Q: prev owner wont sign into their account to remove this iphone from their i cloud

Hi Nicola,

In this case there isn't much what you can do. If you have something to prove that you are the legitimate owner of the device then please directly contact Apple.

With kind regards,

David

Then ask for your money back.

What if I have purchased this iPhone "on the street"? so there is no way I can contact the previous owner and the icloud activation lock is ON... what to do now?

Then you are now the proud owner of a paperweight shaped like an iPhone

Look I found an iPhone 5 at a ski resort and it will only show s••••••@hotmail.com, how do I find out the email so I can return this expensive phone? so far people tell others there's no way, if Apple seriously locks out everyone and won't say the email it belongs to them they are greedy and know they just made someone pay more for nothing.  I cannot contact the old owner to give back or ask if I can use.  If this is so then i no longer support Apple because if I lose my overly expensive gear and they can't contact me then what's the point?? Apple makes more $$$$$?

this is theft by Apple!!

Hi Zmorganx1,

If the person who lost the phone has simply activated Apple's Lost Mode (If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support) and entered a message with a number, email address for someone who finds it, then could simply return it. It's definitely not Apple's fault on the contrary Apple offers a solution to get in contact with finder which doesn't show private information like the Apple ID to everyone. The only difference to your approach is, that the person who actually owns the phone and should be interessted in becoming it back has to initiate the process.

With kind regards,

David