7.X in general was an anti-theft protocol, but increased scam incentive. Some sellers will sell iCloud locked devices, so there's a sense of security/safety yet a sense of paranoia for buyers that aware of the possibility of getting an iCloud locked device when they're buying second hand devices. Overall, iOS mobile devices will always have their demand, much like how Android will always have their portion of demand, no matter how well the latter is doing.
For thieves, it's a pain in rump roast for them because now, they have to check to see if the device is on iOS 6 or below or not. And if it isn't, they have to chance the fact that the person does not use iCloud (I have yet to see anyone not have an iCloud account logged on), this does not even count for Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod. As long as you have an iCloud account signed in, regardless of Find My iPhone on or not, the thief must have your password in order to sell a working device. Otherwise, they would steal it anyways, claim that it works by conning the unknowing, and profit from that. And because a lot of consumers/buyers think only of the dollar sign, and not the reasoning behind the dollar sign, they fall prey for them. i.e., if an iPad 2's market value is $400 MSRP, a used one will average about $250-300. If there's one that's sold for $100-150, or even 200, you
must have a question mark going through your head. Why would someone sell a high demand product at 50% of the price? Even with a cracked screen, the device will still have a high demand because a screen replacement can be done for about $50 by unofficial parties and repair shops.
For readers, as posted on the sister iPhoneForums, here is a small re-post of what you should look for/at when buying an iPad through unofficial or mediums that are not guaranteed (such as Craigslist).
As a lot of users and consumers may already know, Apple’s line of iOS devices are one of the most highly demanded devices worldwide. Everyone’s heard of the iPhone, the iPad, the iPod Touch and all of Apple’s gadgetry. We also are highly aware of the price tag that comes with these devices, particularly the MSRP that many consumers have to pay for in full or finance because the notion of a discounted device with a cellular contract is not applicable to where they live. Or, users are in the midst of their contracts and would like to introduce the iPhone or iPad into their cellular usage.
iOS 7 and the new Apple ID authentication
As many users and consumers are aware of as well, iOS 7 has been introduced to the public on September 18[SUP]th[/SUP]/19[SUP]th[/SUP]. With this gateway update for Apple, iOS 7 has also introduced a new measure of security of iCloud, specifically the Find My iPhone feature as well as the AppleID authentication feature upon restoring a device that did not have its iCloud account logged/signed out of.
Background
For those that are unaware of what this new measure brings about, essentially, if you buy a device from another user (on iOS 7) and you attempt to restore the device, you will be asked to sign in to the previous owner’s AppleID in order to gain access to the device at all. Yes, this includes a fresh restore of iOS. Unlike its predecessor, iOS 7 will not allow a user access to the device until you sign in with the previously logged AppleID. This leads to users paying for expensive paperweights because the previous user is either a scammer that wants to make your life miserable and probably also wants to take advantage of their insurance by reporting their device lost.
Precautions/Steps To Take
The staff of iPhone, iPad and Apple Forums would like for our users to take caution in buying their devices to avoid being scammed or misled. The following points should be observed when purchasing a device, especially if the purchase is made through the internet and is second handed.
- One of the safest measures in buying electronics, is to buy them when they’re factory sealed, meaning untouched devices. If it’s sealed, no one has used it yet, no AppleIDs have been logged for that device, and you have assurance that you can use your device. Now, even if the device is claimed to be sealed, there is still a level of risk to it as there are machines that can rewrap the box in the same fashion.
- If the device is unsealed in any way (do not take the buyer’s word that the device was just unwrapped to look at, and was never turned on), it’s best to not purchase the device unless you are meeting the seller up in person.
- If you still decide to buy a device online, it’s best to purchase your device using a medium such as eBay or Amazon. Or, purchase a refurbished device through Apple or electronic giants. You’d want this medium so that you’re guaranteed that your device is up and running. If something is wrong with the device, you can always return it. In the case of eBay or Amazon, if you’re not satisfied, return it to eBay or Amazon, they will reimburse you with the cost of the transaction, and they will chase the seller for the reimbursement and then some.
- If possible, get the device on an older iOS, then upgrade yourself. That way, you’ll be certain of the fact that when restoring, you will not have issues. Note that this is only a failsafe on Wifi-only devices. Cellular devices still run the risk of having bad IMEI/ESN.
- Most importantly, for iPhones and cellular iPads, you MUST request an IMEI picture. Yes, picture of the IMEI number. Picture, not screenshot, a good old fashioned picture. Have that person take a picture of the IMEI on the phone with a phrase of your choice written on a piece of paper.
**What’s the reasoning? It tells you one of two things. One, you’re aware that the user is not just taking another picture from another device being sold online and using it as their “proof”. By having a slip of paper with your choice of phrase written on it within the picture, you’ll know that it’s taken in real time. Two, with the IMEI in the picture, you can check the IMEI online (there are quite a few free sources that you can use). If the IMEI and ESN are clean and are not registered with a carrier currently, that makes the offer one step closer to being made.
- If you purchase a device through a physical meeting, it’s best to do it at a supported carrier store. Example, if you’re buying an iPhone or cellular iPad that works for carrier X, meet up and use/activate the device with a representative at the local store to ensure that the device is working, then pay the seller for the device. If they have nothing to hide, and the transaction is legitimate, they will not object to you activating or paying half first for the device.
Feel free to add on any tips that you think should be made aware for buyers. We will keep this checklist updated if anything is missed or any new changes occur.
