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[Q] IMEI numbers matching phone and box?

Long story short.. I sold a phone on eBay with the original box. However, the phone was replaced twice due to sleep death issues. So it turns out that the phone I had sold IMEI number was different then that of the original sticker on the box. This is normal as when you replace a phone, they don't send you a whole new box, they just give you a new phone.
So my question is.. why would a buyer make a big deal about the box's IMEI number not matching the phone's IMEI number? I can only think that he's trying to re-sell it somehow to make a profit, but can't because the numbers don't match.
His reason is "because customs won't allow phones into Europe without the original box with IMEI numbers matching". Riiiiiiight
Anyone care to speculate? Thanks.

So basically, the buyer is saying customs will take apart the packaging to check the IMEI, and take the phone out to check the IMEI on the back of it? Plus, what about phones that weren't shipped with their original boxes?
The buyer is obviously lying/bsing.

jianC said:
So basically, the buyer is saying customs will take apart the packaging to check the IMEI, and take the phone out to check the IMEI on the back of it? Plus, what about phones that weren't shipped with their original boxes?
The buyer is obviously lying/bsing.
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Exactly. He said he was speaking with the airport and they would charge $30-$40 dollars to get some "copies" of proof of ownership so he wants to be compensated for this in a partial refund. When I asked him for the number to this airport so I could verify this obvious bs story myself.. he all of a sudden had to ask his friend for the number and would get back to me. And still hasn't 5 hours later.
Obviously, he's trying to do something dodgy here and wants to be compensated $30-40 for something that he screwed up on by not making sure the IMEI numbers match beforehand. I just can't figure out what.

if i were the buyer, and all that's true, i'd be saying to myself, 'dang i guess i shoulda checked on this intl shipping stuff first..."
just my own thoughts on the matter though...
i wouldnt expect every seller, especially a person, selling his own phone to know every countries or airports shipping procedures...

Since you said Ebay: I take it this is outside the return period (if you had one/stated no returns). Assuming the buyer is reputable himself: I'd ask for documented proof. Paypal would require this as well so you're just saying him the time before Paypal asks him the same thing. Cause yeah: this is sketchy.

B-Naughty said:
if i were the buyer, and all that's true, i'd be saying to myself, 'dang i guess i shoulda checked on this intl shipping stuff first..."
just my own thoughts on the matter though...
i wouldnt expect every seller, especially a person, selling his own phone to know every countries or airports shipping procedures...
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Very true, although I don't claim to be an expert on such matters.. from what I understand.. customs doesn't actually open and physically inspect packages unless there's something really abnormal/illegal looking on the package. Imagine if customs actually physically inspected every single package that went through Europe on a daily basis. Not at all plausible.
But that really doesn't even matter in this case as he stated that he, himself, was going to Europe with the phone which made this all so much more bs-worthy.
alpha-niner64 said:
Since you said Ebay: I take it this is outside the return period (if you had one/stated no returns). Assuming the buyer is reputable himself: I'd ask for documented proof. Paypal would require this as well so you're just saying him the time before Paypal asks him the same thing. Cause yeah: this is sketchy.
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I did state no returns and yeah I was going to ask him for proof.. but I figured it would be needed anyway if he files a dispute, so I just left that be. I just told him that I'm sorry he didn't verify this all before purchasing as if it was that critical to the sale, he should have made sure before purchasing. I also told him that I could not help any further as the phone works exactly as it should and his only problem is mis-matched IMEI numbers. Definitely sketchy.

