I bought a newly released phone from gumtree, much cheaper than I would have had I bought it in store, it was locked to a carrier that I'm already with. About a week or so later, I get a call from a representative saying there's been an issue and that the phone belongs to someone else and that it was stolen. I told them that I bought it online and that I didn't know about the whole situation. They asked me to cooperate with them, give them all the information I had on the person I bought it from, exchanges, where we met, what time, names, emails etc. They later said that they would then block my phones IMIE number so it's no longer usable. They also said that helping them find the person will help in returning my money. I told them I'd help, give them what info I knew, such as where we met. It was a cash transaction obviously as it's gumtree. Any information I had was on my old phone that I no longer have. I was told that they'll put a case manager to start the investigation, and that they would speak to me over the next few days.
Can they legally block my phone? Can I unlock it from their network, and if I do, will they still be able to block my IMIE, rendering my phone useless? Can I take any legal action? All I did was see a phone I wanted, it was reasonably cheap and I bought it. I didn't want to be involved in this mess.
EDIT: "My" phone was blocked after I restarted it today. My SIM card works, the phone just won't accept any SIM cards anymore. A Notification shows up saying "Phone not allowed" when I insert a SIM card. I haven't been contacted by anyone yet, then again maybe because it's the weekend, either way I just want this situation to end. All in all, very valuable lesson. My mate told me to call the carrier and ask them to help me out as I've already paid for the phone. I figured that legally, it's still their property and calling to ask them to basically give me a phone for free (on their end) is unreasonable. they wouldn't do it. and if I was in their position, I would do the same. It was unlawfully taken by someone and I made the stupid mistake of buying such a new phone at a low price. I'll cut my losses, make do with an old laggy Android phone I used to have. I'll save up and buy the phone again, this time through a local retailer, peace of mind is priceless. I've absolutely loved every second that I've had it for. From watching videos, taking amazing quality photos and just general browsing. Can't wait to have it again. Thank you everyone for your input, I appreciate it!
You bought stolen goods, your breaking the law while you even have the phone.
They can and will block it, maybe ask if you send them the hand set will they exchange for another because your a long term customer? You likely need to be on a 24 month contract but i recon you could argue handset repayments waived.