GreedyFlygon

Q: Bought an ipod on ebay. Locked and probably stolen.

Okay, look, I bought this iPod 5 on eBay for a fair price. Showed up at my door and it was locked, so I tried figuring out if there was a way to unlock it, and it turns out that I was told I had to plug it into my computer to unlock it, but the message popped up saying that this persons iPod was locked and I had to type in the pass code to sync the device. I did more research on this, and figured out that all signs pointed to it being stolen, I tried contacting the seller and there were no return policies. I am now just trying to sell this thing, I am so wrapped up in anger and frustration in apples inane difficult to use devices. I am scared to try and sell this thing because I don't want to get arrested. What the **** do I do? I want my money back.

Posted on Sep 14, 2016 2:27 PM

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Q: Bought an ipod on ebay. Locked and probably stolen.

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 14, 2016 2:29 PM in response to GreedyFlygon
    Level 9 (58,708 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 14, 2016 2:29 PM in response to GreedyFlygon

    If you want your money back, you need to deal with the seller. If they refuse, then open a case with eBay. If the device is activation locked, then you either need the original owner to remove the lock, or return it for a refund. Without that lock removed, the device is useless to you. You can be as frustrated with Apple as you want, but Activation lock is an anti-theft measure, and it cannot be bypassed. You need to be frustrated at the person that sold you the device.

  • by lllaass,Helpful

    lllaass lllaass Sep 14, 2016 2:34 PM in response to GreedyFlygon
    Level 10 (189,305 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 14, 2016 2:34 PM in response to GreedyFlygon

    If you are running into this:

    Find My iPhone Activation Lock

    Then it is worthless to you.

    What did the eBay listing say about being locked etc?

    If they did not disclose that it was activation locked and they will not do this

    Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support

    Then contact eBay for a refund since the listing was not complete.

  • by GreedyFlygon,

    GreedyFlygon GreedyFlygon Sep 14, 2016 3:50 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Sep 14, 2016 3:50 PM in response to lllaass

    This is just straight dumb and inane. I try to buy my only son an iPod for Christmas coming up because I found this fairly cheap, and I really thought I was finally gonna be able to get him something nice for once. Whether its this iPod, or another I pod I just want one unlocked so I can give it to him.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Sep 14, 2016 4:08 PM in response to GreedyFlygon
    Level 8 (49,434 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 14, 2016 4:08 PM in response to GreedyFlygon

    It's not your problem, it's the seller's for having sold you an item that wasn't theirs to sell.

     

    You already tried contacting the seller, so file a complaint with eBay. They will intervene and compel the seller to refund your money. If the seller refuses or is unresponsive, eBay will refund your money on his behalf, suspend his seller account, seize his PayPal balance, and may initiate legal action. You'll get your money back in a few days, all of it, including shipping. No problem, just some time lost and a lesson learned.

     

    I am scared to try and sell this thing because I don't want to get arrested.

     

    As well you should. Do not attempt to re-sell it, or you will be just as culpable.

  • by GreedyFlygon,

    GreedyFlygon GreedyFlygon Sep 14, 2016 4:08 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Sep 14, 2016 4:08 PM in response to John Galt

    I guess there's just no solution to this. Cause man the problem is, even if I do get my money back and a response from eBay, I'll still have to try and find another low priced used iPod for my son (that is assuming I don't have to pay for shipping for the refund), and just pray that its not locked. This is the problem I'm getting at.

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Sep 14, 2016 4:20 PM in response to GreedyFlygon
    Level 8 (49,434 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 14, 2016 4:20 PM in response to GreedyFlygon

    I guess there's just no solution to this.

     

    Sure there is. eBay is a paradise in which the buyer is the undisputed King. The vast majority of sellers are honorable. Research their ratings and read their feedback. It won't take much effort to find an honorable seller.

     

    I'll still have to try and find another low priced used iPod ...

     

    Any used iPod will sell for the same amount as any other one in similar condition, within a few dollars, so if a deal seems just too good to be true, it probably isn't.

     

    eBay will refund your money. They just to go through the ridiculous (and probably futile) steps of contacting the seller. That will take a couple of weeks. Plenty of time for Christmas.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 14, 2016 9:34 PM in response to GreedyFlygon
    Level 9 (58,708 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 14, 2016 9:34 PM in response to GreedyFlygon

    Depending on your location, if you watch around the holidays, the big box stores, like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, all have deals on electronics. Here is the US they have Black Friday after Thanksgiving, and then Black Monday for online sales. You can find deals, however, like John said, you just have to be careful when buying from online places that are not an authorized reseller.