19 replies to this topic

[+Fus10n]

I have bought several phones off craigslist.. But I have learned some things now that is making me kinda uneasy. If I buy a used iPhone 5 from craigslist ad its ATT.. How can I make sure they cant track that iPhone back to my house? I don't want the person using it to stalk me.. Secondly, what about if it gets reported stolen? Am I dead in the water?

[SMELTN]

I have always wondered the same thing

[AWKM]

I'd imagine if you keep a record of the transaction and don't pay with cash then there is a paper trail so to speak

[+Fus10n]

They are willing to meet me at the AT&T store and have them activate it..

But, still want to know if they can track me

[AWKM]

Fus10n, on 19 December 2012 - 20:00, said:

They are willing to meet me at the AT&T store and have them activate it..

But, still want to know if they can track me

How would they?

[+Fus10n]

They can go to find my iphone, if it was lost or stolen.. It works well because I had to use it

[+Brando212]

Fus10n, on 19 December 2012 - 20:10, said:

They can go to find my iphone, if it was lost or stolen.. It works well because I had to use it

does that work even if you flash the phone clean? (never used the feature myself so I'm not sure)

[mattygdot]

Brando212, on 19 December 2012 - 20:12, said:

does that work even if you flash the phone clean? (never used the feature myself so I'm not sure)

It has to be tied to your Apple ID. If you wipe it the device itself is no longer tied to an Apple ID.

[Davo]

From what I understand, it only works if there is an active Apple ID and iCloud on the device.

[Neu B]

Isn't the serial number registered with that Apple ID?

[srbeen]

track my iphone features is directly tied to your apple account. Unless you leave THEIR account on the phone they CANNOT track the device any longer.
Well, not totally true - Unless they remember the IMEI # and call AT&T and get them to track it, which is a breach of a lot of privacy laws.

As for reporting it stolen, they very well can do that. I had it happen to me and the phone gets banned from the network. Essentially turned into an iPod.
Im sure you could get warranty for the device via apple that would show you and your AT&T account is the rightful owner. The only other way is to get the original purchase reciept, which states you are the rightful owner of that serial/IMEI device. He tries to play games your reciept trumps his complaint.

[SMELTN]

I agree just type up a Bill of Sale and get them to sign it when you purchase the phone. That basically would cover your ass if something happens

[+Fus10n]

Thanks Guys!! This is great to know!!

[+goretsky]

Hello,

One thing to do is to meet in a public place. In the case of this iPhone sale via Craigslist, the buyer and seller agreed to meet at a McDonalds: Couple Shot Meeting Craigslist Buyer

Problem is, they didn't meet inside restaurant, but in the parking lot.

Always go inside the store or restaurant.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[perochan]

how much cheaper would you get iphone5 over craigslist?? if safety is your consider, then don't deal over craigslist.
i heard best buy is selling iphone5 for $149 and Walmart for $127.