J0ESK0 said:
Very true, although I don't claim to be an expert on such matters.. from what I understand.. customs doesn't actually open and physically inspect packages unless there's something really abnormal/illegal looking on the package. Imagine if customs actually physically inspected every single package that went through Europe on a daily basis. Not at all plausible.
But that really doesn't even matter in this case as he stated that he, himself, was going to Europe with the phone which made this all so much more bs-worthy.
I did state no returns and yeah I was going to ask him for proof.. but I figured it would be needed anyway if he files a dispute, so I just left that be. I just told him that I'm sorry he didn't verify this all before purchasing as if it was that critical to the sale, he should have made sure before purchasing. I also told him that I could not help any further as the phone works exactly as it should and his only problem is mis-matched IMEI numbers. Definitely sketchy.
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this was a US to US transaction? i thought you shipped overseas... he doesn't have a leg to stand on... no part of your transaction said anything about what you do with it afterwards... or i warranty this, yada yada... it was no returns... i would imagine your sale outlined the phone in its condition... like you said, he should've inquired about that... he's taking it with him??? tell him throw the [email protected] box away....

B-Naughty said:
i would tell him throw the [email protected] box away....
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Hahaha.. exactly my thoughts. XD And yes, US to US transaction. Then all of a sudden 2 weeks later he needs the original box to match the phone so he can bring it to Europe with him as a gift. Smh. People will make anything up when they screw up instead of just admitting they made a mistake. Oh well heh.
Sent from my Jellybro'd Nexus Prime using xda premium

Unfortunately, eBay and PayPal always side with the buyer. Even if there is a stated "no returns" policy. To make everything supposedly even, they will tell him to ship it back to you, and you will have to refund the original price plus original shipping. You will both be out a little bit. Due to you already paying once for shipping, and him for having to pay to send it back.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

Did you get any receipts or paperwork for the replacements. This may be enough if you can send him those as proof.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

austin420 said:
Unfortunately, eBay and PayPal always side with the buyer. Even if there is a stated "no returns" policy. To make everything supposedly even, they will tell him to ship it back to you, and you will have to refund the original price plus original shipping. You will both be out a little bit. Due to you already paying once for shipping, and him for having to pay to send it back.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app
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People have gotten around this. All the buyer has to do is do a chargeback on their CC. Dirty business.

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Thanks ✟
Moving to Q&A

Good deal. 32GB for $325?

Two weeks old on CL said he would do $325 only includes phone..no charger, box or anything. Would you guys take it? I'm trying to decide my sprint contract is up Feb 1 and i was interested in this phone and switching to T Mobile
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

rickyb316 said:
Two weeks old on CL said he would do $325 only includes phone..no charger, box or anything. Would you guys take it? I'm trying to decide my sprint contract is up Feb 1 and i was interested in this phone and switching to T Mobile
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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Sounds sketchy...

He was asking $375 but said it was negotiable because it didn't include anything but the phone. Would it be recommended to use any micro usb charger or is there one specifically built for this phone?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

rickyb316 said:
He was asking $375 but said it was negotiable because it didn't include anything but the phone. Would it be recommended to use any micro usb charger or is there one specifically built for this phone?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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Why not box or charger? Because it's probably stolen.

BirchBarlow said:
Why not box or charger? Because it's probably stolen.
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i can only agree with fellow XDA member.
if you buy new device (high end) you will defon keep the box... maybe the charger can kinda get lost (in work, school, or something) but defo not the box... and the price he is sellling it at is not a "steal"... so save few more bucks bro and get your hands on brand new boxed nexie.
take care...

