Navigating a Concerning Purchase: My S23 Ultra Predicament

Today, I found myself in quite the unexpected situation regarding a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that I had purchased just two months ago. The device, which was in impeccable condition when I bought it, recently displayed a notification declaring it was reported stolen through Amazon.

Upon returning home from work, I was greeted by a screen message that read:

“This device has been reported as lost or stolen and must be returned to Amazon. Please call 08002797234 for details.“

I also noted details including a passkey and an IMEI number, but the passkey failed to work when I attempted to enter it.

A quick search revealed that numerous individuals have encountered a similar situation, with many voicing concerns over potential scams. These discussions indicated that calling the listed number often leads to communication barriers and unhelpful responses. As I stood there, my anxiety began to rise; what if I had unknowingly purchased a stolen device?

To address the issue, I reached out to the seller via email, attaching a photo of the alert message. Initially, there was no response. However, shortly after, he replied, expressing his willingness to discuss the matter further. He claimed ignorance of the situation and offered either a replacement phone or a refund. While this gesture provided slight comfort, my skepticism persisted, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about my predicament.

To add to my frustration, the device remained locked by the alert screen. I attempted a factory reset and wiped the cache, hoping to circumvent the issue, but the alert reappeared during the initial setup process.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more complicated, I received a call from the seller. He mentioned consulting with a friend who has technical expertise, which did little to alleviate my concerns. Shortly thereafter, he contacted me again with an offer: he had another S23 Ultra in different colors, which he was willing to swap for the problematic one.

We arranged to meet, and he handed me the replacement phone, which was even in better condition than the first. I was cautious and made it clear that if the same issue arose again, I expected a full refund. He agreed.

As I drove home, he called again, offering to refund my money entirely, concerned about the potential trouble the lost or stolen report might cause me. Skeptical but hopeful, I met him once more, and he returned not only the amount I originally paid but