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dingster1

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 1, 2008
191
20
MD
I'm looking for a used Verizon iPhone on ebay. Almost everything I've looked at has "BAD ESN". Are people just buying phones and not paying the bills or what?!
 
Bad ESN's usually mean;

1. They haven't paid their bills (collections)
2. They broke their contract and/or terminated early
3. It's stolen

You might run into an issue with these specifically since you'll only be able to reactivate them if the back balance is paid off. I'm sure you can speak with a VZ rep and let them know the deal but this issue has come up before with phones with bad ESN's.
 
Do not under any circumstances purchase a phone with a bad ESN. There is too much risk associated with a Bad ESN.
 
Bad ESN's usually mean;

1. They haven't paid their bills (collections)
2. They broke their contract and/or terminated early
3. It's stolen

You might run into an issue with these specifically since you'll only be able to reactivate them if the back balance is paid off. I'm sure you can speak with a VZ rep and let them know the deal but this issue has come up before with phones with bad ESN's.

What the heck? They'll turn your phone into a brick if you terminate the contract?

I assume you mean terminate the contract by paying the ETF.
 
Oh yes I know. I buy used phones from 3 dealers only on ebay. I was just surprised by all the bad esn postings.
 
What the heck? They'll turn your phone into a brick if you terminate the contract?

I assume you mean terminate the contract by paying the ETF.
Yes, Verizon can and will turn your phone into a brick if it was reported as lost or stolen and replaced under insurance.

Terminating your contract early will not get your ESN "blacklisted" provided you paid the termination fee.
 
Yes, I have a "protection plan" on my iPhone provided by Verizon. Whether I crack the screen, lose it, or it explodes, I get a new one (the exact same model) for only $99. However, if I lie, and the phone is actually working fine, I believe it would have a bad ESN even though I didn't steal it or didn't refuse to pay my bills.
 
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