Note 3 blocked by T-Mobile, need advice

[Techngro]

UPDATE

So here's an update on my situation.

After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.

Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.

So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.

 

[sfsilicon]

So here's an update on my situation.

After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.

Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.

So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.

Glad to hear that you were able to find a way to use your phone. I though a blacklist now impacts all carriers in the US. Any idea which services besides Straight Talk will work?

I'm sweating right now since I purchased my Note 3 end of December from Swappa and have checked with TMO and they can't confirm if the phone is paid off or not without the original owners information. My seller is a dealer and sold me a Note they purchase from someone else, so there is a risk and no way to get the original sellers information. The Negri thread isn't helping either.

I'm seriously considering selling the Phone on Craigslist and taking a loss for the peace of mind. Luckily I bought the phone with my CC and I think I have 90-120 days of protection. Can you PM me your sellers id on Swappa, I want to check and make sure I did not buy it from the same seller.

---

On a side note I was able to unlock the phone through Tmobile. There was some confusion at first because they couldn't find the phone in their database, but after some persistence they were able to send me an unlock code. Does this mean the phone is paid off?

 

[Muffycheeks]

It means you meet the sim unlock requirements and the phone is not on their hit list. So you're good to go!!

 

[Techngro]

Glad to hear that you were able to find a way to use your phone. I though a blacklist now impacts all carriers in the US. Any idea which services besides Straight Talk will work?

I'm sweating right now since I purchased my Note 3 end of December from Swappa and have checked with TMO and they can't confirm if the phone is paid off or not without the original owners information. My seller is a dealer and sold me a Note they purchase from someone else, so there is a risk and no way to get the original sellers information. The Negri thread isn't helping either.

I'm seriously considering selling the Phone on Craigslist and taking a loss for the peace of mind. Luckily I bought the phone with my CC and I think I have 90-120 days of protection. Can you PM me your sellers id on Swappa, I want to check and make sure I did not buy it from the same seller.

---

On a side note I was able to unlock the phone through Tmobile. There was some confusion at first because they couldn't find the phone in their database, but after some persistence they were able to send me an unlock code. Does this mean the phone is paid off?

Yes, lucky you. T-Mobile won't unlock the phone unless it is fully paid, so you're good.

I doubt that you purchased your phone on Swappa from the seller who sold me mine that was blocked. I left a negative feedback on his page to make sure that people stay away from him in the future (or at least are aware of his shenanigans).

 

[sfsilicon]

Yes, lucky you. T-Mobile won't unlock the phone unless it is fully paid, so you're good.

I doubt that you purchased your phone on Swappa from the seller who sold me mine that was blocked. I left a negative feedback on his page to make sure that people stay away from him in the future (or at least are aware of his shenanigans).

I just checked my sellers feedback page and no negative feedback. When I bought the phone back in December, the seller had sold a couple of phones but had no feedback. I think I was the first person to leave feedback and recall asking why the seller had sold several listings, but had no positive feedback. I did hold off closing the sale on Swappa until I got the unlock code. It is frustrating that TMO has no incentive to develop a process for transferring ownership legally.

Thanks for the information about TMO not providing unlock codes if it is not paid off. Is this then the way to make sure that a phone is paid off and can not be blocked in the future. I guess this does not prevent the original seller from saying the phone was stolen?

From the TMO unlock page:

SIM unlock requirements

As a current or previous T-Mobile customer, you may request a SIM unlock code for your device directly from T-Mobile, without charge. In order to qualify to receive the SIM unlock code your device must not be reported as lost, stolen, or blocked, and you meet the following criteria:

You have purchased your device from T-Mobile or an authorized T-Mobile dealer and activated it on T-Mobile service
You have requested no more than 2 SIM unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months
You provide proof of purchase if T-Mobile is unable to verify purchase
Your account is in good standing
Your device has been completely paid off
Your device has been active on the T-Mobile network for 40 days
You have used the device in the past 7 days on the mobile number requesting the SIM unlock
If you are under a service contract, you have made monthly payments for at least 18 consecutive months on your plan, or have paid a migration fee for the device
If you are on a Prepaid plan, you have had more than $50 in total refills on the device
If you are a former customer, your account balance is zero and you did not port out a line associated with the device during the buyer’s remorse period



Important: Additional restrictions may apply. Exceptions to some or all requirements may apply in certain circumstances, including for Military Personnel and Business and Government Accounts.

