Stolen iPhone 6S PLUS 64GB GOLD reported to police

JayCeeJay on 10/07/2016 - 18:58
Last edited 13/07/2016 - 00:36 by 2 other users

Hi guys, just had a guy stole our phone from gumtree, luckily no one got hurt but it did hurt the pocket. I want to report a stolen apple iphone gold 6s PLUS Imei number 355737072456781 with SERIAL NUMBER: C39RJFMBGRX2
PART NUMBER: MKU82MY/A

This phone has been reported to the police and was brand new when stolen by a 160cm height male middle eastern background with a white Mazda 2 hatch with P plate car (seriously they would go this far).
Do yourself a favour and don't buy this phone, hopefully as this popular forum would help out other people who come across stolen and not supported such criminal activity.

It is a $1050 phone, don't buy it. please. I am also putting a $400 reward if you find this phone (in new condition or at least good condition).

feel free to report any stolen phones imei. You can PM me if the above IMEI 355737072456781 iphone gold 6s plus was found stolen.

Thanks ozbargain community!

EDIT: CONFIRMED WHITE MAZDA 3 WITH P PLATE WAS SPOTTED BY THE NEIGHBOURS

EDIT: This phone was sold brand new & sealed from a retailer, no sim, no icloud, no registration on this phone making it the freshest meat to steal. Learn from my mistake. It has been reported to Police, and apple pended a block, the retailer who we purchased from is also aware to make sure it gets blocked, within and out of Australia. Let's all slow down and make it hard for criminals to BE criminals by being aware and helping each other here.

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Comments

    • aussieprepper on 10/07/2016 - 22:52
      +1

      This is the one time a selfie would have been okay! lol Did you find the guy or your camera?

      • TheMatrix on 10/07/2016 - 22:57
        +1

        No….but that guy almost got hit by the cars as he dashed across the fairly busy road…

        • aussieprepper on 10/07/2016 - 22:58
          +10

          Its not about the item. But its not some thing you want your kids to see!

        • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 13:30
          +12

          @aussieprepper:

          Yes, this. And on top of that;
          The sour memory.
          The lost photos.
          Photos that you missed out taking later on that day/weekend.
          Inconvenience of having to report the theft.
          Financial burden of lost property.
          Having to go replace it.
          Perhaps it has sentimental value, like a vintage refurbished camera given to you by a loved one.

          …and even the possible health/danger for you, or a pursuant, or even the thief running into things or getting struck down by traffic.

          Funny how a single act, has a wide-ranging effect of negativity.

        • TheMatrix on 11/07/2016 - 14:52
          +3

          @Kangal:
          True, but I tried not to let that experience affect our day. I only had a few photo in the camera anyway. (I always make a habit of downloading all my photo into my pc and format the SD card before next shooting/trip out).
          After that we use our iPhone for photo taking, which wasn't too bad…. I learn a good lesson from that. Lol.

        • Mr Spud on 12/07/2016 - 18:02
          +2

          @TheMatrix: You have such a positive outlook on this experience.
          Kudos to you and your kid is lucky to have a parent who in the heat of the moment handled the situation so well.
          Its moments like those that your child will remember as character building moments from their childhood.

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:07

      Yep was super shocked, but needing it or not is theft at the end.

    • garetz on 11/07/2016 - 10:37
      +1

      If someone every "offers" to take a photo using your camera, you should always say no, its much better to find passing tourists, as they are very unlikely to steal from you, unlike the locals who are looking for a quick score from naive tourists.

      • eyeballz2770 on 11/07/2016 - 12:26
        +7

        Look for tourists who are unlikely to run off faster than you, at least.

        • Kafkaesque on 13/07/2016 - 00:40
          +4

          Yes, only let fat people take your photos.

        • syousef on 15/07/2016 - 17:11
          +1

          @pudgy:

          I'm fat and I'm photo obsessed. I won't be offended if you pick me ;-)

    • godofpizza on 11/07/2016 - 12:14

      was this in Australia?

      • TheMatrix on 11/07/2016 - 12:50
        +1

        yes,melbourne

        • dealman on 11/07/2016 - 18:42
          +1

          wow, That's really sad, I've often offered to take photos for people , now I know why soem refuse.