My friend just bought a Black 32GB just the phone and cable, no box or charger, for 300$ of CL here in the Seattle area, he just made sure he checked the IMEI using Swappa.com (they have a free IMEI/ESN checker, be careful with other sites that claim to check IMEI/ESN's for you, cause some of those are just phishing for these numbers, and once you put them in, they will tell you its ok, but then copy the number themselves and use it for cloning devices, or for changing the IMEI on a blacklisted phone, to the white-listed IMEI you gave them. Also once you use a legit IMEI checker, call your service provider and tell them you are purchasing this right now and have the dude talk to them to verify this, you could also call whatever provider he was using, if any, so that way there's record of him selling. or you could just meet at one of your service providers stores. If they aren't willing to do that, and are absolutely set on not meeting there, then yea, somethings up. But I would at least try the approach I suggested cause you may end up getting a very good deal, and if not, then you didn't lose anything cause you took steps to ensure your protection, so no harm no foul.
AND NEVER GO ALONE ! Guy or Girl. I am 27, 6'3", ex-military, and a Guitarist who is well known in the local scene so most people in the area know me, but I still don't do CL deals by myself. I even have my CHL and carry either a Glock 19 Gen 2, or a FNH FNP Tactical .45 (not always, but sometimes, I am an opencarry adovacate, but i wont get into that here lol), and still dont go alone, can't stress that one enough. a dear friend of mine was raped in Tacoma, WA while trying to buy a crib for her daughter and i wish everyday that she woulda called me or one of our friends to go with...
The final bit of advice I can give, is trust your gut. Sounds cliche, but its true. If you feel like somethings off, it prolly is, and even if it isn't, is your life, or overall well-being, worth getting less then 100$ off on a phone, ya dig.

Not sure I agree with the people who say if you don't have a box, its probably stolen. I sold a phone without a box because when I bought it, the person at the t-mobile store told me that I would get a $10 bill credit if I let them recycle the box. Sounded sketchy to me, but I did actually get the credit.
And running the IMEI through swaapa just proves that it hasn't been marked as stolen YET. The seller could stop paying payments (if they have tmo) and the IMEI gets blacklisted then.

Silicon Knight said:
My friend just bought a Black 32GB just the phone and cable, no box or charger, for 300$ of CL here in the Seattle area, he just made sure he checked the IMEI using Swappa.com (they have a free IMEI/ESN checker, be careful with other sites that claim to check IMEI/ESN's for you, cause some of those are just phishing for these numbers, and once you put them in, they will tell you its ok, but then copy the number themselves and use it for cloning devices, or for changing the IMEI on a blacklisted phone, to the white-listed IMEI you gave them. Also once you use a legit IMEI checker, call your service provider and tell them you are purchasing this right now and have the dude talk to them to verify this, you could also call whatever provider he was using, if any, so that way there's record of him selling. or you could just meet at one of your service providers stores. If they aren't willing to do that, and are absolutely set on not meeting there, then yea, somethings up. But I would at least try the approach I suggested cause you may end up getting a very good deal, and if not, then you didn't lose anything cause you took steps to ensure your protection, so no harm no foul.
AND NEVER GO ALONE ! Guy or Girl. I am 27, 6'3", ex-military, and a Guitarist who is well known in the local scene so most people in the area know me, but I still don't do CL deals by myself. I even have my CHL and carry either a Glock 19 Gen 2, or a FNH FNP Tactical .45 (not always, but sometimes, I am an opencarry adovacate, but i wont get into that here lol), and still dont go alone, can't stress that one enough. a dear friend of mine was raped in Tacoma, WA while trying to buy a crib for her daughter and i wish everyday that she woulda called me or one of our friends to go with...
The final bit of advice I can give, is trust your gut. Sounds cliche, but its true. If you feel like somethings off, it prolly is, and even if it isn't, is your life, or overall well-being, worth getting less then 100$ off on a phone, ya dig.
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OP and you can bring me ill get him to punch me (self defense) then ill beat his ass and take my iPhone crack it first then smack him on the face making sure the glass shards cut every damn thing!

markdapimp said:
OP and you can bring me ill get him to punch me (self defense) then ill beat his ass and take my iPhone crack it first then smack him on the face making sure the glass shards cut every damn thing!
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wow, I totally change my stance. Forget everything i said (minus the part about IMEI/ESN checkers) and just bring this dude, he's like some crazy iphone wielding ninja. You can't lose with him watching ur back, they will be so scared, they'll prolly just give you the phone and free service for a year lol

