Should I be concerned? Serial number registered to other Apple ID

[Maverick Jester]

No – that number worked, got through to an American-sounding lady, presumably in India/Khazakstan/Oklahoma.

But I ended it when I realised where I was at – this is a Core matter, since something happened when they did the repair for me, and needs to be sorted out through their iCare department.

I've been trying the 087 350 2946 number, off the Core and myistore website.

What IS pathetic, is when I first called the Apple Tollfree number (the 0800 one) – an American Apple Message asks you to select a number, based on what your problem is. When you select the number corresponding with an iPhone issue, the line jumps to a South African recording (hello Core) that simply says "if you have any technical queries about your iPhone, please contact your Cellular Service Provider (i.e. Vodacom/MTN/CellC etc.)... What the flip??

Yeah, Apple support outside of their main markets is pretty poor. Looks like you may have to actually take the device in to an actual iStore.