          I usually offer first as many then reciprocate which is handy too.

        • TheMatrix on 11/07/2016 - 19:25

          @dealman: Me too, I usually offer to take photo for people, but I don't normally ask people to do it for me unless they offer (I don't like to inconvenience them…). As I learn later, this happenped a lot oversea (esp third world countries).

    • darkchoc on 11/07/2016 - 14:30
      +10

      Here's something that i have picked up recently… when you want a photo taken, look for someone who carries an expensive looking SLR and ask them to take a photo for you. My wife was so bemused when people offered to take family pics and I politely said nah. but then asked someone else…

      3 good reasons:

      1. Someone with an SLR will likely frame the photo and enjoy taking it. They may even direct you into a better position! Means you will have a great photo with you in it.

      2. Less likely to have to ask someone else to take it or be stuck with a crap pic

      3. Less likely to have camera/phone stolen

      • ronnknee on 11/07/2016 - 15:06
        +5

        As a tourist with a big camera around my neck at touristy areas, I can confirm that I get asked frequently to help others take photos possibly for the same reasons.

        • MrLeE on 13/07/2016 - 10:28

          He has a big camera around his neck.

          Must be a pro photographer :P

        • BargainKen on 15/07/2016 - 11:19

          @MrLeE: or just scored an SLR camera ;)

    • mooboy on 11/07/2016 - 16:07
      +4

      I know this isn't the point of the story but, don't you mean Sony RX100 II?

      • TheMatrix on 11/07/2016 - 16:50
        +1

        You are right, Sony , not Canon. I got the canon D70 as well, but find it too heavy to carry around . Lol

    • StewBalls on 12/07/2016 - 09:02
      +4

      That really sucks…I frequently offer to take photos for tourist couples/families, just because it's a nice thing to do.

      Now because of scumbags like that, people are gonna start second-guessing the motivations of kindly strangers offering to do a good turn for purely altruistic reasons…damn, the downward slide of our society continues it seems! :(

    • blighst on 14/07/2016 - 12:14

      Was this in Australia?

      • TheMatrix on 14/07/2016 - 20:15

        Melbourne, Vic

    • SaberX on 16/07/2016 - 01:42

      And that's why selfie sticks were invented… :(

      Honestly though, now with all these runners if I ever goto europe, or even when I holiday now I make it a point of only ask restaurant staff/workers to take pics for you of your experience, or look around for awhile then ask other tourists and locals using your intuition to take it.

      NEVER give it to someone who comes offering, unless you are very certain they can't leg it (old, or an older couple - yeap im stereotyping). Unfortunately a sad world we live in.

      And b) always keep backup photos or upload ASAP in holidays, as people sadly lose precious photos from earlier trips when they reused the same memory card and it gets stolen :(

  • aussieprepper on 10/07/2016 - 22:54
    +9

    I thought every one on here carried spare Eneloops on them to throw at people who tried to rob them?

    Maybe put some Eneloops in a sock and use that as a weapon?

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:09

      I had stones around. But he took off with a small build and by the time I took anything with me he'd be 30m away

      • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2016 - 17:30
        +1

        Maybe he should represent Australia in Olympics 100m.

        • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 17:55
          +2

          Wasted talent

        • spaij on 11/07/2016 - 22:28

          @Dnkei:
          More money in iPhones unfortunately…

          No money in the Olympics, no crooks either… cough cough

  • Rukiata on 10/07/2016 - 23:22
    -2

    this has happened to me as well stolen an samsung galaxy s6 from my hands and drove off in a old green car, cant remember the car or anything im not good with cars. Anyway I found it listed on gumtree 5 hours later and seller bought it from the thief anyway my dad went and got my phone back with proof so he could get it back and the seller gave it back and wasted 500 on a stolen phone. Never buy stolen stuff even if its cheap you will get ripped off in the end

    • Ughhh on 10/07/2016 - 23:30
      +30

      Just got a headache from this comment.

      • Rukiata on 10/07/2016 - 23:37

        Sorry I was rushing it and im bad at spelling. I also cant edit anymore

      • ChatCPT on 11/07/2016 - 11:51
        +1

        wait, so the seller just gave the phone back to your Dad?

        • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 13:38
          -1

          Original owner/Original seller (shadowrukia) listed his S6 to sell on gumtree.
          Someone responded and agreed to buy at the listed price.
          That someone was a thief and stole it.
          The thief stole a $800 phone.
          The thief listed it on gumtree after 1 hour.
          Someone contacted the thief and went to meet up.
          Owner saw it listed up on gumtree.
          Owner sent his dad to confront the thief.
          The thief ended up selling the phone quickly for $500 from new buyer.
          Dad managed to find the new buyer, but the thief had taken off.
          Dad took the phone from the new buyer.
          New buyer lost their money.
          Thief basically took off with $500 from the new buyer.

          (that's what I made of it anyways)

        • ChatCPT on 11/07/2016 - 14:17
          +2

          @Kangal: yeh me too but my question was on this part:

          "Dad took the phone from the new buyer."

          Can't new buyer say I paid for this fair n square. Why should I give it to you (original owner)?

        • abb on 11/07/2016 - 14:20
          +1

          Let's attach some names to make it easier to follow (my interpretation)

          Shadowrukia's phone is stolen by Terry, the thief.

          Terry sells it to Saul, the seller, for $500.

          Shadowrukia sees Saul's "for sale" ad on gumtree, goon squad (Dad) goes to "purchase" with proof of original ownership.

          Dad returns with phone.

        • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 14:21
          +1

          @havok44:
          Because this is Australia.
          And buying stolen property is not legal.
          You technically have to take it to a Police Station and declare it if you know so.

          Besides, the buyer was getting it from gumtree at their own risk.
          Sometimes its just not worth it.
          Be smart.

        • abb on 11/07/2016 - 14:21

          @havok44: They can say it all they want, but the law says it's stolen property so it still belongs to the person who it was stolen from.

          In all likelihood, the new buyer was the either the thief or their accomplice.

          edit: yeah, what they said. where's the delete button around here?!

        • ChatCPT on 11/07/2016 - 15:49
          +1

          @Kangal: awesome. i feel somewhat safer now. just need to find my dad's goon squad mode button

  • penthius on 10/07/2016 - 23:42
    +2

    Go check with your neighbours on both sides of the street to see if they have security Cameras. Especially near where the white car was waiting. For him to have someone waiting a distance away seems to me the car was not stolen, so cameras may have picked up the number plate. good luck.

    Also what location? what state are you in?

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:10

      I was thinking that too. Will ask around tonight.
      This happened nsw, inner west

      • scrimshaw on 11/07/2016 - 11:25
        +2

        Inner West is pretty vague, which suburb.

        EDIT — Auburn???

        I see your Gumtree listing now:
        http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/auburn-area/iphone/stolen-do-…

        • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 11:44

          Yep thats the one.
          It happened in Lidcombe/Chullora area

          Also as mentioned earlier I had it posted on ebay too, you can find this and has same info with stolen iphone gold 64gb with IMEI 355737072456781 and product code C39RJFMBGRX2

        • snook on 11/07/2016 - 14:58
          +1

          @Dnkei: lol, that's the western suburbs.

          The inner west stops at Strathfield or so they say.

        • HangryCakeStore on 11/07/2016 - 15:29

          yea if I was selling, would never risk in those areas, especially in & around Auburn

        • BargainMyMiddleName on 12/07/2016 - 09:08

          @snook: people think Auburn is inner west lol. it's not.

        • frostman on 12/07/2016 - 12:45

          @BargainMyMiddleName: Not people, OP thinks Punchbowl, bankstown, Granville, etc are all Inner West

        • OSienna on 12/07/2016 - 15:33

          I had someone who lived in Blacktown claim that they were from the Inner West. And another who said they were from the Lower North Shore when they resided in Gladesville. Both were intentionally misleading.

          LOL, why are Sydney-siders so ashamed of where they live? When you use a regional moniker, it's usually because:

          • you don't want to give away the precise suburb, or
          • the person you are communicating with may not be familiar with the suburb's location
  • PJC on 11/07/2016 - 04:00

    Perhaps I have an overactive imagination, but this was put on Gumtree today, without photos, which to me is suspicious.
    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/epping/iphone/2x-new-sealed-i…

    • Olokun on 11/07/2016 - 07:40

      but this was put on Gumtree today, without photos, which to me is suspicious.

