iP4 with a bad ESN, do I care?

**gkl** · 08-28-2012, 10:36 PM

I have someone who wants to trade me a good condition iPhone 4 with a bad ESN for my BB Curve. The Curve is never opened and still in the box and I don't need it. I was just looking to trade for something for the kids.

I don't plan on ever activating the phone with a carrier and only use it as an iPod Touch. But the person told me it has a bad ESN. What does that mean? Is it stolen? Do I care?

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**Tony the Tiger** · 08-28-2012, 10:47 PM

If you don't plan on activating the iPhone then you don't really have to worry about the bad ESN. It usually means the original owner didn't pay bills on time or the iPhone is blacklisted.

**gkl** · 08-28-2012, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by Tony the Tiger

If you don't plan on activating the iPhone then you don't really have to worry about the bad ESN. It usually means the original owner didn't pay bills on time or the iPhone is blacklisted.

Thanks for the response. Could it mean anything else that could get me in trouble?

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**Garz** · 08-29-2012, 12:43 AM

Bad ESN typically means phone is stolen. Don't touch it.

**Fausty82** · 08-29-2012, 01:12 AM

Originally Posted by Garz

Bad ESN typically means phone is stolen. Don't touch it.

That would be my advice, as well.

**IAmSixNine** · 08-29-2012, 05:35 PM

I think the correct answer is COULD be
Reported lost/stolen to insurance but never turned in
Reported lost/stolen to carrier
Delinquent bill or closed account with past due balance or fraud account created to get device.