People Selling Cheap iPhone 8 on Gumtree

LNiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 13:55
Last edited 11/07/2018 - 14:23

Hi Folks,

I have just purchased a brand new Iphone8 from Gumtree yestreday and hold your breath i only paid $400. And person selling phone had another for sell as well. This is Unopened Iphone8 64GB. I have tried, tested phone and everything is fine and I have checked IMEI report as well which seems okay as well. Now I am just wondering how people can sell this phones cheap. So I would like to know if any of you had similar experince recently and is there other ways to confirm if your phone is genuine.

Edit: Other Iphone seems like gone and add has been disappeared from Gumtree so dont waste your time searching.

Regards
Nirav

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Comments

  • dumbmillenial on 11/07/2018 - 13:59
    +45

    wtf

    • CyberMurning on 11/07/2018 - 15:15
      +8

      best comment of the day

  • pyramid on 11/07/2018 - 13:59

    did you try to make a call from phone? May be fake or stolen..

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:00

      I made call, I have updated IOS version and I am using it. No issues. And when I purchased it was unopened. I have removed plastic from box myself!!

      • Hybroid on 11/07/2018 - 14:13
        +7

        Plastic doesn't mean much as it's quite easy to get it re-wrapped. Just make sure there's no iCloud lock on it which some people have complained about being enabled few weeks after buying.

        Your main issue to be aware of is if it's stolen product (most likely) the networks can block the phone rendering it completely useless in Australia (and possibly other regions too if it gets on Apple's database).

        It's usually not worth the risk but hopefully works out for you.

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:20
          +1

          Icloud is working and no issues at all. Yes I just wanted to know if theres anyway to findout if its stolen. So actually as a good citizen I can report the person to police myself as I got their address, phon number!!

        • Hybroid on 11/07/2018 - 14:27

          @NiravOz: There's no way to definitively check unfortunately. It could take few weeks before a report is made and processed or insurance claim is made etc etc…

        • readeral on 12/07/2018 - 19:12
          -3

          @NiravOz: The fact that you smelled a rat could implicate you in a crime. Buying stolen property is not just an issue for the seller but for the buyer too, as purchasing stolen goods is illegal. I'd be wary of your proposed steps, given nothing has changed since the purchase to make you suspect it stolen.

        • Sneeze on 12/07/2018 - 21:27

          @NiravOz:

          To check the database of lost and stolen mobiles that the Australian Telco's use, input the IMEI number here. http://www.lost.amta.org.au/IMEI

          Of course this only works once someone has reported the device lost or stolen and a thief is going to offload a stolen phone fairly quick. Likely before the report is made and the database updated.

        • YoungQuan on 13/07/2018 - 08:37
          +7

          @readeral: dude, have you ever actually dealt with police? they don't have time or resources to deal with 'suspected' stolen goods. In fact, you would be hard pressed to get them to do anything if the phone was actually stolen.

        • lonewolf on 13/07/2018 - 09:30
          +3

          @YoungQuan:

          I agree, I have been burgled as well as have had hit and runs etc, and every time the cops have not really made much effort or been interested even when i knew the culprit and had some evidence too…

          But i am sure they are more than willing to take part in revenue raising like speeding tickets etc.

        • tomlikesbeetroot on 14/07/2018 - 19:18

          @lonewolf:

          Yep similar experience, had my car broken into and many items stolen while the car was parked in full view of a CCTV camera, the police called me about 2 days after the report to say they "didn't have the resources" to go to the business and ask for the CCTV footage, told me I would need to do that myself.

        • ozzpete on 14/07/2018 - 19:33

          True . I had to reseal something (dvd). Cost about $20 for the heat seal. Then just get shrink wrap, then hair dryer or heat gun etc.
          To reseal a phone is probably just as easy (or easier) .

        • Hybroid on 14/07/2018 - 21:25

          @ozzpete: Takes less than 2 mins.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc-X7qN8Fxo

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81JhFbtEhGE

          Never trust those dodgy mobile shops on high streets.

  • Oz8argain on 11/07/2018 - 14:02
    +1

    If it's sealed, not icloud locked, IMEI checked, then I should be genuine. They are either really in a hurry to sell and taking a loss, it could be stolen too.