      Looks fine to me. (as much as it could be for selling/buying an iPhone off of Gumtree) I think everyone knows what an iPhone looks like, so photos not really necessary.

      • Seller has been a member since 2013
      • Advertised price is reasonable
      • Cash only
    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:11

      Rose pink, mine was gold with imei 355737072456781
      So many iPhones tho. I'm sure mine will come out in few weeks

      • scrimshaw on 11/07/2016 - 11:29
        +2

        Gumtree is not the only place you can check.

        Also try CEX
        https://au.webuy.com/support/

        CEX buy and sell used stuff. They have a store in Parramatta I think.

        and of course, Crap Converters
        http://www.cashconverters.com.au/

        • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 13:42

          If the phone is blocked by Apple, and Crap Converters has it.
          Then CC can't sell the item.
          They also require your name, phone, and address when selling (even if fake, could be handy).
          CC also have CCTV all around their stores.
          CC will definitely go to the police, to try and recuperate their costs.

        • ilostnemo on 12/07/2016 - 21:59
          +1

          @Kangal:

          Apple can't block the phone, only the network can
          The phone isn't networked blocked at the moment, CC will check the amta site

          Check the status of your Handset
          Please enter the IMEI number (15 digits) and click (Re)query.
          Note that you can obtain your IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your mobile phone.
          IMEI Number
          355737072456781
          Result Your IMEI Number is currently unblocked.
          (Re)query

          If it's reported to the police and CC buy it, the police will go to that store and seize the iphone and the owner will get phone back.
          Name and address and 100 points id is required when selling.
          CC do not all have CCTV, and it's not a requirement
          CC will not waste there time going to the police as they know, the police only seize items when they are reported lost.

          Just injecting some facts.

          Source (Me) worked the last 15 years in several pawnbroking shops.

          The fact that it never has had a sim in it, will make it nearly impossible for a network to block it.

          Good Luck OP

          I also have personally sold many iphones and only meet at Mcdonalds for 4 main reasons,

          1, They have the best CCTV
          2, I dont want the idiots turning up at my house at 11.00pm and being nosey
          3, I celebrate the sale with a waffle cone.
          4, I tell them to ring me when they are 10 minutes away from my closest one and do the transaction there.

          Gumtree will always fetch a premium as with Ebay there is a wait and a lot of people like dealing with cash and seeing the product before handing over the cash.

        • Kangal on 13/07/2016 - 02:07

          @ilostnemo:
          I meant block it, as in, brick the phone into a paperweight (so it can't be used even as an iPod).

          Yes, to "carrier lock" it, it must be done through Telstra/Optus/Voda/MVPN.
          But Apple can un-lock through iTunes, just fyi.

          Even though Apple washes their hands off this responsibility, saying the iPhone has to be registered first…technically they can still track it and brick it.

          Here's what their conditions have to say:
          https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201472

        • Suspect420 on 13/07/2016 - 17:58
          +1

          @ilostnemo: HAHAHAAH LOVE THE CELEBRATION!!!!

      • mooboy on 11/07/2016 - 16:09

        There's also the chance it'll never be sold as a whole phone. I've heard about iphone thieves in the past just stealing them to sell for parts…

  • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2016 - 09:01
    -7

    There was a whole thing on a current affair on these guys during the week
    Complete with little middle eastern guy sprinting off into a white import
    Your basically putting $1000 cash in someone's hands you don't know at all
    Some people just insist on learning the hard way
    No sympathy here

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:15
      +2

      I'll look it up but sympathy is not what I'm looking for, it's to warn others continuously and remind theft is not a shortcut. They won't have a clear conscience joining the dark side eventually they will get caught. If peered pressured they need to have balls to stand up themselves obviously not and die the wrong way. Ok too much bb

      • ChatCPT on 11/07/2016 - 11:55
        +4

        wot?

        • spaij on 11/07/2016 - 22:59
          +3

          I think he means…

          I will look up that episode of A Current Affair that you referred to, but I didn't come here for sympathy. I came here to remind others that theft is not a wise shortcut in life. Thieves "join the dark side", never have a clear conscience and eventually get caught.
          If peer pressured to start a life of crime, they should "man up" and stand up for themselves, while obviously ensuring they don't die the wrong way.
          <no idea about the last sentence>

  • Peck on 11/07/2016 - 09:46
    +1

    Description of the guy ??