Hunteres said:
i can only agree with fellow XDA member.
if you buy new device (high end) you will defon keep the box... maybe the charger can kinda get lost (in work, school, or something) but defo not the box... and the price he is sellling it at is not a "steal"... so save few more bucks bro and get your hands on brand new boxed nexie.
take care...
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Actually it probably is a steal. Get it? :laugh::good:

mistahseller said:
Actually it probably is a steal. Get it? :laugh::good:
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:rimshot:
Sent from my Moto X

Not worth

No go people. It's not about being stolen, I've had my phone stolen before and I needed to send my box and service agreement into Asurion. It could be that he has the box and may sell it but then report it stolen after the fact. I've done business on craigslist plenty of times and actually learned this the hard way about a year ago when I bought a Nexus 4 blacklisted from T-Mobile about 3 days after I bought it and was working. Always get the box with the IMEI sticker still attached when buying phones on craigslist, in most cases your better off than not.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Got scammed

So I bought a moto g 16gb unlocked on ebay. It was case open, but practically unused, and it was £20 cheaper so I bought it. There was an issue with the SIM, it wouldn't even detect it so I thought the pins were broken. Took it in for repair, turns out the IMEI is blacklisted and phone most likely stolen, so my question is, is it possible to change the IMEI and still make it work? Or get the IMEI unlocked? Is there any workaround for this or am I permanently screwed with this phone?

You are screw imei. Tampering is highly illegal, except this was done over ebay which means PayPal was in play bring it up with them. You may get your cash back also check the disscription make sure it wasn't buried in their
Sent from my LT30p using Tapatalk

Durteedee said:
You are screw imei. Tampering is highly illegal, except this was done over ebay which means PayPal was in play bring it up with them. You may get your cash back also check the disscription make sure it wasn't buried in their
Sent from my LT30p using Tapatalk
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Okay, well I'm about done with drama, I know this guy is a scammer, I had some arguments and he's a total scammer and I can't be bothered to mess with paypal legal team and whatnot. I was just wondering if there's an alternative way to get it fixed, guess not though. I might just give it to a relative as an ipod touch.

kolega28 said:
Okay, well I'm about done with drama, I know this guy is a scammer, I had some arguments and he's a total scammer and I can't be bothered to mess with paypal legal team and whatnot. I was just wondering if there's an alternative way to get it fixed, guess not though. I might just give it to a relative as an ipod touch.
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kolega28 said:
Okay, well I'm about done wno ith drama, I know this guy is a scammer, I had some arguments and he's a total scammer and I can't be bothered to mess with paypal legal team and whatnot. I was just wondering if there's an alternative way to get it fixed, guess not though. I might just give it to a relative as an ipod touch.
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PayPal isn't that bad and is on your side just look into it
Sent from my LT30p using Tapatalk

if you got scammed they might help you out. might as well right?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

You'd be pretty pissed off if someone stole your Moto G, fixed the IMEI blacklist then was able to sell it... unless you stole it joking
Seriously though bring it up with Paypal.

Re-read the Ebay listing and make sure it is NOT listed ANYWHERE in the description about being blacklisted.
Then, as everyone is suggesting, at least bring it to the attention of PayPal and eBay.

A blacklisted phone by IMEI can't be recovered ever again, because [Corrections allowed] when somebody calls to it's carrier to block their stolen phone by IMEI, they block/blacklist it and that wouldn't be suposed to turn on, or at least that's what i've read weeks ago. That blacklist would make that not even another countries carrier SIM cards work on that phone. :/
Technically that Moto G is now an iPod Touch. :/
I don't know 'that' well those online shopping sites (ebay, mercadolibre, amazon, etc.) but you could be able to report or, (corrections) take legal actions against the user that sold you that.
Just saying.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

resell it
if you can't return it to the seller, or get a refund from PayPal/eBay, you better try to resell it to somewhere abroad

zach_h said:
if you can't return it to the seller, or get a refund from PayPal/eBay, you better try to resell it to somewhere abroad
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And be a dirty douche bag like the guys who sold him the phone??
That's pretty low man.
Unless in the description he states in huge writing right at the top "BLACKLISTED DEVICE", which is what the first guy should have done.

