who told me, in 2013, that I shouldn't use Android because it was still a Beta version, and thus I would be at risk of viruses. :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
ShadowLea said:
Oh I've met my fair share of the technologically handicapped in the shops, too. One shining example is the idiot who told me, in 2013, that I shouldn't use Android because it was still a Beta version, and thus I would be at risk of viruses. :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
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Click to collapse
Unfortuneately they hate Windows Phone to, which is a shame because aside from apps, it is the second best operating system (beats IOS by a mile)