Activation lock = you will need to contact the original owner to have them remove this device from their account.

Getting in touch with the original owner may be straightforward or complex depending on how you acquired the device.

1. Purchased from an individual: If you purchased the device directly from someone you know, or have a way to contact them (like through an online marketplace), reach out and ask them to remove the device from their Apple ID.

2. Purchased from a retailer: If you bought the device from a store, online seller, or used electronics retailer, you should contact them and explain the situation. They may be able to help contact the original owner or offer a replacement or refund.

3. Gift or hand-me-down: If the device was a gift or hand-me-down, contact the person who gave it to you and ask them to remove it from their Apple ID, or to help you contact the original owner if they aren’t the original owner themselves.

4. Found or untraceable owner: If you found the device or the owner is untraceable, the situation is more complex. It might not be possible to unlock the device legally and ethically. In such a case, turning the device into a local law enforcement office would be the most appropriate action.

It’s important to note that trying to bypass the activation lock on an iPhone is against Apple’s terms of service, and there isn’t a legitimate way around it without the original owner’s Apple ID and password. The Activation Lock is a security measure designed to prevent anyone else from using your Apple device if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Would probably be best to return the phone for a refund if you purchased it from someone.

Otherwise, start with who you got the phone from and work backwards. The phone is going to be completely useless unless the original owner removes the lock. Frankly speaking, most phones with Activation Lock have been stolen.

For the future, never buy a used phone unless it powers on to the "hello" screen.