IMEI listed as stolen

Stuart.th wrote:

but if it was stolen why was it not blocked?

Could be the person that was the victim didn't report it as stolen or enable Lost Mode until later. It doesn't matter. If it's had Lost Mode enabled by the person that was previously using the device and was had signed in with their Apple ID, then there's nothing Apple will do for you. Or if it's been listed by the carrier at the owner's request as stolen, then it's been blacklisted.

Your best bet is to turn it into local law enforcement. You were scammed, and next time you buy a secondhand device, take appropriate steps to ensure that the seller of the device is not selling you a device that has Activation Lock enabled.

[iCloud: Activation Lock]

[www.icloud.com/activationlock]

That still doesn't work in Germany for the purposes of removing Activation Lock by Apple. Apple requires a valid proof of purchase from the original retailer, not second-hand. Apple doesn't get involved in settling disputes or claims between second-hand sellers and second-hand buyers. Such a proof of second-hand purchase may work for a civil suit between the buyer and seller, but Apple doesn't take such proof of purchases for removing Activation Lock.

[Find My iPhone Activation Lock: Removing a device from a previous owner’s account - Apple Support]

Even with a receipt from the person who sold the phone there is no proof that it was not stolen. Stolen property remains stolen regardless of how many hands it passes through, and is still owned by the one it was stolen from. When an IMEI is registered as stolen Apple doesn't do a check until it becomes necessary to restore or reactivate the phone. Some carriers will block a stolen IMEI immediately, but not all do.

thatswhy i make a contract when i re-buy or sold my phones. with the original receipt and the contract of purchase you have something in your hands that proves that you are the legal owner. this is working in germany. how it is at your country i can´t say.

Standard insurance scam. Sell the iPhone in working condition and let the buyer

use it for a while. Report the iPhone as stolen to insurance company. Insurance

company blocks the IMEI, leaving the buyer with inoperative iPhone. Seller has

buyer's $ and replacement iPhone or settlement from insurance company.

It had been stolen by the person from whom you purchased it. You were taken.

did you get an original receipt from the person which sold the phone? if not you can´t do anything, you have to prove that you are the legal owner of the phone.

no one talked about the icloud activation lock in this conversation!