 

[Techngro]

I am very glad it worked out for you, but for me, i've been put off pretty completely on using any third party sites now. Negri, Swappa, Ebay, Craigslist. It's too much agita. I'll just save the extra money next time and get mine straight from T-Mobile.

The worst part about it was that I lost my beloved $30 5GB plan.

I'm not sure about whether a fully-paid phone could still be reported lost/stolen. I guess if you're doing for insurance, then yes, it could.

 

[papeshfoo]

I am very glad it worked out for you, but for me, i've been put off pretty completely on using any third party sites now. Negri, Swappa, Ebay, Craigslist. It's too much agita. I'll just save the extra money next time and get mine straight from T-Mobile.

The worst part about it was that I lost my beloved $30 5GB plan.

I'm not sure about whether a fully-paid phone could still be reported lost/stolen. I guess if you're doing for insurance, then yes, it could.

$30 for 5gb? I pay $20 for unlimited nationwide 4G, When I check my usage it says I have almost 10,000GB's allowed lol. I'd be happy to get rid of the plan you had lol

 

[Techngro]

$30 for 5gb? I pay $20 for unlimited nationwide 4G, When I check my usage it says I have almost 10,000GB's allowed lol. I'd be happy to get rid of the plan you had lol

You probably have a base plan of $40 or $50 plus the $20, correct? I couldn't see myself paying $60-$70 for cell service, not since I ditched my iPhone and AT&T for T-Mobile.

I only want the data, so $30 total was perfect for me, and no contract of course. I almost always just came up short of the 5GB, so I don't need anymore and I don't call anyone so the unlimited minutes never made sense for me. For the price, it was the perfect plan.

 

[papabear]

Sorry about your loss. Still looking for a phone? Not sure what your price point is. I have a used LG Optimus L9

 

[Techngro]

Sorry about your loss. Still looking for a phone? Not sure what your price point is. I have a used LG Optimus L9

Thanks (but nobody died, lol).

I'm actually sticking with the blocked Note 3 I got on Swappa. I already unlocked it an am using it on Straight Talk. It's $20 more for only half as much data, but it's the best I can do now. I will be getting the Note 4 (or some other equally awesome device) when it comes out, so hopefully I only have to wait 6 or 7 months. Then i'll get my $30 plan back and all will be right as rain. I'll probably try to sell my Note 3 then, with full disclosure of course. Maybe someone internationally would give me a decent price for it.

As for the whole situation, i've learned a valuable lesson. No more Craigslist, Swappa, Ebay, or Negri. Just straight from T-Mobile. A little extra money paid is worth it to not have to deal with this crap ever again.

p.s. I wouldn't want your L9 anyway seeing as how you're from Hell. It's probably horribly melted and warped from the heat. ROFL

 

[krelvinaz]

As for the whole situation, i've learned a valuable lesson. No more Craigslist, Swappa, Ebay, or Negri. Just straight from T-Mobile. A little extra money paid is worth it to not have to deal with this crap ever again.

Actually, if you had used a credit card you would have been able to reverse the charge due to fraud.

 

[Techngro]

Actually, if you had used a credit card you would have been able to reverse the charge due to fraud.

Yeah, people have told me if I had done X, then I might have been protected. I don't know if that's the case. I thought I was protected by using Swappa and Paypal. Turns out I wasn't. And even if I had used a credit card, i'm not sure it would be worth the hassle just for $100 in savings. I do know one surefire way to not have this happen again. Buying direct from T-Mobile. I'm sure people will say I am the exception to the rule in terms of getting scammed, but it sucks nonetheless, and i'd rather not have it happen a second time.

