Buying iPads or iPhones on Facebook Marketplace

LAbhishekM on 15/06/2019 - 04:02
Last edited 17/06/2019 - 14:49 by 1 other user

Are there any dangers of buying iPads or iPhones on Facebook Marketplace?

I see a lot of them pop up and some quite cheap.

Some are brand new and unopened and often classed as ‘unneeded gifts’.

I mean if these are brand new why can’t they just return them to get a full refund instead of selling it cheaper.

I have heard stories that the seller buys them on plans and insures the item, sells it, reports it stolen, and claims insurance to get another brand new iPad.

Devices with stolen IMEI are then blocked for usage in Australia.

I am sure someone out there has a bad experience buying an iPad or an iPhone.

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• 

  bobbified on 15/06/2019 - 04:19

  +1

  I have heard stories that the seller buys them on plans and insures the item, sells it, reports it stolen, and claims insurance to get another brand new iPad.

  Yes, this is a huge one and is the one that can turnaround and bite you in the ass after what might otherwise seem like a legitimate transaction. That's if you don't already get mugged by showing up the the carpark with a small fortune in your pocket.

  I mean if these are brand new why can’t they just return them to get a full refund instead of selling it cheaper.

  You said it yourself - people may buy them on plans that are non-refundable.

  There really is no foolproof way of buying a device in the carpark and guaranteeing the seller isn't going to pull spmething shifty later. The best way to completely avoid these risks is to get it yourself from a shop/dealer that supplies a tax invoice. Of course, the price may be a little higher.

• 

  josetann on 15/06/2019 - 05:52

  +1

  I calculate the risks. If I can buy at 30% off and only get screwed 15% of the time…the numbers work out. You have to be kinda good at making a proper judgement call.

  I had someone buy a new iPhone from me over Gumtree. He later messaged me asking for the IMEI for a police report. Poor guy had it stolen on the train on his way back home. So, be careful AFTER the transaction too.

  • 

    mskeggs on 15/06/2019 - 15:33

    But the loss on the 15% of bad occasions might hit on the first attempt!

    • 

      josetann on 15/06/2019 - 15:56

      At least you saved 30% on getting screwed. Some have to pay full price.

• 

  hogwarts on 15/06/2019 - 10:30

  +1

  Some owners forget to turn off iCloud activation lock as well.

  • 

    brandnew on 15/06/2019 - 13:59

    +2

    “Forget”

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  CyberMurning on 15/06/2019 - 10:57

  Bring bikies

• 

  I Smell Pennies on 15/06/2019 - 20:32

  I’ve purchased my iphones from Gumtree and Facebook before with no problems.

  I also purchase on eBay from private sellers (sometimes the bids give u a great bargain). On eBay, you often also get 10% off sitewide, and along with money back guarantee, you can never go wrong. Doesn’t work? just return it via money back guarantee (seller/ebay pays return post) for a full refund.

  Best of luck, gotta be careful here in this world