ATRIXXIRTA said:
And be a dirty douche bag like the guys who sold him the phone??
That's pretty low man.
Unless in the description he states in huge writing right at the top "BLACKLISTED DEVICE", which is what the first guy should have done.
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no. his device is blacklisted only in his country. users abroad can use it

Did not know that...
So if I were to purchase a device online that has been blacklisted in, say, Europe, I could use it here in North America?
I just thought the IMEI be blocked everywhere.

Blacklisting is available only in the UK afaik, besides you should get a refund from eBay/PP/Seller, it's quite easy.
Otherwise it can be used in any other country w/o a problem.
Also there is a way to unblock it if you got the original box. Probably the idiot sold it and then reported it stolen.

Some time ago I was looking for American iPhones but some were black listed and I've been told that you can't use them here in Europe
Sent from my XT1032 using xda app-developers app

Paypal protection is there for this sort of thing and is pretty easy to make a claim, why someone can't be bothered is a mystery indeed, unless there's more to this than has been told.

EBay Buyer Protection is a wondrous thing. Also for phones just go to swappa.com.
Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk

yes there is a way.....
kolega28 said:
Okay, well I'm about done with drama, I know this guy is a scammer, I had some arguments and he's a total scammer and I can't be bothered to mess with paypal legal team and whatnot. I was just wondering if there's an alternative way to get it fixed, guess not though. I might just give it to a relative as an ipod touch.
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there is a way but you wont find it here because there are some ppl that want to unblacklist their hard days work of stealing phones. I feel what you are going through and you need to serch google as there are plenty of sites offering the service.... I had one done over the web on a telus note 2 and worked flawlessly. and yes I got scammed too... on ebay.

What an experience! :(

Well what can I say, a complete farce from start to finish.
From pre ordering to the numerous phone calls and emails to cancel my order and then to try and return my phone for a full refund.
In the end I had to get the police, Santander bank and trading standards involved to get my money back.
I had to wait 3 weeks for my order to ship to me in which time they wouldn't cancel my order even though the phone wasn't built or shipped.
They then said they would send out a pre paid label for me to return the phone, 6 times I had to request this and they never sent the labels while the 14 day returns time scale ran out due to this! I rang DHL and they told me no request was ever made for a returns label!
This left me with no option but to contact the police ,my bank and trading standards, all of whom were brilliant and helped me out :good:, my bank did a charge bank and refunded me my money back. All emails that I sent and received was shown to the above and once Motorola found out I had contacted the above they refused to respond to me anymore
I now have a brand new and sealed moto x style sat on my shelf , I have my money back and I have done all I can to return the phone, I don't know what to do with the phone now?
This was my 1st experience with Motorola, I have read similar experiences , and no doubt that there are lots of happy customers. How can they treat customers like this.
Motorolas loss was Nexus 6p gain

Interesting, I got my return label in about an hour because I requested it online. No phone call was needed. I didn't send my phone back but I could. From what I have read that is the way to do this, go online, submit a return within a few hours you will have an email with the label, end of the issue. I think you will eventually have to send it back or more legal issues may occur.
Seems to me that the phone support is poor so just don't go through them

I wasn't aware you could request online, but I had numerous emails and phone calls asking for a returns label that should have been noted.
Yes i have the kept the phone in safe keeping until they ask for it back!