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 12:40

      Middle east looking male was probably 18-22 yo, 160/165cm in height, thin build, wore a dark cap, dark jumper.. yep all the shady wearables

      • frostman on 11/07/2016 - 21:13
        -5

        BTW, honest question; how did you come up wit the "middle eastern" background. It seems these days this is the cliché description for unknown theft. Same as in the U.S - robbery at the 7-11 store and Margaret says "oh I think it was a black man in a hoodie covering his face"
        Italians, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, Maltese, etc can all be mistaken for M.E. Could be an Egyptian, which is clearly of African origins.

        • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 21:31
          +7

          Living in the inner west or west depending how you see it, I have been bought up here since primary school in areas like this in guildford, granville, bankstown, merrylands, punchbowl. I can name more but this is not a suburb shaming thread. I can tell you he is middle eastern, could be lebanese? I'm not sure of that, doesn't matter if its cliche, but this ahole last night is as middle eastern as you can get, he's not african nor asian, italian, greek, aussie because I have many friends much like many lebanese and middle eastern friends. So his accent, the way he spoke, the way he smells like sweaty putrid not shower in 3 week stench I can still remember what happened since it was only last night.

          Without getting racial in this thread, you can decide how you want to look at this thread, but take it with a grain of salt, why is it so stereotypical? unfortunately FACTS are facts, how can you disprove stereotype? Is it genetics? is it socially accepted? Is it tradition? Is it religion? Is it family?

          Don't get me wrong, there are lot of good people who once again get beaten up because of the same race that does the major of the crimes,e.g. the constant bombings and terrorism, is this all from a particular race and/or culture?

          Take another example, if I said female asian driver, is this stereotypical? of course, but why?

          This thread is not about this, but in general to stop the stupidity of theft and the foolishness of a human nature of greed get some dirty money or maybe to look cool to their peers. But at night, they just have nightmares and their soul will forever be in hell. Support a better cause and make it harder for criminals to be criminals

        • frostman on 12/07/2016 - 09:30
          -4

          @Dnkei:

          Living in the inner west or west depending how you see it, I have been bought up here since primary school in areas like this in guildford, granville, bankstown, merrylands, punchbowl.

          It doesn't depend how I see it, none of the suburbs listed above form part of the Inner West. Also, I can't seem to understand the statement "I have been brought up here since primary schools in areas like; ….." have you gone to 5 different primary schools? lived in all these 5 suburbs?

          So his accent, the way he spoke, the way he smells like sweaty putrid not shower in 3 week stench

          Seems you're fairly racist to me, you're hurling racial insults based on unsubstantiated claims he's of M.E origin, quite possibly due to some bad experiences you've had in school.

          you can decide how you want to look at this thread, but take it with a grain of salt

          I've decided your original post of advising people not to buy your stolen iPhone has been marred by extreme racism, particularly coming from someone with bad grammar.

        • JayCeeJay on 12/07/2016 - 10:10

          It doesn't depend how I see it

          It does, everyone has their own point of view.

          none of the suburbs listed above form part of the Inner West.

          I name these suburbs where I have grown up in community of people who live around these areas not saying they are in a specific region in Sydney.

          Also, I can't seem to understand the statement "I have been brought up here since primary schools in areas like; ….." have you gone to 5 different primary schools? lived in all these 5 suburbs?

          I won't give you these details, if you read it again, but it means I have been brought up in these areas.

          quite possibly due to some bad experiences you've had in school.

          Possibly, thats your point of view and your assumption

          I've decided your original post of advising people not to buy your stolen iPhone has been marred by extreme racism, particularly coming from someone with bad grammar.

          thanks for your opinion.

          stolen iphone gold 64gb serial C39RJFMBGRX2 DO NOT BUY

        • Suspect420 on 13/07/2016 - 18:07

          @Dnkei: I've just reported this post. One of the most racist comments I've read in a long time.

          Most users have noticed your broken English and no one has mocked you. How dare you insult an entire race based upon one lousy persons poor action followed by you deciding they were of middle eastern appearance. And you can tell by their smell? I've known many middle eastern people an none of them smell. If anything they always smell and look good - that good that I want my child to have their genes!