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:04
      +1

      Thats what I am wondering. But How do you find out if stolen. I have purchased detailed report from Ihoneimei.info and its all clear

      • Oz8argain on 11/07/2018 - 14:05
        +1

        I've heard of people leaving their newly purchased apple products in their cars before… not even in the trunk.

        original owner may not know how to report the IMEI number. like my parents wouldn't know what to do.

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:09

          I have got sellers address, phone Number and went to home myslef. So not sure if someone selling stolen phone would invite at home!!

        • Oz8argain on 11/07/2018 - 14:11
          +4

          @NiravOz: you wouldn't be stealing phones if you're a smart thief. The good ones are in wall st

        • hetzjagd on 11/07/2018 - 14:22

          @NiravOz:

          Technically at best you might only have a private address the seller was at when you visited, and a phone number they had access to.

    • DryScissors on 14/07/2018 - 17:46

      Likely stolen from a box box retailer. They’re insured and can’t be arsed blocking the IMEI as the phones aren’t linked to a carrier yet.

  • KingJuf on 11/07/2018 - 14:03
    +1

    Seems like a extremely low price, just had a quick browse on Gumtree and the iPhone averages at around $800. What city did you buy this in?

  • Mister Miser on 11/07/2018 - 14:04
    +5

    hmm..are you the one selling these phones?

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:05
      +6

      Mate, Why I would sell and buy it myself!!!

      • Oz8argain on 11/07/2018 - 14:06

        buy the other one and sell it for higher price

  • geek001 on 11/07/2018 - 14:11
    +3

    Could also be insurance fraud. The phone will work fine until the insurance claim goes in saying the phone is lost/stolen maybe a few weeks from now, then the insurance company will put a block on the phone. It does seem suss, but could be legit and you got yourself a good deal? Maybe stop worrying about it and just enjoy your phone. Nothing you can do about it now. :)

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:17

      Yes I suppose. But I just wanted to know if theres anyway to findout.

      • Ryanek on 11/07/2018 - 14:19
        +2

        Nope, no way to predict insurance fraud.

        • Kangal on 14/07/2018 - 12:09
          +1

          Duh, use the Time Machine.

    • anonymous01 on 12/07/2018 - 15:55
      +13

      The guy selling it is a really nice guy. He always wants to help those in need. He must've bought it at full price and then thought "What if someone needs it more than me?". So he decided to put it up for only $400.. but you bought it too quick. He was going to keep dropping it every day until it hit $0, so he could give it away for free to someone who truly deserved it. What a nice guy, we need more people like him.

    • Cheemeister on 13/07/2018 - 00:28

      I've heard of this before. I don't know how you would avoid it, apart from making sure you have lots of details on the seller. I'm not sure exactly how that would help, either.

  • follow on 11/07/2018 - 14:14

    Where? Link plz

  • HighAndDry on 11/07/2018 - 14:18
    +2

    Could have "fallen off the back of a truck", could be unwanted present, could be a prize from some competition.

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:20

      Person said its prize from Kogan's draw!! But still why would someone sell off brand new phone cheap when others selling used one on much more dearer price!!

      • hetzjagd on 11/07/2018 - 14:24
        +2

        Addicted to something and wanting money badly. Or maybe very bad financial management skills. "OMG I won a $1000 phone I can sell that in a day for $400 easy!"

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 14:26

          I hope this is the case!!

        • raiseyoursteaks on 12/07/2018 - 23:19

          @NiravOz: I once bought a Kitchenaid mixer that was retailing at about $899 at that time and i made an offer for $400 and eventually paid $400… Some guy also on gumtree said it is not opened, never used and new in box condition. He even got the colour wrong but that was fine with me..

          When I went in, he was living in a rented home and full of tattoos (not that I had any issues with it) and most certainly isn't someone that will be into baking.

          So no idea how he ended up with it in the first place.

        • elgrande on 13/07/2018 - 02:06
          +3

          @ferret:

          gotta look out for those tatooed renters!

        • Kangal on 14/07/2018 - 12:11

          @elgrande:
          How much rent does he pay for the tattoos?

      • HighAndDry on 11/07/2018 - 15:01

        To them it's free money - cheaper = faster sale if they need the cash, less haggling, etc.

