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Was I scammed? Iphone Iclone?

S

slimg35

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 25, 2009
24
0
I am totally new to iphones and wanted to purchase one for mp3 abilities and GPS, I thought I was buying an Apple Iphone but the guy is saying he never said apple. Now I have been researching it and this Iclone is basically useless to me. It really seems like this advertising is illegal and I am wondering if I should pursue it through law enforcement. Also it looks like this phone is referred to as a CTEC Phone or "HiPhone" not an Iphone when sold on online websites. This seems like deception. I have never owned an Iphone so I didn't know it was a fake at time of purchase.

Here is what the ad looked like.

"
iPhone -Unlocked -8 GB 1st Generation 2G/Edge
-2 batteries
-Works on any SIM card
- Power cord and computer connection cord
- Original box
- Slightly used but works great!
-Bluetooth Enabled
-USB Interface
-Color Screen
-Touch Screen
-Speakerphone
-SMS-Text Messaging
-Internet Browser
-PDA-PC Sync
-MP3 Player
-Calendar
-Polyphonic Ringtones
-Email Access
Unlocked- works with all SIM cards not just AT&T!!!

$275 or Best offer!
Thanks = ]

"

What do you guys think?
My idea is that he advertising this as a 2g/edge Iphone, it insinuates that is an apple Iphone. He also puts includes at&t there that would also insinuate that if the phone we're locked it would be used with AT&T. Also the camera on the phone does not work, and it does not have 8GB. It only has 1 MB of memory total. (I think it uses SD card and it's missing)

I have this guys Name, email address, and cell phone number and he is unwilling to return my money for this product.
 
Well if the ad said:
iPhone -Unlocked -8 GB 1st Generation 2G/Edge
Click to expand...
and you received a fake then you can report this person to the police etc.

However! The fact that it shipped with 2 batteries should have warned you off. :(
The "real" iPhone has no user-changeable battery.

Good luck.

BTW, where did this happen? eBay? Craigslist?
 
Yes I have to admit I was definately not thinking in this situation, I think I was just excited to finally get an Iphone.

This happened on craigslist.org

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/1089050380.html


Should I try and contact like local sheriff department? Or would there be an "internet scam" department?
 
slimg35 said:
Yes I have to admit I was definately not thinking in this situation, I think I was just excited to finally get an Iphone.

This happened on craigslist.org

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/1089050380.html


Should I try and contact like local sheriff department? Or would there be an "internet scam" department?
Click to expand...

http://www.craigslist.org/about/terms.of.use

Section 7.j states that one cannot post anything that violates a copyright. Well selling a fake iPhone violates a copyright so you may have a case.

I do want to say though, strictly friendly, if you actually knew what an iPhone consisted of (non-removable battery, non-removable memory) then this could of easily been avoided. Next time it would be wise to research a product before purchasing it new or used. :)
 
Do you not know what the real iPhone look like? Do you not do research before you buy something? Actually look at the real product in the Apple Store or apple.com?

Anyway, send him this link. Ask for your money back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp6M5l0FmEg

By the way the knockoffs cost $50-$100 to buy in China; also, as you said, the knockoffs are pretty crappy and useless.
 
I could post some later tonight, of the actual phone im at work right now
 
Consultant said:
Do you not know what the real iPhone look like? Do you not do research before you buy something? Actually look at the real product in the Apple Store or apple.com?

Anyway, send him this link. Ask for your money back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp6M5l0FmEg

By the way the knockoffs cost $50-$100 to buy in China; also, as you said, the knockoffs are pretty crappy and useless.
Click to expand...

As I already stated I really wasn't thinking when I purchased this paperweight.

I sent him a text letting him know he has til end of day today to make this right or I would be pursuing this through the authorities.
 
You bought it eh?

Ouch ... but ya, post some pics when you get home. Include all the accessories you got with it, too (both batteries, etc.).
 
gibbz said:
Well like you said, contact the authorities and alert craigslist: abuse AT craigslist DOT org
Click to expand...

I did alert craigslist of this already,


As far as the phone, I noticed since I took a good look at it that one, the volume is on the top, there is no port for head phones, and it doesn't have the same hookup as an Ipod, its a usb type plug
 
slimg35 said:
I did alert craigslist of this already,


As far as the phone, I noticed since I took a good look at it that one, the volume is on the top, there is no port for head phones, and it doesn't have the same hookup as an Ipod, its a usb type plug
Click to expand...

I really want to see this phone! Please post pics... (after work of course) :D

P.S. I hope you get a refund and next time patience Jedi :p
 
iPhone Savvy said:
I really want to see this phone! Please post pics... (after work of course) :D

P.S. I hope you get a refund and next time patience Jedi :p
Click to expand...

Thanks for your positive words, I am trying to just let this pass me by instead of being upset.

I will definately post up pix tonight, but I wont be home til about midnight :p
 
slimg35 said:
As far as the phone, I noticed since I took a good look at it that one, the volume is on the top, there is no port for head phones, and it doesn't have the same hookup as an Ipod, its a usb type plug
Click to expand...