Did you check your junk mail folder? After 6 requests I feel like they would have sent at least one label.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

ant78 said:
I wasn't aware you could request online, but I had numerous emails and phone calls asking for a returns label that should have been noted.
Yes i have the kept the phone in safe keeping until they ask for it back!
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joshw0000 said:
Did you check your junk mail folder? After 6 requests I feel like they would have sent at least one label.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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I've heard of others who had this issue, but just go online and you'll have your label before lunch. Omit the problem (phone support) and you wont have any issues.

joshw0000 said:
Did you check your junk mail folder? After 6 requests I feel like they would have sent at least one label.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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Yes that was the first thing I checked, the police and my bank also asked the same question! Like I said DHL confirmed that no return was ever requested from Motorola

joshw0000 said:
Did you check your junk mail folder? After 6 requests I feel like they would have sent at least one label.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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joshuadjohnson22 said:
I've heard of others who had this issue, but just go online and you'll have your label before lunch. Omit the problem (phone support) and you wont have any issues.
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To be honest I really can't be bothered anymore as Motorola have messed me around for a good month, now they can do the chasing !

ant78 said:
To be honest I really can't be bothered anymore as Motorola have messed me around for a good month, now they can do the chasing !
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well good luck and enjoy the nexus

joshuadjohnson22 said:
well good luck and enjoy the nexus
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Thanks, although I was really looking forward to the style, I'm still tempted to open up the box and have a little play but perhaps I'm better leaving it sealed?

ant78 said:
Thanks, although I was really looking forward to the style, I'm still tempted to open up the box and have a little play but perhaps I'm better leaving it sealed?
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doesn't matter at this point. Within the 14 days you can use the device as a daily driver so to them it doesn't matter. If I were you I would play with it. Just don't break it lol

Man, I feel for ya. I hate seeing stories like this. A horrible customer service experience can completely ruin what would otherwise be a nice device experience. Glad you got your money back in any case.
Have you considered giving the device another shot since you now have it? You'd have to send the money back again, but you wouldn't have to wait on shipping.
What made you not want the phone in the first place? Delays in shipping?

ant78 said:
Thanks, although I was really looking forward to the style, I'm still tempted to open up the box and have a little play but perhaps I'm better leaving it sealed?
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If it were me, I'd leave it sealed for 90 days at least. If at that point there is no dispute to the charge back from the bank, no contact from Motorola, etc, you should be safe to say you have a free phone. Keep in mind, just because you got your money back doesn't mean Motorola isn't disputing it on their end. And the bank could at any moment take that money back. If it comes to that, you could need to provide a sealed box device. If you can't, you could be out of luck.
Right now you have a free phone. If you sit on it for a few months, and nothing more comes of it, you still have a free phone.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

You know, reading this post just made me decide to go ahead and unlock my device (that I've had for a week) for rooting/moding. I was on the fence because if I unlocked it I would have lost my warranty. But knowing I will never have to deal with Moto Customer Service is a good thing. I won't wanna lose my phone for weeks if something goes wrong anyway, so I'll be better with my local repair shop.
My previous phone, Galaxy S4, developed the dreaded swollen battery. And they wanted me to send it back for a replacement, instead of just sending me a battery. So that makes me not want to deal with customer service at all.
Sorry to hear about your experience. though.

jonathanbailie said:
Man, I feel for ya. I hate seeing stories like this. A horrible customer service experience can completely ruin what would otherwise be a nice device experience. Glad you got your money back in any case.
Have you considered giving the device another shot since you now have it? You'd have to send the money back again, but you wouldn't have to wait on shipping.
What made you not want the phone in the first place? Delays in shipping?
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Thanks, it has been a rough ride!
I only cancelled when i saw the nexus 6P

joshw0000 said:
If it were me, I'd leave it sealed for 90 days at least. If at that point there is no dispute to the charge back from the bank, no contact from Motorola, etc, you should be safe to say you have a free phone. Keep in mind, just because you got your money back doesn't mean Motorola isn't disputing it on their end. And the bank could at any moment take that money back. If it comes to that, you could need to provide a sealed box device. If you can't, you could be out of luck.
Right now you have a free phone. If you sit on it for a few months, and nothing more comes of it, you still have a free phone.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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Im intending to keep the phone sealed now, i dont think i have heard the last of Motorola support! Lets see how long it takes for them to send out a label now i have my money back!