      • rompastompa on 11/07/2018 - 15:21
        +1

        https://www.kogan.com/au/competition-winners/

        They haven't had any iPhone 8 competitions… sure it's not an iPhone 8s?

        Call Kogan and ask if they've ever had an iPhone 8 competition. If not, the story doesn't match up, and it's a stolen phone that hasn't been reported YET.

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 16:20

          Seller said Kogan New Zealand. And infact Phone has new Zealand charger with it.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 11/07/2018 - 16:30

          @NiravOz: That page covers competitions for both AU and NZ.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2018 - 19:52

          @NiravOz: New Zealand charger? They have the same power points as us here in Aus

        • amberstyre on 12/07/2018 - 19:54
          +1

          @NiravOz:
          aren't NZ plugs the exact same as AUS ones?

        • UNO on 12/07/2018 - 19:58
          +1

          @amberstyre: yes they are Bro!

        • Chewiebacca on 12/07/2018 - 21:29
          +3

          That shows there was an iPhone 8 competition and lines up with OP’s seller. There is no such thing as an “8s”, it is indicating multiple iPhone 8’s up for grabs, just bad grammar on Kogan’s part.

          Same with the “10s, 7s, Galaxy S9s”.

        • rompastompa on 12/07/2018 - 21:30

          @Chewiebacca: Hah, good pick up. Thanks for the clarification :D

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2018 - 11:09

          Kogan did have a comp in the last few months, win an iPhone for you and one for a friend. I know this because I entered the competition!

        • dassaur on 15/07/2018 - 13:14

          @Chewiebacca:
          The bad grammar is not Kogan's, but yours. 8s is the correct plural of 8.

          Your comment should have also said, 'iPhone 8s' not iPhone 8's

      • Autonomic on 13/07/2018 - 13:06

        Did you see a receipt or any confirmation?

      • dsp26 on 13/07/2018 - 17:11

        Didn't you say he was selling two? You're saying he won 2x from a Kogan draw??

        • IamEzza on 14/07/2018 - 19:43

          The competition prize was 2x iPhones

      • IamEzza on 14/07/2018 - 19:48

        Was the seller's name Glynis or Shenan? Did you by it in Gwandalan, NSW?

        https://www.kogan.com/au/competition-winners/

    • cantoangel on 13/07/2018 - 07:55

      I've personally sold a phone I won in a competition before, because I had already bought the same phone before I entered! So could be plausible. I didn't sell it for half price though

      • DryScissors on 14/07/2018 - 17:50

        Yeah I sold two Samsung S8’s I was given through shark tank for next to nothing because they are crap phones and I wanted the cash.

  • youngchinaman on 11/07/2018 - 14:21

    I'd like the other iphone 8 if it's available.

  • Clear on 11/07/2018 - 14:22
    -2

    Good to see that updating worked. I have a GooPhone and they're very convincing

  • garetz on 11/07/2018 - 14:24
    +1

    Sounds like a scam, propably will be reported stolen, they get a replacement, and the original one that you got will be IMEI banned.

    • No ONE on 13/07/2018 - 13:34

      Atleast would work outside Australia if IMEI blocked.

  • plmko on 11/07/2018 - 14:30
    +3

    Phones got off contract from identity theft. Very easy to do, phone companies are so eager to send out phones to close the deal fast.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 11/07/2018 - 15:10
        +5

        Yep I'll bet this is the case. Just last week my partner was delivered an iPhone X from Optus having never spoken to them, about half an hour later a woman turns up at her door claiming to be a door-to-door optus rep there to pick up the iPhone. She claimed the order had been put through wrong and was meant for another person in her unit block. Luckily my partner was on the phone to Optus customer service and on FB chat to me at the time with both of us yelling not to hand over the phone.

        Also this is probably why the IMEI isnt blocked yet, because there is no one to report it lost. After a few weeks with no activation Optus will eventually block the IMEI. I would try and get your money back now before that happens.

        • RyanMK on 11/07/2018 - 16:44

          Interesting. How did that end up? Did the person get aggressive when your partner was not willing to hand over the phone?

        • Cheaplikethebird on 11/07/2018 - 17:05

          @RyanMK: They just acted all flustered, said that their boss was going to come down on them, then rushed off. It's no risk for them, either the person says yes and the scam is successful or they don't and you move on to the next person.

