Buying a STOLEN Brand New Sealed in Box iPhone 4? HELP

If you're worried, don't buy it.

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Ask for the serial number and run it through apple

Ask her for proof that she works for Bell (I'm assuming you actually mean ATT). She should have an ID card or at the very least an email at att.com.

But, if you're not comfortable. I deal with Craigslist all the time and it is very shady. You have to be extra careful when you're the buyer.

Hankster said:

Ask her for proof that she works for Bell (I'm assuming you actually mean ATT). She should have an ID card or at the very least an email at att.com.

But, if you're not comfortable. I deal with Craigslist all the time and it is very shady. You have to be extra careful when you're the buyer.

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why do you think Bell means ATT?

iisforiphone said:

why do you think Bell means ATT?

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Because some people still refer to ATT has "Ma Bell".

Hankster said:

Because some people still refer to ATT has "Ma Bell".

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ahh, in Canada Bell is a carrier

named after Alexander Grahm Bell the guy who invented the telephone

A Couple Of Thoughts...

First and foremost, as others have said: if you have any doubts/concerns/reservations...do not buy it. The price isn't that amazing to walk away from.

Second, if you decide to buy it, try to gather as much info on the girl as possible (name, email(s), description, link to the craigslist posting, etc). If it turns out to be stolen you'll have more ammo to go to the police with, and more importantly to protect yourself against charges.

Lastly, if its legit then she should have no issues whatsoever giving you the serial number to run. Although it is possible that if the phone hasn't been reported as being stolen yet it may come back clean. As to her reporting it stolen after you buy it, I am not sure why she would do that other than to be a dick. Its not going to get her the phone back, and if you register it in your name through iTunes wouldn't you take over the rights to the phone and/or controlling the "Find My iPhone" features?

dont do it kid

If it sounds too good to be true…….(and at $450 it doesn’t even sound that good)…..

If you even have to come here to ask then obviously you should not be doing it.

Jewstin said:

Would it be safe to buy one from a person that has receipt and is willing to give me the receipt? Dang... Because I don't want to buy from the store it is out of my budget

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Are you thinking you’re not going to get a data plan to use this phone???

If you can find an ad that seems legit and you talk to the person and feel comfortable... go for it... The second you start being suspicious about an ad.. stay away, you need to trust your instincts when it comes to CL ads.

ask for the serial number, run it, if it comes back clear your good to go. Be sure to get a receipt from the person you bought it from with her name and address. If she is willing to do that your good. Confirm with Drivers License.

cyks said:

If you're worried, don't buy it.

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Agreed, if it doesn't feel right then walk away.

Am I the only who thought "Taco Bell... wait what"?

When in doubt, walk it out.

Well it rhymed anyhow.

people buy stolen phones on CL everyday and go on to live semi-normal lives

Jewstin said:

Thanks for the tips, I am going to be more patient and wait it out until someone with the receipt is selling the iphone 4.

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And then how will you verify the receipt. Anyone can print out a fake using a laser printer.

Jewstin said:

So is it true that there is no 100% safe way to buy a BNIB iPhone 4 from craigslist?

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Nope.

I'd say talk to the person and make a conclusion off that. I wouldn't rule out a purchase just because they didn't have a receipt.