Is my Samsung S3 mini network locked to Vodacom?

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HideInLight

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The likes of gumtree an olx again advices against providing Id details, as to prevent someone from using your identity for fraudelent activities.

I had to certify a copy of my id today in order to upgrade my vcpay account, they wouldn't accept it otherwise.

I got a name, email, phone number and the guy never even bothered logging out of his accounts when I got the phone. The identity he used was consistent accross the board before I removed his accounts from the phone.

I still need to know the reason for the blacklist so I know if I'm dealing with a fraudster, thief, poor soul, or another victim.

The fact that I'm sending this message with the specific so called "blacklisted" phone with matching imei and the same network it's blacklisted doesnt give me much faith in the system.
 
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JimM

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If OLX and Gumtree advise against swapping of ID details on the sale and purchase of cellphones, then they are asking you to break the law. By the letter of the RICA regulations, both you and the seller should record and keep ID details...

At one time, Vodacom offered a IMEI checking service on 082124 (VAS Rates) but I'm not sure if this is still available?
 
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sajunky

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JimM said:
If OLX and Gumtree advise against swapping of ID details on the sale and purchase of cellphones, then they are asking you to break the law. By the letter of the RICA regulations, both you and the seller should record and keep ID details...
Click to expand...
If OLX/Gumtree keep records for law enforcement purpose, there is no need for exchanging ID details. Transaction ID would be sufficient to fulfill law requirements. Having said so, I am not sure RICA makes any restrictions for private sale of 2nd hand cellphone handsets. I would be interested if you supply more details.
 
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HideInLight

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Face to Face ID verification, makes sense but would also feel a bit odd.
This is why I love Carbonite so much, old school trading with reputations on the line.

What I have: His name, email, number, some affiliate email addresses thx to his email account, the link to the trade, and the knowledge his still active on the site which means even if he's really someone else can still find him. I even got the box of the phone.

What I don't have: Any information regarding blacklisting, a date, anything useful.

Why it matters: For all I know is the phone was obtained in an armed robbery, would you like to ask a person like that for your money back?

There simply needs to be more information with regards to blacklisting, levels determining the seriousness of it.
If it was due to non payment or a technically, sure I could try contacting explaining the situation, but I don't like the idea of going in blind. There must be at least someone I can send the information I have to check out if it's safe.

My bets are on fraud, but I'm hoping for something that can be sorted out rationally and fairly.
 
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HideInLight

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Well this guy is selling second hand cars on gumtree with number plates visible.
Also a long time member, so if he's a fraudster he's doing a really bad job at hiding his identity or anything that can lead to him.

He doesn't quite fit the profile of dodgy dealer. Unless the cars are stolen...
This is why one needs specific info, it's hard to take action without it.
 
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HideInLight

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JimM said:
If OLX and Gumtree advise against swapping of ID details on the sale and purchase of cellphones, then they are asking you to break the law. By the letter of the RICA regulations, both you and the seller should record and keep ID details...

At one time, Vodacom offered a IMEI checking service on 082124 (VAS Rates) but I'm not sure if this is still available?
Click to expand...

Ok it still works, now were getting somewhere.

I now have a date and ITC reference number written down.

What is an ITC number?
Or better yet, how do I use it?
 
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JimM

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HideInLight said:
Ok it still works, now were getting somewhere.

I now have a date and ITC reference number written down.

What is an ITC number?
Or better yet, how do I use it?
Click to expand...

The ITC number is a bit confusing as it (in theory) should not be called that... As far as I am aware, ITC numbers are issued by a third party called TransUnion.

It seems that you didn't receive a case number which probably means that the handset is blacklisted because it's either bad debt or (more likely) been blacklisted in error and the latter does happen!

I think the only route that might bear fruit is to go into a Vodacom shop where there are helpful staff (yes, they can be found) and take everything with you and stand your ground on the fact that it's your property and you want answers!!
 
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HideInLight

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JimM said:
The ITC number is a bit confusing as it (in theory) should not be called that... As far as I am aware, ITC numbers are issued by a third party called TransUnion.

It seems that you didn't receive a case number which probably means that the handset is blacklisted because it's either bad debt or (more likely) been blacklisted in error and the latter does happen!

I think the only route that might bear fruit is to go into a Vodacom shop where there are helpful staff (yes, they can be found) and take everything with you and stand your ground on the fact that it's your property and you want answers!!
Click to expand...

Where do I find this mythical store?
And where has Vodacomdata gone, he was the only useful Vodacom person I knew which had enough power.
 
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HideInLight

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Rickster said:
Not really, but it will save you a hell of a lot of time.
Click to expand...

Need to figure out how to do things the proper way. But seeing how easy it's to change the IMEI and how consistent this blacklisting system is, I can see why cellphone theft has reached new heights.
A law is only useful if it can be enforced.

Luckily I finally got the answer I was looking for, handset was reported as lost, not stolen.
So I'm basically dealing with an inconvenience and not a crime.
 
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HideInLight

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Ok so insurance fraud isn't ruled out yet though, but either way he is kinda cornered atm.
Can someone tell me if insurance was claimed, if the phone can still be un-blacklisted.

Because if that's the case and he knows it, he will either try and get his hands on the phone so he can change the IMEI or make no attempt to un-blacklist it.

That would mean his preferred option would be a cash refund and not have me to deal with anymore.
 
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JimM

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You'll find IMEI change isn't possible due to security encryption...

If you do find someone dishonest enough to do it, the IMEI will be from a donor phone in a far off land and will probably get dumped off from Samsung updates etc...
 
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JimM

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I just thought that I'd add this...

The IMEI on new Samsung handsets is signed with a file protected by 1024 bit encryption! Random IMEI change as stated is therefore all but impossible...

In theory it is possible to read the security files from another phone but this can be detected by Samsung and although they can't blacklist the phone, they can make using it a pretty miserable experience!

So, those who just say, oh change the IMEI (apart from being illegal) this doesn't really work in 2015 and as I am aware, LG use the same certificated system.
 
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HideInLight

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JimM said:
I just thought that I'd add this...

The IMEI on new Samsung handsets is signed with a file protected by 1024 bit encryption! Random IMEI change as stated is therefore all but impossible...

In theory it is possible to read the security files from another phone but this can be detected by Samsung and although they can't blacklist the phone, they can make using it a pretty miserable experience!

So, those who just say, oh change the IMEI (apart from being illegal) this doesn't really work in 2015 and as I am aware, LG use the same certificated system.
Click to expand...

With which range of phones exactly did they start with the 1024 encryption?
 
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HideInLight

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In any case I'm just gonna try and get a refund from the guy, and never buying a phone secondhand again.

There needs to be a easier and faster way to check the status of the phone and if there was an insurance claim against it.
 
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