 

[copualt3]

Yeah, people have told me if I had done X, then I might have been protected. I don't know if that's the case. I thought I was protected by using Swappa and Paypal. Turns out I wasn't. And even if I had used a credit card, i'm not sure it would be worth the hassle just for $100 in savings. I do know one surefire way to not have this happen again. Buying direct from T-Mobile. I'm sure people will say I am the exception to the rule in terms of getting scammed, but it sucks nonetheless, and i'd rather not have it happen a second time.

Your not the only one. .techngro. I, too bought the tmobile note 3 back in 11/13 to use on net10. I was thinking of selling it recently, and swappa staff notified me of your device is blacklisted by tmobile for non payment went through the dispute with the original seller..lala..so we are S.O.L.

Sent from my SM-N900T

 

[Techngro]

Your not the only one. .techngro. I, too bought the tmobile note 3 back in 11/13 to use on net10. I was thinking of selling it recently, and swappa staff notified me of your device is blacklisted by tmobile for non payment went through the dispute with the original seller..lala..so we are S.O.L.

Sent from my SM-N900T

Sorry to hear about that.

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it originally? (You can PM me if you don't want to say here). And did you ever get it sold?
People have suggested that I try and sell it internationally, but I have been burned by Ebay in the past and swore I would never use them again, so i'm just waiting and hoping that I can figure out what to do with this phone when I get the Note 4 (which I assume will be out in 6 months or so).

 

[copualt3]

Sorry to hear about that.

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it originally? (You can PM me if you don't want to say here). And did you ever get it sold?
People have suggested that I try and sell it internationally, but I have been burned by Ebay in the past and swore I would never use them again, so i'm just waiting and hoping that I can figure out what to do with this phone when I get the Note 4 (which I assume will be out in 6 months or so).

It was from j.yain, Naples, Fl. on Swappa.

Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk

 

[Techngro]

It was from j.yain, Naples, Fl. on Swappa.

Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk

Again, that sucks.

I think more and more people are going to have stories about getting scammed on Swappa in the future. People think it's safer than Ebay or Craigslist, but in reality, you have just as much a chance of getting scammed on Swappa as anyplace else. Too bad.

Good luck to you.

 

[copualt3]

Again, that sucks.

I think more and more people are going to have stories about getting scammed on Swappa in the future. People think it's safer than Ebay or Craigslist, but in reality, you have just as much a chance of getting scammed on Swappa as anyplace else. Too bad.

Good luck to you.

Yeah.. you too. Crooks exits everywhere..

Again, that sucks.

I think more and more people are going to have stories about getting scammed on Swappa in the future. People think it's safer than Ebay or Craigslist, but in reality, you have just as much a chance of getting scammed on Swappa as anyplace else. Too bad.

Good luck to you.

Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk

 

[t00c00l4m3]

So here's an update on my situation.

After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.

Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.

So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.

First, good to hear you can use the note 3. And for me I just bought Tmobile Note 3 today for $100 like new and being block for EIP.... at the time buy it I wasn't sure how it will go but I gamble because the price. I thought I can buy it and if doesn't work out use it as small tablet the worst case I can unlock and sell on ebay to oversea people or something. Now, I feel much better.

UPDATE: As soon as I finish the post and check the phone IMEI again, it had show stolen, I guess she plan it along. :crying:

 

[mrbkkt1]

Best option? Buy a broken note off of eBay for cheap with a clean imei. Then swap the motherboards.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[drag&fly]

Best option? Buy a broken note off of eBay for cheap with a clean imei. Then swap the motherboards.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Same thing happened to me. I went to a cell repair shop and for $75 they swapped in a new motherboard.... new IMEI and Serial number of course we're the result. Brand new, Samsung unit.