Bought used iPhone and it's locked to the owner

Have you bought 2nd hand iPhone?

You must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)

• If you need help removing Activation Lock and have proof of purchase documentation, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

Read this before you buy a newer iPhone.

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.

Ask you money back if possible.

Hello ~ No…unfortunately not. Contact the person you bought it from and return it to get your money back. We cannot help and neither will Apple. Take a look here by claiming on below…

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Also:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

~Katana-San~

You've been the victim of a very common scam of being sold what is likely a stolen phone.

Unfortunately, there's no buyer protection of any kind through a private, third party sale. It's about the same as paying a lot of money for a fake Rolex watch that isn't worth $10.

Even if you managed to find the real owner, they're not going to just give you their Apple ID and password so you can unlock keep what is still their phone. They're also not going to reimburse your cost for returning it as they've likely already gotten another phone to replace it.

That leaves you with a useless brick. Your only hope is returning it for a refund, but I wouldn't count on that happening.

I would report this to FB. They usually take scams seriously.

Hello ~ Excellent point as they in fact do take these things very seriously! Good catch!👏👏👏 We will be seeing you soon as well!

~Katana-San~