Help Brand New Unactivated iPhone XS MAX Stolen

Loverule on 09/01/2019 - 23:32

Long story short, my brand new sealed and unactivated iphone was stolen/snatched from my hand when meeting with the buyer(fraudster).

I have the IMEI/Serial number.
Should I go into apple store and report the stolen IMEI/Serial number?

What should I do?
I have filed a police report and in the process of getting my apartment CCTV footage.

Thanks a lot.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • CodeXD on 09/01/2019 - 23:34

    Give me a B

    CodeXD on 09/01/2019 - 23:34 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
  • 87percent on 09/01/2019 - 23:38

    Yeah.. Good luck

  • overule on 09/01/2019 - 23:39

    Are there any website I can submit my IMEI as stolen? Not sure of any.

    • scrimshaw on 10/01/2019 - 00:07

      http://www.lost.amta.org.au/pages/security-tips

      What to do if your phone is lost or stolen

      Notify your mobile service provider – Contact your service provider (eg Telstra, Optus, Vodafone). Your service provider is the company you have your contract with or who bills you or if you are prepaid who sells you recharges. It is important to understand that it is only this company that can IMEI block or unblock your phone – no one else can do it.

      They will put the IMEI on a blacklist for you.

      Not sure if Apple will do it, but it's possible that they can also blacklist the phone and prevent it from being activated or registered on iTunes. (note: I don't own an iPhone so this is conjecture only).

      • overule on 10/01/2019 - 00:18

        Problem is. It is a brand new sealed and unactivated iphone so not connected to a service provider yet.

        • scrimshaw on 10/01/2019 - 00:22

          I'd report it anyway. They need to add the IMEI to the database. If you don't make any report, the phone would just be sold elsewhere and whoever gets hold of it can continue to use it normally.

          Once it's blacklisted, once the phone is turned on and connected to any australian network, the network block will already be in effect.

          In the event that you can't, then Apple might be the only company that can provide help in any way.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2019 - 12:40

          This is rather silly that Apple refused or “cannot do anything” even with proof of purchase and police report.

  • thewinchester on 10/01/2019 - 00:58
    +5

    The advice posted by @scrimshaw is accurate, and the best advice anyone can give you on this matter.

    And on the topic of selling and buying iPhones privately - this is advice I give everyone after having worked 6yrs as a Team Manager for AppleCare:

    If you’re selling an iOS device privately, and in person, to someone you don’t know, never - ever - remove the iCloud activation lock until you have your hands on the cash. This removes the risk of having it snatched and losing your proverbial shirt.

    And make sure you do this in a public place, preferably somewhere that has Security Officers present - like a Shopping Centre, or even meet outside a Police Station.

    And if you’re purchasing a device in person, make sure you see them remove the activation lock and observe confirmation of same,

    And regardless of how purchased, always ensure the seller gives you the original purchase receipt and valid contact details they can be reached on if anything goes wrong. This covers your behind, and by having the original receipt it ensures Apple will unlock the device if activation lock removal fails either then or anytime in the future with your own credentials if you enable it.

  • overule on 10/01/2019 - 01:07

    **UPDATE
    Checking on https://checkcoverage.apple.com.
    The thief has activated the phone.

    Do you know Apple can help me to locate the phone?

    • altomic on 10/01/2019 - 01:36

      what did Apple say when you asked them?

      • overule on 10/01/2019 - 01:37

        They are closed now. Will get in store tomorrow.

      • overule on 10/01/2019 - 09:57

        Called them they said they can’t do anything since there is no iCloud or find my iPhone turned on. Disappointing

  • Danstar on 10/01/2019 - 06:36

    From my experience, you've made a huge loss.

    They will most likely jail break the phone rendering it untraceable

    Telcos aren't much help and Apple will tell you to go to them

    This was a few years ago for me, I'm not sure if things have changed too much

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 10/01/2019 - 08:57

      or worse, if it's blacklisted they'll just sell it on ebay UK

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2019 - 08:20

    fatal mitsake you made was meeting at your apartment

    ALWAYS meet at public place. Me? I always meet at a mcdonalds

    • 87percent on 10/01/2019 - 08:48

      Even for low value items I meet at a public spot

    • overule on 10/01/2019 - 09:37

      Sigh lesson learnt I guess

      • Hybroid on 10/01/2019 - 09:49

        Online 'sell my mobile' stores would have given you $1,600 for it. It's definitely less than inherent value but that's $1,600 more dollars in your pocket right now with far less risk.

        • 87percent on 10/01/2019 - 10:22

          hindsights a bitch…

  • overule on 10/01/2019 - 10:28

    Even the service provider can’t do anything in my case since it is not connected to a service provider yet. Any help guys?

