Buying a used phone : hints?

[Dolby]

Some of you amy know my Treo SMS died and I'm upgrading in 3 months to a Samsung i600 or i780 if available and cost effective. In the meantime I NEED a phone.

I checked gumtree and found an i600 at R2500.00 and 4 others at R1800.00. I emailed the expensive one asked why his was so expensive & if he had proof of purchase. Instantly he dropped to the R1800.00 and said he didn't have proof of purchase. However - he had bought the phone brand new only months prior and said he'd give me all his details and a letter stating it won't be blacklisted.

I'm very keen as I could sell the phone in 3 months time when I get my own at R1500.00 or so - and even decide if that's really the phone I do want. I'm worried about buying used though

Anything I should do or check?

I'm concerned that :

a) he dropped instantly
b) he has no proof of purchase
c) he has a yahoo account.

Am I paranoid?

 

[broken1]

The yahoo account raises a flag for me.

Apart from that, nothing sounds fishy.

Most people dont keep the little slip you get when upgrading a contract, and most people also up their price in the advert to be negotiated down.

I think if it comes in a box, with all the accessories and the serial numbers match the box etc it should be fine.

Ask for a copy of his ID along with the Sale letter and no blacklist letter.