Someone sold me a disabled iPhone what do I do?

you can try to restore it using a computer but if there was an iCloud account linked to the device then it will go into activation lock after the restore which will then require the password for that iCloud account. I’m going to post all helpful resources for you to review below.

P.S. Apple can only remove activation lock for you in certain circumstances which includes also having the original proof of purchase.

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If you forgot the passcode on your iPhone, or your iPhone is disabled - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365

How to remove Activation Lock - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201441

Contact Apple for support and service - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232

Alexander_7 wrote:

P.S. Apple can only remove activation lock for you in certain circumstances which includes also having the original proof of purchase.

And also only if you are the person who bought the phone NEW from Apple or an Apple authorized reseller and your name is on the proof of purchase. Which is clearly not the case for a phone bought 2nd hand.

Read this link...

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Return it for a refund.

If you can't, recycle it responsibly.

If it is activation locked, Apple will not help you as you are not the original owner.