iPhone 6 Plus Are "Items Not As Described" from Futu_Online and Updates

Allan on 05/08/2015 - 14:49
Last edited 07/08/2015 - 20:32

Did anyone else purchase an iPhone 6/6 Plus from Futu_Online via promotion https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/200301

Just had the Police come in to take the phone from us saying it's an ongoing investigation and it's "stolen goods"

Now not sure what to do? I assumed Futu_Online was reputable seeing as the other retailers in the promotion are also big and reputable.

They have come in and told me they have purchased phones fraudulently and on sell. Now I'm out of a phone + $1000+.

What are my options seeing as the police said I may get the phone back? Anyone else in the same boat and share how to get the phone or money back?

Story Timeline

5/8 - Police rock up literally to house. Shock ensues. Phone is seized into a "police bag" for further investigation. Phone was reported as stolen. They are collecting much more phones than mine and doing their rounds.

Filed PayPal dispute. Thinking what else to do? I know. Post on OzBargain.

Contact made by Futu_Online on working to clear this up.

6/8 - Head to police station to give statement. If no documentation I would have been interviewed as a suspect. Luckily I have documentation - receipts and emails proving I purchased iPhone from Futu_Online eBay. Police assure I am not in trouble. Phone is seized and is up to court to determine rightful owner. No timeframe to appear in court.

7/8 - Contact made by Futu_Online. Good news. They talked about what happened. The police talked to them too. It seems like it's a bad supplier issue and it is not in their interest to sell stolen things. Their stock is Australian and not grey imports. Offered replacement or refund. I went with replacement as that's what I was really after and if it were to happen again then it truly is gameover for them. If it's a good replacement, hopefully they learn to be more careful about their suppliers and offer better bargains for OzBargainers.

Changed title of post as I can't assume they knowingly sold "stolen items"

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Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2015 - 18:08

    So this phone would've been used and then stolen? I'm just curious, OP, did the phone look brand new, come with the box and everything as per a brand new iPhone would?

    How do they manage to steal phones then re-sell them without buyers realising they've accepting second hand phones?

    Or are phones like this stolen when brand new? Say like in a burglary of another retailer?

    Just trying to wrap my head around how something like this happens.

    Keep us posted, OP.

    • fruxo on 07/08/2015 - 18:29
      +1

      I assume the latter. Must have been a pretty big theft for the police to care this much.

      Although I'm curious if the theft was overseas? If futo is a grey importer and they got these phones from supplier, it definitely must have been a big deal for Australian police to chase it up. But maybe these were not grey imported, I really don't know. Would be interesting if anyone knew some more details though.

      Edit: can see from original link and OP reply that is was Australian stock

    • pinkscarf on 07/08/2015 - 18:40

      Not sure of others - but I received my phone as you would from the shops completely sealed & brand new with an Aus charger etc everything normal

    • Allan on 07/08/2015 - 20:15

      My phone was sealed up brand new. From the sounds of things this was a big theft. So somehow the supplier managed to get brand new Aus stock iPhones - offloaded it to Futu and maybe other resellers. We buy and get stung. No one knows except supplier and would be worst if resellers also knew too.

    • PVA on 08/08/2015 - 11:44

      they probbly got a batch that was stolen overseas, not second hand but from a shop etc.

  • Keeegs on 07/08/2015 - 18:43

    The iPhone you purchased, was it new in the box?

    • Allan on 07/08/2015 - 20:16

      Yes brand new and plastic wrapped.

      • Keeegs on 10/08/2015 - 13:45

        This is pretty scary then :|

      • CVonC on 04/09/2015 - 12:56

        Did you already use it? If so, did you have a chance to remove your data off it?

  • tyler.durden on 07/08/2015 - 20:05
    -1

    More info of how the goods was stolen

    https://goo.gl/8VQYwM

    • Allan on 07/08/2015 - 20:17

      hahaha probably is true. What we see in shows really does happen in real life :)

  • couger on 09/08/2015 - 20:56

    I bought one as well from futu, still sealed. whom shall I call to confirm mine is not stolen goods?

  • CatmanAU on 11/08/2015 - 09:05

    So no reply from Futu_Online in this thread, Shopping Express is actually Futu_Online, so there is a rep on the board.

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