          You could be incorrect which then brings you into a dilemma and immoral low ground especially based on your early comment of 'dark side'.

          Did you not just join forces with the so called 'dark side' that the thief was on?

          You have in my books. Surprised you haven't already labelled a religion. That's all your missing.

          Totally agree with Frostman. Kudos for you speaking up and commenting on ethics alone.

  • dragonfly090 on 11/07/2016 - 10:13

    did you note the car rego number?

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:21

      Car was unreachable, I think the dash was around 100m away outside 3 streets I had my phone ready but couldn't get close enough while I was yelling at them they sped off veering off road a bit. It was also dark and only picked up the white car.

      Guy was probably 18-22 yo, 160cm wears a cap, thin middle eastern. Had a friend to check the imei his number is +61 452 083 099
      If you find the phone back to me I'll give you $400 because the imei has been reported to the police. I don't care much about the money but I want those aholes to quit it!

  • John on 11/07/2016 - 10:26
    +2

    Fingers crossed.. sometimes these things turn up in local Cashies. If it does, they usually cross check with police stolen items register. I've recently had my camera gear stolen and they foolishly try to sell it at Cashies without even removing my label on the gear.

    But again, sorry for you.. its a good warning for people like me. I transact a lot over gumtree and this kind of things never crossed my mind if they agree to meet for pickup. Generally I go suspicious only if they asked to have it delivered.

    • Wampus on 11/07/2016 - 10:34
      +1

      Cashies don't care - stolen goods are their bread and butter. I found my stolen car stereo at my local Cashies years ago, easily identifiable with my surname engraved in it - and even then the salesman tried to debate me over it.

      • John on 11/07/2016 - 11:31
        +5

        I guess not all cashies then. I owe it to my local cashies, he opened the bag and saw my number there and called me immediately to confirm. Tried to attempt 'fake' bargain with the thief for as long as possible while waiting for the cops to come in and drag her away.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2016 - 19:44

        I worked at a cashies years ago, loved nabbin baddies

        • spaij on 12/07/2016 - 07:18

          Do you have any cool stories you can share?
          I understand of there's some sort of rule… "Don't talk about cashies"

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2016 - 13:29
          +2

          @spaij: I got a guy sent to jail once. He stole an $8000 earth compacter and wanted $200 bucks for it. I clued on pretty quick

  • gr43m3 on 11/07/2016 - 10:31

    What area was this in?

  • ChickenTalon on 11/07/2016 - 10:38
    +2

    Did you buy the phone recently?
    Did you use a credit card?
    If yes and yes. Check and see if you can claim on your claim on your insurance. A lot of cards include insurance coverage for a period after purchase. You might even have some coverage with your home and contents, if you have it. worth checking out.

    Issue might be if there is an exclusion if you were trying to sell it.

    iPhones seem like a dumb thing to steal as it is trivial to block the phones. Although they could use some of it for parts.

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 10:54

      its No and No. Pretty sure these guys know what they were doing, new phones cannot be blocked if its not registered only targeting new phones. Old phones is easy to block.

      • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 13:47
        +3

        Apple can block it through iTunes anyway.

        The only way they can get away with it then, is if they turn the phone on without a SIM card and use it on Airplane mode always.
        If the phone connects to the internet at all, it can be traced back to Apple.
        And Apple can push out a code to brick it.
        It becomes a paperweight.

        • ChickenTalon on 11/07/2016 - 14:07
          +2

          Pretty sure they can.

          Take your receipts and proof of ownership to Apple. Worst thing is they can do nothing.

  • Binchicken22 on 11/07/2016 - 11:17
    +27

    Very little sympathy being shown here, which is pretty rough imho.

    This guy literally got robbed and it seems the general consensus is oh well it was his fault for handing the phone over to the 'potential buyer' to inspect.

    I would have done the same thing I reckon, just recently I bought a $500 tablet off gumtree and I had it in my hands before I even pulled out the cash, it's just the way it's done.

    Sorry that you lost your $1000+ phone to some scumbag mate, hopefully you'll get some good luck come your way soon.

    • JayCeeJay on 11/07/2016 - 11:43
      +1

      Thanks @brad1601, appreciate your comment.

