Any phone experts?

[Sniper82]

I am thinking of buying a used att HTC One and was wondering about bad esn, imei, ect. I know nothing about these or if its something I had to worry about with att. She said she is currently using the phone. Are bad esn, imei, ect something that happens when a bill or something ain't paid?

 

[gamefreakgcb]

http://slickdeals.net/f/6592062-eba...e-beat-audio-4g-phone-manufacturer-refurb-330

I've had real trouble with used phones from CL. Think the linked one is ATT version. With warranty from HTC.

 

[ElFenix]

I am thinking of buying a used att HTC One and was wondering about bad esn, imei, ect. I know nothing about these or if its something I had to worry about with att. She said she is currently using the phone. Are bad esn, imei, ect something that happens when a bill or something ain't paid?

phone has to be released from the original account by the carrier. they don't mind doing this when the phone is off contract. but if the phone is on contract still and/or the bill hasn't been paid, they're not going to do it.

 

[dguy6789]

I don't think the carriers care if a phone was on a contract line not when activating it on other lines. The original account owner owes the same money (full contract + termination fee if applicable) regardless of what happens to the phone.

 

[luv2liv]

slip your sim in, test it works. but i wonder what would happen if she later report it as stolen... would the phone stop working altogether? i like to know that too if someone here knows

 

[blairharrington]

I am thinking of buying a used att HTC One and was wondering about bad esn, imei, ect. I know nothing about these or if its something I had to worry about with att. She said she is currently using the phone. Are bad esn, imei, ect something that happens when a bill or something ain't paid?

Pretty sure bad ESN is a phone reported as stolen.

I sold my iPhone 5 earlier this year that I purchased on contract. I'm still with AT&T and I pay my bill on time monthly. Before selling my iPhone I activated my S4 on my account.

Here is a good link for you. I have sold 6 phones on eBay/Craigslist with no problems but I always purchase new or refurbished from a business.

http://www.maxback.com/articles/what-is-a-bad-esn.aspx

 

[TerryMathews]

Pretty sure bad ESN is a phone reported as stolen.

I sold my iPhone 5 earlier this year that I purchased on contract. I'm still with AT&T and I pay my bill on time monthly. Before selling my iPhone I activated my S4 on my account.

Here is a good link for you. I have sold 6 phones on eBay/Craigslist with no problems but I always purchase new or refurbished from a business.

http://www.maxback.com/articles/what-is-a-bad-esn.aspx

Bad ESN can result from more than stolen. Unpaid bill, for instance.

 

[webdave]

An IMEI can show up on the blocked list for a number of reasons like it being reported stolen, an account being in default, if the phone is purchased on a monthly T-Mobile type plan and the person stops paying for the phone.

Even if the IMEI is clear when you buy it it can still get blocked down the road if something happens to the account it was initially tied to.

 

[blairharrington]

Bad ESN can result from more than stolen. Unpaid bill, for instance.

I know. The link covers this.

 

[TerryMathews]

I know. The link covers this.

You sure? Because a minute ago you were pretty sure that bad ESN = stolen.

 

[ImDonly1]

slip your sim in, test it works. but i wonder what would happen if she later report it as stolen... would the phone stop working altogether? i like to know that too if someone here knows

I am not 100% sure if the phone is flagged as stolen right away. I think it may take a few hours before it is detected, so putting your SIM in on the spot might be useless.

Best way is to meet at an ATT store and they can tell you. Or check here http://checkesnfree.com/

Still wouldn't stop people from preventing insurance fraud (not sure how common that is though). Safest bet is ebay or swappa. Craigslist would be my last choice. I have bought a few phones and sold on craiglist, but never for $600. I don't think I would trust the fine people of craigslist for a $600 phone. If anything make sure they have a receipt and a box. If the phone is bare with cheap charger only (not even OEM)... tread lightly.

Also the first reply, HTC One 32GB for $330 refurbished. I don't think you are getting a better deal on CL...

 

[blairharrington]

You sure? Because a minute ago you were pretty sure that bad ESN = stolen.

Don't be a douche. I wrote a sentence and then provided the link.

 

[alangrift]

Call the carrier, find out if all is fine. Get them to transfer registration to you.

 

[TerryMathews]

Don't be a douche. I wrote a sentence and then provided the link.

If your sentence was supposed to be a summary, it was obviously a poor one.

 

[blairharrington]

If your sentence was supposed to be a summary, it was obviously a poor one.

Are you dense? Do you think I was making a summary????

I included my initial thought and linked to a page that gave more info. STFU.

 

[boomhower]

If buying off CL, buy it in the store and have them activate it on your account before handing money over. I've had better luck buying off forums with solid heatware or other feedback.