Buying a phone from eBay or Craigslist can be a great way to save money, but it can also be a way to get scammed if you’re not careful. One of the biggest problems with buying phones from third-party sellers is that scammers can sell you a phone that is claimed as lost or stolen, which can result in it getting blacklisted. Once this happens, you won’t be able to use the phone anymore, even if it still works perfectly fine.
One way to avoid this problem is to not buy carrier-branded phones. Instead, consider buying international phones that are not associated with any carrier. International phones are safer because there is no international blacklist, and even if the phone does get blacklisted in another country, it won’t affect you if you’re in the US.
If you must buy a carrier-branded phone, make sure to buy it from a reputable seller with a lot of feedback. Avoid individual sellers, even if they have a lot of positive reviews, as they can still scam you. Also, be aware that you won’t be able to get your money back if you buy from Craigslist, so stick to eBay if possible.
If you’re considering buying a used phone, make sure it’s been paid off and try to buy a phone that is at least two years old. This is because most phones that are over two years old have already been paid off, so you can be reasonably sure that the seller won’t claim it as lost or stolen.
In summary, buying a phone from eBay or Craigslist can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to be cautious. Avoid buying carrier-branded phones if possible, and if you must buy one, make sure to buy from a reputable seller. Consider buying an international phone instead, as they are generally safer to use. Finally, if you’re buying a used phone, make sure it’s been paid off and is at least two years old. By following these tips, you can buy a phone on eBay and use it with Verizon without getting scammed.