      I don't mind so much what happened to me, but moreso the next person who will purchase a stolen iphone/phone or getting their phone/items stolen supporting the theives and encouraging them the wrong doing may seem 'easy' to them. Even if this is sent overseas and sold, I really hope people are aware of this IMEI and they know its reported to police and pending a barring on it from Apple.

    • zxcvb on 11/07/2016 - 11:56
      +2

      I agree. Unless you actively sell in gumtree, you'll probably not be able to relate to this.

      To save 10% + Paypal on eBay, gumtree is a great alternative but fraught with risk for the seller. As much as possible, I never let gumtree buyers into my house but insist on public places.

      You never know what kinda buyer can turn up regardless of where you live. Touchwood so far Ive met decent buyers but believe me, I never let my guard down for this very reason.

      As a seller, you cannot insist on cash before parting with the item, as buyers wont part with their cash before inspecting the item.

      OP I feel for you and hope those low lives thieves get caught.

      • Kangal on 11/07/2016 - 13:50

        Its fraught with risk to buyers as well.
        Whom go to meet up for a purchase, only to get mugged/robbed off their cash.

        One great thing I do like is bartering, because you can't really try to alter the sale price, both parties are contempt.

        • lplau on 11/07/2016 - 15:57
          -1

          Thats why i always meet in a very busy / public place when i sell.
          And I ensure i don't hand a phone into an car with their engines running lol…..

    • spaij on 12/07/2016 - 07:31

      The other opinion is, "why is he selling a brand new phone on Gumtree? It must be dodgy".
      Some people are very quick to try to find holes in OPs stories… (Like they're a hero for being a Sherlock….)
      Yes, sometimes the OP is telling half the story or is doing dodgy stuff, but unfortunately, almost all who post a "strange" situation are accused of doing something dodgy by someone…

      • Binchicken22 on 13/07/2016 - 07:44

        I don't find it that strange, I know plenty of people who get a new phone on a plan but are happy with their old one so sell the new one for a chunk of cash.

        We know they'd be better off just going on a cheaper byo plan in the long run, but a lot of people don't see it that way.

  • pufffdragon on 11/07/2016 - 11:28
    +2

    Another scam I have seen is people selling legit phones, and after a week they report their phone lost or stolen to Telstra or whoever they bought it from and claim their insurance on the phone. They may have to pay a small excess amount to get a new one but the money they just made off a gumtree sale more than covers the amount. So its win win for the scum bag. A new phone and extra cash.

    So the person who bought the phone thinks they got a great deal and uses it no worries for about a week and then the scum bag reports it missing or stolen. Once that happens the IMEI is immediately blocked and renders the phone useless. It will only be good for surfing the net and using apps. Unless you are the original owner, there is no chance in hell to unblock an IMEI number.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2016 - 12:13
      +1

      even if you get the original receipt from the owner?

      • pufffdragon on 11/07/2016 - 12:51
        +1

        As far as I know, the only person who can block and unblock an IMEI number is the owner of the phone who it's registered to. No one else has the power to do so.

        So a receipt would be useless in this scenario. But I doubt a criminal will give you a receipt in the first place. Especially if he's committing theft and insurance fraud.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2016 - 19:25

          That is true, but I was wondering if it would be possible to mitigate it by insisting receipt or no purchase (maybe?). I mean a receipt should technically mean the phone wasn't stolen (unless somebody keeps it with their phone).

          Is there any way to make sure the phone isn't registered (and if it isn't can it still be blocked?).

        • pufffdragon on 11/07/2016 - 21:30
          +1

          @lolbbq:
          If I was buying a high price phone second hand/brand new phone, less than a year old, I would ask for a receipt. I would also ask if they were on a plan/contract with a provider and check on the imei number. I would ask as many questions as possible to be comfortable with the sale before meeting them in person. This would definitely mitigate the situation.

          I think most phones that are on plans/contracts with mobile network providers are registered. Not sure how prepaid phones fall into this though. I really don't know if you can check to see if a phone is registered or not and it's a good question. You would have to contact every mobile operator in Australia to track down the history of the phone, but I'd say for privacy and security reasons, I'd doubt you'd get an answer. Checking the IMEI is about it I think.

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