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Hi, I'm really new to buying stuff on eBay, so I was wondering what a "bad ESN" is. I want to buy, but I don't think I can use it..?
Hi, I'm really new to buying stuff on eBay, so I was wondering what a "bad ESN" is. I want to buy, cgi.ebay.com/Palm-Pre-Plus-Verizon-MINT-BOX-COMPLE..., but I don't think I can use it..? Am I correct? How do I fix this so I can use it? Will it cost money, thanks!
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Bad ESN means it was will not activate on verizon. Since they don't use sim cards they use ESN numbers instead and if it is not clear it will never activate on verizon. This is usually because it stolen, has unpaid bills still, and active phone with the person. You can buy it and possibly use it without cell service like and ipod touch but that's about it.
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I think it has to do with the sim card..might have to get new sim card to activate with Verizon..prepare for activation fee and cost of sim card..not 100% positve on that.. message the seller and ask before going to far..hate to see you stuck with a brick..
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This advice is too late I'm afraid, but in the future ALWAYS ask to have the ESN number of a phone (if it's a CDMA phone) before buying it from a 3rd party. A large percentage of CDMA phones on Ebay and elsewhere have bad ESN's. Usually it's because the person selling it didn't pay their bill and got their service turned off. You can try begging and pleading with Verizon to enable the phone for you, but I doubt they will.
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