question regarding buying used cell phone

[QueBert]

I think I know the answer here, but I wanted to ask and see what somebody else says. I know you can't buy and activate a stolen phone. But do cell companies have a policy on phones that got disconnected and the original owner owes money? A neighbor has a co-worker who has a Blackberry for Verizon, and he got the phone shut off about 9 months ago from not paying his bill, he said he's in collection with Verzion right now.

I didn't tell my neighbor anything but I'm guessing if he buys it he won't be able to activate it?

 

[jersiq]

Usually, they probably don't care about the phone, just his money. You should be able to call into their customer service and ask if the phone has been placed on the ESN/MEID "Blacklist" This is the list maintained so any stolen phone can't be activated again, and it shouldn't have non-payment ESN/MEID in there.

 

[QueBert]

that's a good idea I'll have him check the ESN, I must have figured wrong here.

 

[uli2000]

Often, delenquent account ESN's are blacklisted as well, depending on how much $ he owes Verizon. I woulndt buy it without checking w/ Verizon first.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: uli2000
Often, delenquent account ESN's are blacklisted as well, depending on how much $ he owes Verizon. I woulndt buy it without checking w/ Verizon first.

Definitely. Ask for the ESN, and call Verizon.