If I buy an iCloud Locked iPhone off eBay, would I be arrested for possessing stolen property?

Question

If I buy an iCloud Locked iPhone off eBay, would I be arrested for possessing stolen property?

I am curious because I bought an iPhone 6s, but didn't know realise at first it was iCloud Locked, but when I read through it after I bought, that it is iCloud Locked. I don't know what to do, and the seller won't give me his password, and he said that he doesn't know. So, is the phone stolen (as it might come from an owner before a seller stole it)?

This is where I bought it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPhone-6s-Space-Gray-iCloud-/263253058408?hash=ite m3d4b1ae368:g:t7YAAOSwy1VZsITp

So why don't these people know their iCloud account, but they bought it, and he is plus a top rated seller. If I receive an iCloud Locked iPhone, should I report it to the police for stolen property? And note that I fixed the screen off Apple before.

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 11.0.2, Black, 256GB

Posted on Oct 9, 2017 11:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

LACAllen

Level 8

43,416 points

Oct 9, 2017 12:05 PM in response to iOSAndroidRebel

If this is the same seller, and they described your purchase the same way... you have no recourse. A working iPhone 6S for $70 is not realistic. It is clear to me that this device does not work as a phone.

"for parts or not working" is quite clear. It mentions iCloud being on twice.

This ad also states clearly that there are no returns.

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Answer 2

Rysz

Level 8

44,391 points

Oct 9, 2017 11:54 AM in response to iOSAndroidRebel

Demand your money back from the seller. They will likely want the phone back. eBay also offers buyer protection with each purchase, if the seller is not cooperative.

Whether the phone is stolen or not is just your supposition, so be careful with what your accusations are. All you know, and care about, is that the phone is not working as advertised.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,951 points

Oct 9, 2017 11:54 AM in response to iOSAndroidRebel

Possession of or receiving stolen property is a criminal offense in almost every jurisdiction on the planet.

File a claim with ebay and get your money back if you can. If it was not stated in the auction that it was activation locked, or icloud locked, it was misrepresented by the seller.

If it was stated in the description that it was activation locked or icloud locked, you're hosed. Turn it over to the police.

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,951 points

Oct 9, 2017 11:58 AM in response to iOSAndroidRebel

That doesn't change anything. If you bought it through ebay, file a claim under their buyer protection promise, assuming it was not disclosed in the auction that it was locked. If that fact was disclosed, then you bought a paperweight. Just put it in a drawer with the 500 other iPhones you have.

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Answer 5

Oct 9, 2017 12:38 PM in response to iOSAndroidRebel

The reality is if you can't get your money back, you are now the proud owner of a nice paperweight in the shape of an iPhone. Ever hear the old saying........."if it appears too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true?" You're never going to be able to bypass activation lock and Apple won't help you. Your only recourse is to get your money back.

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