Activation Lock - Previous Owner can't help

siraajs1 Said:

"Activation Lock - Previous Owner can't help: bought it in person, i'll take a visit to the Apple Store, and if not, i'll talk to the owner and see if I can get a return"

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Just Go for a Return from the Seller:

Based on what you have provided, an Apple Store would be of no help. For an item that is not officially yours, then they would be of no assistance for breaking into the item, per se. And, Apple Stores are only likely to open back up over time. With that being the case, just follow through with a return.

For Reference: Apple Store Locator - Apple Support

You acquired your device second hand from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller. The information below explains what has happened. You apparently didn't know to heed the advice given below.

"Before you buy/acquire an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account."

And see: Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365. See this heading Check for Activation Lock before you buy/acquire a device from someone else.

The presence of activation lock means that we can't help you. We are not authorized to remove the activation lock from any device. And, under your circumstances, Apple support will not remove it since you cannot provide

proof of ownership that they will consider to be sufficient. You would need and have your purchase

receipt for the device from an authorized Apple seller with the device's serial

number on it (which you don't have).* 

All I can suggest is that you try to recovery the needed password (or possibly the purchase price) from the party you acquired the iPhone from. Recovering the password is the only way the phone can be made functional for your use. And getting it from the person you acquired it from is the only way to so. From what you say, I don't think you will be able to do this.

What it comes down to is that the device will be useless to you.

*Rarely, an iDevice is purchased activation locked from an authorized Apple seller.

siraajs1 Said:

"Activation Lock - Previous Owner can't help: [...]Talked to the previous owner, and the account that it says on the screen isn't linked to his. I checked the IMEI, dosen't show as stolen, and a found out that the person whom I had bought it from also bought it used. Chances are, the Apple ID is linked to a third individual I don't even know about, and have no contact with[...]"

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Seems Like a Scam:

Where was this Purchased?

• Off of a Web site (i.e. eBay)?:

If so, you might want to contact that Web site itself, and see if you can get your money back, and if the seller can be help responsible for a fraudulent transaction.

• In-Person?:

If so, there may be nothing you can do, unless they accept a return.

Apple won't remove the Activation Lock unless you provide a copy of the original purchase receipt with the serial number on it. A receipt that isn't the original receipt won't be accepted.