  • my mum on 11/07/2018 - 14:48
    +4

    I agree with all the posters regarding identity theft though it has to be said that when people need money they might sell at a loss… Here is a recent example of a work colleague…

    He needed some money and the payday loans places refused as he was not making payments. He obtained $2k worth of goods at Radio Rentals and took them straight to cash converters and pawned them for $400…. but 2 cash converters repayments later he couldn't afford to take them out of pawn so it means that he basically has $100 now but a future debt of $5 000. Radio Rentals and Cash Converters, a match made in heaven.

    • pyramid on 11/07/2018 - 14:57
      +2

      holy shit!!!

    • Randxyz123 on 11/07/2018 - 17:40
      +2

      Surely you can’t pawn something you don’t own ?

    • garetz on 12/07/2018 - 02:18
      +2

      How can someone be this stupid, thats the fastest way to bankruptcy ive ever seen.

      • jlogic on 14/07/2018 - 10:39

        Drugs or any other form of addiction.

  • CyberMurning on 11/07/2018 - 15:19

    start with happy face and feeling the luckiest person in the world.
    yes it was sealed, imei ok, able to make phone call, FOR NOW!
    days, weeks, months, from today, you wake up with no signal.
    call your provider, they say, reported as stolen and now we block the phone, please hand over to police station.
    end with tears.

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 15:25

      I wont be in tear for $400 mate. And yes if need be I would hand it over to Police. Also the details of seller. Phone no & Address!!!

      • CyberMurning on 11/07/2018 - 15:51
        +4

        tears not always physically water from the eyes but could be tears inside heart…

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 16:18
          -6

          Sounds like you had previously. All I can offer is sympathy…..

      • djkelly69 on 11/07/2018 - 16:14
        +3

        Your faith in the police to sort this out if the phone is stolen is admirable.

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 16:17
          -1

          I can atleast try to give them details and after that its up to them to sort out. Not my business anymore

        • good grape on 11/07/2018 - 16:59
          +5

          @NiravOz:
          you seem not to worry about the part where you've paid $400 and don't have a phone to use if it is a stolen one.

          Is this some sort of a research/news story/challenge?

        • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 18:18

          @good grape: I do have other phone to use. In past I have bought nearly 20 phones through Gumtree and never got cheated. So this may be first one. And it’s risk I need to bear while buying through Gumtree.

        • Quantumcat on 12/07/2018 - 08:08
          +2

          @NiravOz: why do you need so many phones? Do you break them? I'd advise getting a case.

          I've only owned about 6 phones in my whole life including the old Nokia brick I got when I was 16.

        • snipeymcsnipesnipe on 14/07/2018 - 01:44
          +1

          @Quantumcat:
          Ikr, this thread is sounding really suspicious to be honest.

          Seems like trying to work out ways may get caught if he offloads stolen phones and rough timelines he has to move them.

    • idonotknowwhy on 13/07/2018 - 11:49

      months

      Not bad for $400

  • John Kimble on 11/07/2018 - 16:56
    +1

    Maybe bought with stolen credit cards

  • caileach on 11/07/2018 - 17:01
    +1

    Is it like this brand new and sealed iPhone?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6p76rDbS18

    Check the status of the Warranty/Service and Support Coverage.

    https://checkcoverage.apple.com/au/en/

  • Randxyz123 on 11/07/2018 - 17:04
    +2

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/388618

    Read through this thread. Guarantee it will become IMEI blocked.

    Probably stolen or an insurance job.

  • John Kimble on 11/07/2018 - 17:18

    Actually expensive for a soon to be brick…

  • Strahany on 11/07/2018 - 17:42
    +2

    Someone would have to be extremely desperate or extremely stupid to sell this item for this price, genuinely. This isn't to say that this is certainly a scam, but its unlikely.

    There are a whole range of ways that this could've been acquired, including:
    Stolen from a shop
    Stolen from an individual
    Insurance scam
    Taken on a contract with a stolen identity

    I doubt that it was stolen from a shop, since if that was the case then the IMEI would probably already be blocked (which it isn't, since it's working). An exception to this would be if the store hasn't realised (e.g lazy with their stock monitoring, which is extremely unlikely when it comes to Telcos/tech stores) or if it has just happened and it is yet to process (which would explain the extremely low price - the thief wanting to offload it before it becomes bricked).

