A scam that is little known about out in the cellular industry relies on using esn’s (electronic serial number) of handsets that are not actually being activated. By playing with this scam game, a person can gain sometimes a free month of service (depending on the carrier’s promotions at the time) or at least getting a spiff (commission) for a new activation. A person will request esn’s from a vendor and claim to be verifying it with the carrier they are saying they are planning to activate it with.
Ultimately they are taking that esn and assigning it to a phone of their own that they can sell and activate for more money versus buying the unit from the vendor and using it. This is a common issue on Ebay as well where “rookie” Ebay stores will post esn’s to try to gain credibility with the prospective buyer yet will become a victim instead of making a sale.
Last but not least another common practice is taking a manufacturer esn and using it with a higher end unit, like buying a Motorola v262 failed unit for $2.00 and then taking that esn and using it with a Motorola v3c refurbished that you are selling for $120.00 and are gaining a free month of service to boot. It’s a crazy world out there in the resale world so everyone be careful and hang onto your product’s identity till it is paid for and shipped.
