Imagine getting a great deal on a MacBook Pro only to find out later that it’s stolen and locked with iCloud. That’s exactly what happened to the manager of one of the three stores in Columbus. A customer walked into the store wanting to sell a device, which is not an unusual event. The manager found a deal that worked for both parties, tested the device, wrote a check, and sent the customer on their way. However, he forgot to connect the device to Wi-Fi. After 15 seconds of connecting to Wi-Fi, the screen displayed that the MacBook was iCloud locked.
The manager contacted the customer who sold the MacBook, but they never called back. He then contacted his boss, who was able to stop the check, so they didn’t lose money. However, they were left with a MacBook Pro that was iCloud locked. Five minutes after connecting to Wi-Fi, they received a call from Michigan. Normally, they don’t answer calls from Ann Arbor, Michigan, but in this case, they did. The caller was the actual owner of the computer who had reported it stolen.
The manager was able to return the MacBook Pro to its rightful owner. To avoid getting into a situation like this, here’s how to tell if a MacBook is stolen:
1. Check the serial number on the back of the MacBook. If the serial number is scratched off or missing, it might be a sign that the MacBook is stolen.
2. Check the MacBook’s status on Apple’s website. If the MacBook is iCloud locked, it’s likely stolen.
3. Check the MacBook’s Activation Lock status. To do this, go to the Apple menu, click on “About this Mac,” and then click on “System Report.” Look for “Activation Lock Status” and see if it says “Enabled.”
4. Check the MacBook’s history. If the seller can’t provide a history of the MacBook or proof of purchase, it might be stolen.
While it’s important to get a good deal on a MacBook, it’s also important to make sure it’s not stolen. By following these tips, you can avoid getting into a situation like the manager of the store in Columbus.