Some things you can do to lower your risk:
* Run the IMEI through an IMEI checker.
* Only buy from reputable sellers
* If you know the device originally came from a specific cell carrier, run the IMEI through that carrier's trade-in eligibility checker.
* Ask the seller any questions you have on the device's history
Bottom line is you have some extra risk when you buy phones on eBay. Make sure your pricing reflects that risk.
Yeah. Got a brand new galaxy for a bit less than the refurbished ones.
Seller said it was T-Mobile.
Phone works on T-Mobile.
I looked it up on the T-Mobile site and it's not clear if the phone is unblocked. Please contact original wireless carrier.
If you have the IMEI, enter it [here](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/phone-trade-in) and see what happens. If it's not eligible for trade-in, that's a bad sign.
Check the IMEI number on one of those sites that can verify it.
Yeah. It's valid now but how do I know if there's a time where it might gets reported stolen later on. (Happened to me once on eBay)
Some things you can do to lower your risk: * Run the IMEI through an IMEI checker. * Only buy from reputable sellers * If you know the device originally came from a specific cell carrier, run the IMEI through that carrier's trade-in eligibility checker. * Ask the seller any questions you have on the device's history Bottom line is you have some extra risk when you buy phones on eBay. Make sure your pricing reflects that risk.
Yeah. Got a brand new galaxy for a bit less than the refurbished ones. Seller said it was T-Mobile. Phone works on T-Mobile. I looked it up on the T-Mobile site and it's not clear if the phone is unblocked. Please contact original wireless carrier.
If you have the IMEI, enter it [here](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/phone-trade-in) and see what happens. If it's not eligible for trade-in, that's a bad sign.
I learned my lesson and would never risk it again. It's always a chance for the phone to be blacklisted if you're not the original purchaser.
How long does that take....