Mobile Phone Owner

Samurai

Hi

Im looking into buying a 2nd hand Mobile phone, but looking through some of the posts, it seems the phone can be reported lost or stolen after i have purchased it.

How long after I have bought it does it belong to me and can no longer be reported lost stolen by previous owner?

Thanks

Comms69

You misunderstand, the mobile phone belongs to you straight away. - that's the basics of buying and selling.


The issue is that someone may get a mobile phone on contract, then either make an insurance claim (which would result in the phone being locked) or they sold it in the first 3 months of the contract (when they were not the legal owner)


In either case you cannot prevent a report of it being stolen. So a sensible way to purchase would be at the home of the seller

bris

It can be reported stolen at any time. There is no limits as to when something can be legally yours.


Mobiles suffer from insurance fraud regularly, they sell new contract phones, pocked the quick cash and then a month or 2 later it's blocked due to being reported stolen.


Buying a high end mobile is a risky business, even the likes of CEX get caught out on this regularly.

forgotmyname

Upto 2 years if its a new contract phone, but that wont stop any seller from reporting it stolen at any point in time.

Buying 2nd hand then expect the worst and when that doesnt happen your happy.

Zandoni

Lots of people get rid of their phones when the battery is fading or other faults are developing. I’d rather get a new lesser phone than a higher specced secondhand one with problems.

knightstyle

Have a look at unlocked phones on Giffgaff they are safe and often cheaper than scammers prices on FB.

Jumblebumble

bris wrote: »

It can be reported stolen at any time. There is no limits as to when something can be legally yours.


Mobiles suffer from insurance fraud regularly, they sell new contract phones, pocked the quick cash and then a month or 2 later it's blocked due to being reported stolen.


Buying a high end mobile is a risky business, even the likes of CEX get caught out on this regularly.

Of course it is
It is interesting to speculate where the mobiles liberated by Moped Muggers end up ?
Jumblebumble