Advice on buying new iPhone off Gumtree

gingerbreadmen

stragglebod said:

Mobile companies don't just send people upgrade phones without being asked. Run far far away.

Some people use there upgrade to sell it, and keep there original phone. So no need to run, just be careful, and  do your checks.

SaveMeDo

With Mobile phones, there are far to many checks and pitfalls. Everything you do is in the hands of Apple or Google, the ISP''s and credit agencies, all sorts of people have control over "your" phone.

It just isn't worth the hassle.

If you want an Apple phone, just buy from Apple or a major supplier, the peace of mind is worth the extra.

TripleH

Some people probably don't realise the phone isn't free. They have that they pay £55/month contract and get a free phone thrown in (not everyone thinks like here) and in their thinking as they like their old handset, they see that they can make some money selling their "free" new handset.

I can see why it might not be a scam, but for me the cons far outweigh the pros.

(I pay £5/month SIM only which meets my needs before anyone comes round with a new coat and bottle of pills)

DCFC79

GerryConnolly said:

Thank you for your quick feedback.

He claims this upgrade is from 02 and the upgrade was on the 18th May. HE will show me the paperwork to prove it and the IMEI number.  

Why would he want to blacklist it further down the line?

Am I running a big risk here?

So I will not be able to register for the apple warranty in my name?

He could get it reported as list/stolen so he then gets the money you paid and you have no phone for the amount you paid hence he wins.

Yes he could be a genuine seller, the price he is selling for is it in line with what reputable sellers are selling for ?
If it's alot less then I would smell something fishy.

Why did you choose Gumtree ?
Amazon have used phones for sale, current one is from there.
I wouldn't bother myself, I'd always buy from Amazon, Argos or another reputable seller.

nicetomeetyou

Pay by cash or bank transfer you have no protection unlike if you paid by debit card or pay pal... Him requesting that would set alarm bells ringing as fraudsters like cash or bank transfers. I would stay away. How much is he selling the phone for? 

searchlight123

how much cheaper is the gumtree phone to one you could buy officially? i wouldn't be risking it to save £200 but if you do all your checks and the saving is more then there's a part of me that would take that risk.