HELLLLLLLLLP

I bought an iphone 5s from a pawnshop. I cant use the phone because its stuck in the activation phase and I dont know the previous owner. I called apple and they cant help me. I cant return the phone apparently so it looks like Im kinda stuck and im not sure what to do. I have no idea who the previous owner is, so if anyone knows how I can get past this phase it would be greatly appreciated! 😀