    • Danstar on 10/01/2019 - 10:45

      My missus lost her Samsung S9+

      Had the find phone feature turned on, is sim locked and samsungs equivalent "cloud" lock.

      Police don't really seem to concerned to check what phones they had handed in. They just put the serial/imei in their system and said if it ever turns up they'll contact us

      That was 2 months ago. My missus has purchased a new phone since

      • overule on 10/01/2019 - 10:59

        At least your missus phone was connected to a service provider

        • Danstar on 10/01/2019 - 11:19

          Which meant/means nothing

  • CyberMurning on 10/01/2019 - 11:07

    how about the full story so we all can learn something?

    • Hybroid on 10/01/2019 - 11:26
      +2
      • Ad on Gumtree or similar
      • Unknown person agrees to show up to 'buy'
      • OP didn’t bother getting details or info on them
      • Opens door, passes item for buyer to ‘check’ it
      • Thief grabs and runs away
      • OP posts to OZB
      • Thief quick sells for reduced price to unsuspecting person
  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2019 - 11:12
    +1

    Can OP present his original proof of purchase and police report to get Apple to block the IMEI at least? How did you buy/get this phone OP?

    • overule on 10/01/2019 - 12:09

      Got it from officeworks. Called them nothing can be done. Sigh..

  • CyberMurning on 10/01/2019 - 12:33
    +2

    gee from now on, please everyone meet at police station when dealing with scumtrees

  • overule on 10/01/2019 - 12:45

    looks like only the service provider can block Imei but it is not even connected to a service provider yet.

    Great start to a new year for me!!

  • 87percent on 10/01/2019 - 15:35
    +1

    out of curiousity, if it was brand new and you purchased it from OW, why were you trying to sell it?

    unactivated brand new through a provider i can understand (people just want the contract, and then onsell the phone)

    • overule on 10/01/2019 - 16:34

      It was a gift and purchased from OW. Trying to onsell

      • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2019 - 16:39

        What does the gifter think of the events that have unfolded?

        • overule on 10/01/2019 - 16:44
          +4

          They are trying to kill me.

          • dcep on 10/01/2019 - 16:50

            @overule: Your gifter might have paid using credit card with purchase protection against theft.

            But then I'm sure they won't buy another one for you even after getting reimbursed from CC insurance.

            • overule on 10/01/2019 - 17:28

              @dcep: Good idea. Worth a try.

            • overule on 10/01/2019 - 19:55

              @dcep: Purchased using Citi Rewards Platinum Credit Card which has
              Complimentary Purchase Cover Insurance and Extended Warranty.

              So it should be covered?

              • dcep on 10/01/2019 - 20:46
                +1

                @overule: Yes. Page 45. You might have to 'adapt' the situation fitting the TnC if otherwise.

                https://www.citibank.com.au/global_images/complimentaryinsur…

                Purchase Cover Insurance
                Purchase Cover Insurance provides cover against theft, loss or damage to covered products that have been purchased on your card.

                Who is eligible?
                All cardholders are eligible for Purchase Cover Insurance for covered products:
                (a) purchased anywhere in the world; or
                (b) given as a gift to any permanent Australian resident,
                provided the whole purchase price of the covered products is charged to the cardholder’s card.

                When does cover apply?
                Purchase Cover Insurance applies to covered products for 90 days after the date of purchase.

                What is covered?
                We cover the covered products against theft, loss or damage anywhere in the world if you or the recipient of the covered products has already taken possession of them and you make a claim within 21 days of the theft, loss or damage.

          • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2019 - 16:52

            @overule: Lol I feel for you dude

            But seriously, when dealing with such a high value item try and mitigate any risks and situations where things could go south. As I said earlier, don't let them know where you live and do it in a high traffic, public area (where they will less likely Jack you)

            In extreme cases, bring one of your buddies along as well to watch over the transaction

      • 87percent on 10/01/2019 - 19:00

        Damn, generous gift

        • tooblue on 11/01/2019 - 22:59

          A bribe that OP doesn't want to declare?

      • starspawn on 11/01/2019 - 14:53

        Exactly, why the hell wouldn't you go refund it at Officeworks?

        This story has holes all through it

        • overule on 11/01/2019 - 15:03

          Because it is crazy to ask for receipt because I did not want them to know I am selling the gift they gave.

    • kerfuffle on 12/01/2019 - 07:06

      Share with who? You haven’t told us where the location of the transaction took place. I mean, if I’m from Sydney and you’re in Perth, not much point sharing your images because I don’t know anyone from Perth …

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2019 - 07:47

      Lols

      Did they not look suss to you when you handed over your phone. I'm starting to think this is a troll post

      • overule on 12/01/2019 - 11:24

        It happened very quickly and I purposely walked towards the CCTV when I realised something is about to happen.

        Happened near Wellington Square park in Perth

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