Friend Purchased Stolen Phone, need help.

[Br4nd3n]

So one of my friends bought a Version S5 off of Craigslist, turned out it was stolen so Verizon couldn't do anything about it. He asked me for help, but I wasn't too sure if the phone can be unlocked and used with a previous Sim card to work. Is there anyway to get the phone to work, even if I towel root it?

I know it means Verizon has it blacklisted but it could technically be used on a different carrier if unlocked, right?

 

[Okie John]

So one of my friends bought a Version S5 off of Craigslist, turned out it was stolen so Verizon couldn't do anything about it. He asked me for help, but I wasn't too sure if the phone can be unlocked and used with a previous Sim card to work. Is there anyway to get the phone to work, even if I towel root it?

I know it means Verizon has it blacklisted but it could technically be used on a different carrier if unlocked, right?

The phone will never work on any carrier, throw it in the trash.
The IMEI serial number is blacklisted by VZW and unless the original owner gets it back, it will never work again.

 

[Br4nd3n]

The phone will never work on any carrier, throw it in the trash.
The IMEI serial number is blacklisted by VZW and unless the original owner gets it back, it will never work again.

I know in older models you could "repair" blacklisted IMEIs to unblacklist the phone, anything like that for this s5 variant?

 

[BigBot96]

I know in older models you could "repair" blacklisted IMEIs to unblacklist the phone, anything like that for this s5 variant?

The only ones who can unblacklist an IMEI are the carriers. Unless you can manage to change the IMEI, but then still... the carrier would have to allow that IMEI on the network.

 

[terrigan]

Craigslist strikes again!

 

[Savagerun]

I purchased my phone locally from Craigslist but i had the seller agree to meet me at a verizon store to complete the transaction and have the phone checked out. It was brand new still in the box. That's probably the best way to go when purchasing a phone from Craigslist. If the seller won't meet you at your carrier's store just move on.

 

[BigBot96]

You could always use an online IMEI checker/verifier after meeting up, before handing over the money. Craigslist in general is super risky, though, even for personal safety. I recommend www.swappa.com

 

[Savagerun]

You could always use an online IMEI checker/verifier after meeting up, before handing over the money. Craigslist in general is super risky, though, even for personal safety. I recommend www.swappa.com

Yes i did check it online he was more than willing to give me the info i needed to check it out over the phone which was great. For safety reasons and a second verification i asked him to meet up at verizon.

 

[papadelogan]

I buy almost all my phones off craigslist and before I hand over any money, I call Verizon and have their customer service check out the IMEI number and confirm it is not blacklisted. Not to be harsh, but now your friend knows what a 2 minute phone call costs.

 

[kilroy1stcav]

How much did he pay for it? And does he want to recoup pay off the value?

 

[watchdog73]

Calling the carrier means nothing since they can report it lost/stolen after you take possession and they already have your money.