    If it was stolen from an individual, then you might be in luck with respect to IMEI blocking (or lack thereof). The person would be required to do something about it in order to have the IMEI blocked. If they got it from a Telco, then they would go to their provider who would suggest blocking the IMEI but a police report would be required, first. If this person has not got insurance coverage on their plan, then they may not be motivated enough to file a police report since they have nothing to gain, so you might never have it blocked. Alternatively, if purchased from a retailer, then I doubt they would chat to them about their stolen device and, even if they did, I doubt the sales staff member would direct them to an IMEI block process like a Telco would.

    I doubt this was an insurance scam, based on the price. Insurance coverage requires a police report and a blocked IMEI, so their original phone would be getting blocked. In this instance, it would make more sense to sell the blocked phone than the new phone since the new phone is not the one that gets blocked. But based on the price point of $400 for the new phone, I highly doubt this is the case since they would be better off (financially) by selling the new phone at a proper price than even selling the new AND old phone cheaply.

    If it was taken out on a contract using a stolen identity, then your phone would work for a few months at most before the Telco closes the count secondary to defaulting on debt. The IMEI would be blocked in this instance until all outstanding debt has been paid. So be aware of a potentially delayed blocking.

    • NiravOz on 11/07/2018 - 17:53

      Thanks for detailed analysis. I have thought of this points too. Let’s see what happens. I do have other phone so if shit happens I loose $400.

    • sghetti on 13/07/2018 - 11:09

      Telstra online orders are also a shambles. I had a mate that ordered a Note 8 plan online (could go for any device ordered on a plan through their website) and by the end of it he received 3 devices including the additional tablets. He returned the extra devices, but safe to say his mates that work at Telstra advised that they don't track the devices properly and the additional devices could easily vanish with no paper trail.

      He may have received additional devices by accident and is now selling them. Again, if they do have some way to track the IMEI, they could block it in the future.

  • mlbrooke on 12/07/2018 - 08:44
    +1

    Could be completely legitimate, as far as the phone is concerned. Insurance will replace a broken phone and it could just be a replacement for a broken one. The price is too good to be true and that could simply be because they wanted to move them quickly and had no dues of where to start. Knowing Gumtree though they would still have got 20 lowball offers with ‘I have cash now’ ……

  • 13 on 12/07/2018 - 09:42
    -4

    Your best bet would be take it in to police station hand it over and tell them you got it cheap on gumtree.

    • Xiaomi on 12/07/2018 - 17:03

      Why the f$&k would you do that? Because he got a bargain that isn't icloud locked, imei locked or has any warnings of illegality besides a 50% discount.

      You must be just giving shit away all the time….

      • Imhereforcomments on 12/07/2018 - 18:39
        +2

        Lol pretty sure sarcasm?

        • Xiaomi on 12/07/2018 - 18:50
          -1

          13 previously commented on another post

          Had the black family from next door over for dinner. Went fairly civil till the mrs gave the kids raspberry juice..

          Racist and sarcastic? Doubt it.

        • Imhereforcomments on 12/07/2018 - 19:28
          -1

          @XioamiGuy: I'm not sure what that comment relates to. However I interpreted sarcasm for this post when I first read it. If that wasn't his/her intention then I tottally agree with your comment.

  • Dalgona456 on 12/07/2018 - 10:55

    It may take some time to get its IMEI blocked or blacklist on Apple's Database. Had one device (iPhone 7 Plus) that was blocked by Apple and can't be activated (not even using R-Sim).
    If its blacklisted by Apple, the original purchase date of the device shows like 1 Jan 1988.
    Anyway I just sold it as it as for parts.

    Be careful when it happens as you won't be noticed until you fully reset the phone. So, don't reset, just keep using it.

    • CyberMurning on 12/07/2018 - 13:00

      what is R sim?

      • Dalgona456 on 12/07/2018 - 18:16

        it helps to bypass carrier lock on iphone.

  • lovepub on 12/07/2018 - 11:40

    Ring up the seller….Tell them it's blocked… .See what they can do about it

    They might not even pick up or answer back

  • SpotTheOzzie on 12/07/2018 - 16:31

    Mate why not just ask the seller when buying the product?

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