Used card, can't activate, needs "released"?

lilqhgal · EVDO User Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 50

I purchased a used card. Sprint told me I can't use it because it needs to be "released" from the previous owner first. While waiting to hear back from the person I purchased it from (which may take a while), I'm trying to investigate this. Is this true? What if the original owner can't be contacted? What if it was bought from a friend thru a friend kind of thing? What are my options? Thanks.

MetroTech88 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 19

It's true. The "old" customer has your hardware's electronic serial number under their account. That's why you can not activate it under your account\a new account. What I think will happen is - the old customer will see this on their next bill and correct it.

mclass55 · EVDO User Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 45

you should always ask for the ESN number before buying a used card, phone. And call Sprint or Verizon to check if its "clear" It could be stolen or have money owed on it and you cant use it

lilqhgal · EVDO User Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 50

WOW its a good thing I didn't have to learn this lesson the hard way! Got ahold of the previous owner and he called sprint and everything is taken care of. But lesson learned! I will always call and check first! Whew!