Blocked Phone Help

Apreciar

I purchased a Samsung A5 a couple of months ago and this week it came up with the message from EE that it was blocked due to being stolen or fraud. They tell you to return it to the person it was purchased from if not from them. I now am very worried because of all my personal information on the phone, I cannot get access to anything and am worried that if someone can sell me a stolen phone and I give them the phone back with my email accounts live and Dropbox and all my banking apps they may be able to access them when the phone is unblocked.

They have said return the phone and a brand new replacement will be given but this does not allay my security fears.

Any advice ?

custardy

purchased new from a store?
As for your data,just perform a factory reset after ensuring you are fully backed up.

marleyboy

Not sure I would want a replacement as much as a full refund.

Kernel_Sanders

custardy wrote: »

purchased new from a store?

probably 2nd hand from an outlet like Cex or Cash Converters if they're offering a replacement.

Apreciar

Cannot do a factory reset as all access is blocked. It was purchased from an individual who sells mobiles. The replacement or refund options are not my main problem; as I wrote it is my data that could be vulnerable that is causing me so much concern. It was brand new, I assumed it was just an unwanted upgrade that had been sold on.

custardy

Apreciar wrote: »

Cannot do a factory reset as all access is blocked. It was purchased from an individual who sells mobiles. The replacement or refund options are not my main problem; as I wrote it is my data that could be vulnerable that is causing me so much concern. It was brand new, I assumed it was just an unwanted upgrade that had been sold on.

In what way is the handset blocked?
Are you presented with a log in screen or what?

Kernel_Sanders

Apreciar wrote: »

It was purchased from an individual who sells mobiles.

Are we talking 'Ebay' here?

Apreciar

There is a message screen stating that it is blocked due to theft or fraud then a screen to input a code, it looks as though the code is a long number.

If I could just do a reset or clear all my data I would have no worries.

I am really concerned as my banking and emails can be at risk.

custardy

try this.........

• First of all turn off your Android device; just press on power key and select “power off” or keep pressing the power button for a few seconds.
• Then, press Power, Volume Up and Home Buttons at the same time, for a few moments.
• The recovery mode will be eventually displayed on your Galaxy A5.
• Now, you can navigate through recovery options by using Volume Up and Down buttons, while you can select your option by pressing on Power button.

Retrogamer

You can reset it by using the 2nd method mentioned in the link below.
This will work even if locked out of your handset.

http://www.hardreset.info/devices/samsung/samsung-a500f-galaxy-a5/

Edit:

Same as Custary's response above. I should have refreshed page before posting.

Apreciar

Thanks for the info. Glad to say it appears to have worked. I can now go about securing the exchange or refund. For a while it really was panic stations. The phone is still blocked but I feel happier knowing my data is removed. Many thanks