I got full refund after having phone for like 5 days, unlocked boot loader and all, no issue at all, then bought the bigger internal memory one, which I should have from beginning. i think you go a bad luck kinda deal my friend

Sorry you feel that way...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

ant78 said:
Yes that was the first thing I checked, the police and my bank also asked the same question! Like I said DHL confirmed that no return was ever requested from Motorola
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For me, the prepaid return label was FedEx, even though the package originally came DHL. Might want to check with them.

This is why I bought mine from Amazon, but I'm keeping it.

ant78 said:
Yes that was the first thing I checked, the police and my bank also asked the same question! Like I said DHL confirmed that no return was ever requested from Motorola
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Motorola contracts FedEx for the return. Not DHL. You went the wrong route.
Also, make sure your Motorola account has the correct email address. I used Google Plus login when I created the Motorola account and it showed some weird email address when I check my Motorola profile. I had to go in there and updated to the correct email address.
You will want to send the phone back. Contact any FedEx retail location, give them your address and they may have your label on file. If you decide to keep the phone, Motorola might bill you for it. If you don't pay, they will send you to collection. Good luck.

I'm supper annoyed.

A friend of mine keeps asking whether he should buy a new note5, and then after a week return it but with a different note 5 still in new condition in the box. I keep telling him that he can't beat the system, and T-Mobile will smack his tushi the moment it realizes what he did. But he won't listen, so now I made this thread to see what you guys say. I personally never see employees check the imei on returns, but that's just me.

re: imei
helikido said:
A friend of mine keeps asking whether he should buy a new note5, and then after a week return it but with a different note 5 still in new condition in the box. I keep telling him that he can't beat the system, and T-Mobile will smack his tushi the moment it realizes what he did. But he won't listen, so now I made this thread to see what you guys say. I personally never see employees check the imei on returns, but that's just me.
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Haven't you guys heard about IMEI numbers yet? LOL
That's the first thing Tmoble checks to make sure its
the same as the original purchased phone's IMEI...
They do that not only to prevent fraud but but it's the
law regarding refunds, exchanges and repair.
Good luck,
Have a great day!

Needs to get insurance
Sent from my SM-N920T using XDA-Developers mobile app

I'd say go about your business, and don't think about it anymore. You did what you could, and he's a grown man. If he wants to play around with karma, stand back and let him.

helikido said:
A friend of mine keeps asking whether he should buy a new note5, and then after a week return it but with a different note 5 still in new condition in the box. I keep telling him that he can't beat the system, and T-Mobile will smack his tushi the moment it realizes what he did. But he won't listen, so now I made this thread to see what you guys say. I personally never see employees check the imei on returns, but that's just me.
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I'm just going to weigh in my two cents first of all when a phone is purchased the imei is scanned and allows it to be used on the network once a return happens that same imei is scanned maybe it's not physically scanned it may just be auto filled from the receipt but the new phone will stop working and won't be activated because it was "returned" tell your friend to no try and scam companies like that they're not stupid and returns are done a certain way for this very reason and if he is caught he could face trouble with the law just be honest and tell him to buy a new phone and stick with it.

helikido said:
A friend of mine keeps asking whether he should buy a new note5, and then after a week return it but with a different note 5 still in new condition in the box. I keep telling him that he can't beat the system, and T-Mobile will smack his tushi the moment it realizes what he did. But he won't listen, so now I made this thread to see what you guys say. I personally never see employees check the imei on returns, but that's just me.
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I hope this isn't one of those scenarios where the friend is really you. First off, why buy a new one when he already has a like new one? If it's a T-Mobile note 5, unless it's blocked for non payment or something the phones still under manufacturer warranty and T-Mobile will exchange it. The whole story sounds a bit fishy to me tbh.