ACCOUNT

Having the previous owner remove their account will remove Activation Lock. That allow you to log into the device with your Apple ID. They need to remove their account from the device you are trying to use so you do not get their information. You cannot delete their account, they have to, unless they have given you their Apple ID and password.

I have no idea either, and your explanation doesn't help, I'm sorry. Did you just purchase this device from someone? They need to wipe the device for you to use it. Then you activate the device for yourself. When you do that, it prompts you for your Apple ID, you can create it then, or follow the steps in this support document. How to create a new Apple ID - Apple Support

Until they remove their activation lock, this phone is useless to you. You need their help as instructed.

Then contact them to remove their login from the device.

Yes, it does. Thank you. My frustration level was rising. I believe we need to let them contact Apple Support or a local Apple Store to have them walk through it all.

This other post may help shed light (in the absence of relevant answers from the OP).

Iphone11 - Apple Community

NOTE: Based on several posts by the OP, this seems to be long standing issue from late October.

If there is still a user setup on your iPhone, then it was not properly prepared to be sold or given away. Do you know who this previous owner was?

No, it will not delete anything on their device. All you need to do is delete them from this device so you can add your account to this device.