How do i know i'm not buying a stolen phone?

[soulweaponry]

When buying a used phone off craigslist or ebay, how do i know the phone isn't stolen? Is there any way i can check with verizon?

[TXLady]

Although this FAQ is titled buying off of ebay, follow same procedure. Important part is getting IMEI/ESN and checking with Verizon to be sure it can be activated on Verizon. If the seller refuses to furnish, then refuse to do business with them. It only takes a short call to customer care to verify.

http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.p...Berry_off_eBay

[Quake97]

TXLady is right. I've bought phones for Verizon and Sprint over the years and always get the ESN first. It allows you to check two things. 1) whether it's been reported lost or stolen and 2) whether its still locked to an account. If either of those things are true, don't buy the phone.

Joe

[soulweaponry]

Although this FAQ is titled buying off of ebay, follow same procedure. Important part is getting IMEI/ESN and checking with Verizon to be sure it can be activated on Verizon. If the seller refuses to furnish, then refuse to do business with them. It only takes a short call to customer care to verify.

http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.p...Berry_off_eBay

Thanks. Got even more answers that i didn't even bother to ask questions for!