Safest way to get a used phone?

[jwade32]

I'm in the market for a new phone but do not want to get one through my carrier and get locked to it for two years. I've searched through ebay and craigslist but I'm afraid of getting a phone that has a bad ESN even though it claims to be "clean". Any suggestions on where to get a used phone? Is craigslist and ebay safe if I dig enough? I've also tried Newegg.com but that's the only site I know of.

Any help would be great!

 

[Goldinboy17]

eBay's actually relatively safe, for buyers. If the phone the seller provides you with has a bad ESN it's pretty easy to file a claim against them. With a Craigslist transaction your best option would be to call the network carrier with the ESN and phone before you hand over any cash.

 

[wordoflife]

You can meet up with the person at a Verizon store and see if they'll confirm the ESN.

 

[Tilpots]

You can meet up with the person at a Verizon store and see if they'll confirm the ESN.

Yup. Do the deal at the phone store of your provider. You'll know right then and there if it's legit.

 

[Tom G.]

If the deal is being done from Craig's list then use a very public place for the transaction. My favorite locally is a McDonalds near a police station.