i have no idea who the previous owner is. i do not know how to get in touch with them. i bought this iphone 8 online and it got to me via postal service. if someone from apple could remove all accounts from it, that would be great.

Find My iPhone Activation Lock - This is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices.

http://support.apple.com/HT201365

Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock (formerly: Activation Lock: Removing a device from a previous owner’s account) - An activation lock can only be removed using the log-in information for the account that applied the lock.

https://support.apple.com/HT201441

Get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund. It is otherwise useless to you.

If the owner has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen, there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.

If you purchased it using eBay or something like it, check to see if they will accept it back and return your money. Most of the on-line services will do that in an effort to keep their customers happy.

Without the password, you just can't

Apple won't get involved.

You must know who you purchased it from.. return it for a refund. If they refuse, turn it over to the police. It's probably stolen.