You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

I bought a blocked iPhone

I fell for fraud. The phone was blocked. I bought the phone in the store. I entered the fraudster's icloud myself at their request. They asked me to help. I wrote to support after that and they refused to unlock. What should I do?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 4:22 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 5:08 AM

I am sorry that you fell for this particular fraud. have you reported it to local law enforcement allready? If not, do that.


As for unlocking the iPhone, the fraudster most likely turned on lost mode, and that is why apple will not unlock it unfortunately. You can try the activation lock suppport request again, submitting valid proof of purchase and ownership information, and supplying the law enforcement report of the fraud, to see if apple can unlock it that way

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 13, 2023 5:08 AM in response to Ventalossa

I am sorry that you fell for this particular fraud. have you reported it to local law enforcement allready? If not, do that.


As for unlocking the iPhone, the fraudster most likely turned on lost mode, and that is why apple will not unlock it unfortunately. You can try the activation lock suppport request again, submitting valid proof of purchase and ownership information, and supplying the law enforcement report of the fraud, to see if apple can unlock it that way

Nov 13, 2023 7:08 AM in response to Ventalossa

Unless you have the account information that set the lock, or the original receipt from Apple, you cannot remove a lock; recycle the device. If you bought at an Apple authorized retailer you should have a valid receipt. If you bought this at a third party store reselling Apple products then ask them to ask Apple since it will be they to whom Apple issued the original receipt. Read this article about how to remove Activation Lock --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support


From the very bottom of Apple Trade In - Apple :

"Does Apple offer recycling?

Yes. Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device (including devices from Apple-owned brands) at any Apple Store and on Apple for free. That includes your batteries and old electronic products as well as free, on-demand packaging recycling for our commercial, education, and institutional customers. When we receive your device, it will be thoroughly inspected to determine if components can be recycled or reused. Whether recycled or reused, all activities relating to the processing of your device will be managed in an environmentally responsible way."


I bought a blocked iPhone

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.