Unblocking an IMEI number

[SuperSuze]

So.... I think the IMEI number of my smartphone might have been blocked. Any ideas how to unblock this through Vodafone?

• This evening I gave Samsung a call and loudly and slowly gave the IMEI and Serial # of my phone to them during the call (as requested by their customer service agent). My upstairs neighbour hates me (I threatened him with court action for noise) and the walls are very thin. I believe he overheard the information and me saying I had recently bought my handset second hand (legally from cash converters). Twenty minutes after the call my internet connection and server connection went down. Vodafone are confused because I have a data sim (contract) which runs on 4G and there is perfect signal and a Vodafone mast atop my building! Any thoughts?

[AnnS]

Hi @SuperSuze 

It sounds like  the original owner here has been dishonest, sold the phone to cash converters and then reported the phone as lost and made an insurance claim. If this is correct the phone will be the property if the insurance company. 

Take this up with cash converters,  they sold you the phone and you will be able get your money back that way. Only the original owner will be able to get the block removed.

@SuperSuze 

Edited to add:  I notice you had a network issue at the end of last year, if you still have problems it would be worth the Social Media Team looking into this for you.  To get this done, as you did last year, they will need an example of the issue from the template on this link:  Network Issues 

There is also a question as to whether the phone is IMEI blocked or locked to an alternative network stopping you from using a Vodafone SIM.  This is going to be a matter of trial and error to find the network the phone is locked to.

[BandOfBrothers]

@SuperSuze 

Samsung and Vodafone can't help I'm afraid.

Samsung can't unblock an imei number.

Vodafone would only lift the imei block for the original person who asked them to put it in place in the first place.

This is typically applied to a phone that has been reported as lost or stolen.

Sadly it's sometimes a move from a person who has sold on a phone and then reported it lost or stolen to claim on insurance.

A person has to be a member at Cash Converters to be able to sell a phone to them so let them deal with the member.

Take the phone back and ask for a refund or replacement is your only option.

I wish you all the best with this situation. 

🌈 Stay Safe  🌈 

[SuperSuze]

Unfortunately, Cash Converters are not accepting a refund but thanks for the suggestion BandOfBrothers and Ann.

[AnnS]

Hi @SuperSuze 

Cash Converters shops won't be opening until next week, at a guess you have contacted them online.  I would suggest waiting until they have opened and go into the shop where you purchased the phone and speak to someone direct.

It's quite surprising they get a dishonest customer go into one of their shops sell a phone to get some cash and get away with could be insurance fraud or selling on a stolen phone.