How do you confirm that a used phone will be activated?

[hbh]

My LG vX10 (Verizon - Maryland) was stolen, and of course Verizon no longer sells that model... Why should they? If so, I wouldn't have to purchase $200 worth of new accessories! AARRRRGGGHHH!

I want a replacement phone, and have looked on the 'net for used equipemnt. Although many sellers will provide the ESN #s of the phones, Verizon will not check the numbers to assure activity.

Is there any way to assure that the phone I am purchasing is able to be activated? I can't believe this is so difficult!

[Etorres777]

Originally Posted by hbh My LG vX10 (Verizon - Maryland) was stolen, and of course Verizon no longer sells that model... Why should they? If so, I wouldn't have to purchase $200 worth of new accessories! AARRRRGGGHHH! I want a replacement phone, and have looked on the 'net for used equipemnt. Although many sellers will provide the ESN #s of the phones, Verizon will not check the numbers to assure activity. Is there any way to assure that the phone I am purchasing is able to be activated? I can't believe this is so difficult!

I take it you didn't have insurance?

[hbh]

Any thoughts on the issue at hand?

[NYCDru]

Originally Posted by hbh I want a replacement phone, and have looked on the 'net for used equipemnt. Although many sellers will provide the ESN #s of the phones, Verizon will not check the numbers to assure activity. Is there any way to assure that the phone I am purchasing is able to be activated? I can't believe this is so difficult!

The Verizon Wireless STORE won't check the number or the Verizon Wireless Customer Service Number won't check to see if the ESN is "hot"?

[rich6880]

I often come up with crazy ideas. Tell the seller that you want to be sure that the phone will work for you (this part is essential). By using the ESN, see if you can activate if on line with your cell number. Then call the number from a landline.

Before, anyone tells me that this is a crazy idea, I admitted that upfront.

[jones]

How much is the new phone?
If it's $175, just pay the ETF and activate a new phone w/ another carrier.

[Mooby]

best bet is just check out the seller's feedback and if it doesn't look overwhelmingly good, don't buy from them.

[crood]

Originally Posted by jones How much is the new phone? If it's $175, just pay the ETF and activate a new phone w/ another carrier.

I think you misunderstand the post. He's not looking to change carriers or plans. He just wants some way of knowing that a used phone he's buying can be activated on his current plan. In other words is there a way to find out if it's been reported lost or stolen.

[lets4567]

After my 8600 got fried (darn kids with their super soakers...arghhhh) I bought a V60C off of eBay. I called customer service and they checked the esn# with no problems. Maybe because I am in the middle of my contract? It was no big deal. You should be able to find plenty of VX10's on eBay or other sites. Are you in the middle of your contract? If not, why not get a newer LG phone? Maybe most of your accessories will work or be compatible with them.....

[Jodi]

I bought a v60i for VZW last year off of Ebay. When you're looking online, make sure the phone is already programmed for your carrier or that the phone is at least programmed for the same type of signal (GSM, CMDA, etc.)...My v60 was an Alltel phone, which is compatible with VZW. I brought the phone into a VZW Corporate store and they flashed the firmware over to VZW...

Good luck!

[agentHibby]

I know there has to be some way to get to VZW store of customer service check the esn# to find out if the phone is legit?
That would be terrible to buy a phone and don't know until you try to activate the phone that the phone has been stolen.

[twopiece]

When I bought my phone, the seller gave me the ESN number and asked me to change it. Then he tested my phone and said all was okay. A little leap of blind faith but all worked out in the end.