Checklist for Buying a used iphone

Make sure the previous owner removes the information from the device and from iCloud as outlined in this support document. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5661 otherwise you will not be able to activate the device.

As far as transfer of ownership, are you taking over someone's cellular account, or just purchasing the phone? If you are just purchasing the phone, the Apple account has nothing to do with it.

If you have any other questioins, just post.

Transfer money at an Apple Store or an outlet for the wireless carrier you will use. You need to ensure that the carrier has no liens against the phone (previous unpaid bills) AND that you can activate the phone under your own ID without a "cloud activation lock". Then hand over the money.

gokulfromon wrote:

Oh and in case anyones wondering. The phone under question is an iphone 5s which is factory unlocked.

Are you absolutely sure about this?

It must have been purchased directly from Apple as factory unlocked.

You cannot get factory unlocked phones from anywhere else.

Be present to personally observe its owner follow these instructions prior to buying it: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Whoever can access the records for the phone serial number.

Also agreeing to meet you in such a place (or refusing to!) tells you much about the seller's honesty.

Good luck.