Is it this?

Hiphone-1.jpg
 
slimg35 said:
I am totally new to iphones and wanted to purchase one for mp3 abilities and GPS, I thought I was buying an Apple Iphone but the guy is saying he never said apple. Now I have been researching it and this Iclone is basically useless to me. It really seems like this advertising is illegal and I am wondering if I should pursue it through law enforcement. Also it looks like this phone is referred to as a CTEC Phone or "HiPhone" not an Iphone when sold on online websites. This seems like deception. I have never owned an Iphone so I didn't know it was a fake at time of purchase.

Here is what the ad looked like.

"
iPhone -Unlocked -8 GB 1st Generation 2G/Edge
-2 batteries
-Works on any SIM card
- Power cord and computer connection cord
- Original box
- Slightly used but works great!
-Bluetooth Enabled
-USB Interface
-Color Screen
-Touch Screen
-Speakerphone
-SMS-Text Messaging
-Internet Browser
-PDA-PC Sync
-MP3 Player
-Calendar
-Polyphonic Ringtones
-Email Access
Unlocked- works with all SIM cards not just AT&T!!!

$275 or Best offer!
Thanks = ]

"

What do you guys think?
My idea is that he advertising this as a 2g/edge Iphone, it insinuates that is an apple Iphone. He also puts includes at&t there that would also insinuate that if the phone we're locked it would be used with AT&T. Also the camera on the phone does not work, and it does not have 8GB. It only has 1 MB of memory total. (I think it uses SD card and it's missing)

I have this guys Name, email address, and cell phone number and he is unwilling to return my money for this product.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry this happened OP...but just an FYI

one of the reasons you wanted to purchase an iPhone was for GPS....the iPhone 2G that you (almost) bought wouldn't support GPS fucntions....so when you get this whole dilemma sorted out...make sure that you purchase the iPhone 3G, as it has all of the features that you're looking for.

Hope everything gets worked out!
 
slimg35 said:
I am totally new to iphones and wanted to purchase one for mp3 abilities and GPS, I thought I was buying an Apple Iphone but the guy is saying he never said apple. Now I have been researching it and this Iclone is basically useless to me. It really seems like this advertising is illegal and I am wondering if I should pursue it through law enforcement. Also it looks like this phone is referred to as a CTEC Phone or "HiPhone" not an Iphone when sold on online websites. This seems like deception. I have never owned an Iphone so I didn't know it was a fake at time of purchase.

Here is what the ad looked like.

"
iPhone -Unlocked -8 GB 1st Generation 2G/Edge
-2 batteries
-Works on any SIM card
- Power cord and computer connection cord
- Original box
- Slightly used but works great!
-Bluetooth Enabled
-USB Interface
-Color Screen
-Touch Screen
-Speakerphone
-SMS-Text Messaging
-Internet Browser
-PDA-PC Sync
-MP3 Player
-Calendar
-Polyphonic Ringtones
-Email Access
Unlocked- works with all SIM cards not just AT&T!!!

$275 or Best offer!
Thanks = ]

"

What do you guys think?
My idea is that he advertising this as a 2g/edge Iphone, it insinuates that is an apple Iphone. He also puts includes at&t there that would also insinuate that if the phone we're locked it would be used with AT&T. Also the camera on the phone does not work, and it does not have 8GB. It only has 1 MB of memory total. (I think it uses SD card and it's missing)

I have this guys Name, email address, and cell phone number and he is unwilling to return my money for this product.
Click to expand...

Didnt you see the phone beforeyou paid>
 
actorkid said:
I'm sorry this happened OP...but just an FYI

one of the reasons you wanted to purchase an iPhone was for GPS....the iPhone 2G that you (almost) bought wouldn't support GPS fucntions....so when you get this whole dilemma sorted out...make sure that you purchase the iPhone 3G, as it has all of the features that you're looking for.

Hope everything gets worked out!
Click to expand...

I'll have to further research that, but if anything I can always use google maps, however I may be getting a garmin traded for my xbox360, so that would solve that as well....

but yea, now that I think about it I definately spoofed this up
 
Did you meet in person? Try to get as much information as possible and forward it to the local pd. It is best to get them involved now and it would awesome if your local pd can forward you to a regional authority that deals with this issue.
 
aok1975 said:
Didnt you see the phone beforeyou paid>
Click to expand...

Yes but I didn't know what I was looking for to see if it was fake, It had an apple logo when it booted up, the screen worked, so? It was half my fault for not educating myself on the product first.

dubels said:
Did you meet in person? Try to get as much information as possible and forward it to the local pd. It is best to get them involved now and it would awesome if your local pd can forward you to a regional authority that deals with this issue.
Click to expand...

Yea, i went ahead and made a complaint on this online website for IC3 that craigslist directed me to. I told the guy I'd give him til the end of day today so I will at least uphold that (plus im at work today) Tomorrow I have the day off so I can visit Local PD in person if necessary, Ill give a call first to see what the process is. I printed out a page of the craigslist ad as well as saved a soft copy on my computer at home.
 
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