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I was talking about the account. I haven’t read about Apple doing such to a device.

Oh right ok.

I sold my MacBook Pro 16, I don’t want to get a call in a month from the person that bought it saying Apple bricked it. That would be insane.
 
Apple can't do anything with a device you previously bought, not only would it be obviously wrong, but also nonsensical as other devices have nothing to do with the issue at hand. Locking you out of your iCloud account would mess things up on the software/data side, but if you removed your devices from your iCloud which Apple will lock, I don't see how they could possibly be linked with any issues you may be having with Apple.
 
If signed out and reset are you saying Apple could still block the device from a new owner activating it? This seems very illegal.
Apple will not block it intentionally, but it would amount to the same. Anytime you reset a device where an Apple account is logged in upon first boot it will prompt to enter the credentials of that account or the device will not activate. If the assigned account is disabled this will not succeed.

The issue is also that simply disabling Find My won't remove this restriction. It commonly happens that people wrongly assume this and wipe their Mac after disabling Find My, then sell it, and when the buyer tries to activate it they're asked to enter credentials they don't have.

On a Mac if you open the system settings and you don't see your name at the top where the account would normally show and it says you can sign in, and if there aren't any other accounts that are logged in either, then you should be good to go. It would be best to reset each device regardless, to test it out. Once it passes the activation screen once you know it's good. Just don't sign back in again.

You can still sign in to the itunes store, or other Apple apps that allow for it. But if it redirects you to the system settings sign in page and sets up the entire iCloud thing, that's where you need to cancel. So no iCloud connected services/sync.

An account can become non-functional for any number of reasons and they all lead to this issue, Apple offers to unlock the device in a store with the original invoice that must show the device serial number. But again, if they see you supposedly owe them lots of $$$ I have no idea if they'll do it. By law they'd be required to of course but these big corporations don't always follow the law and prefer to pay ridiculously small fines if it comes to it.

If Apple loses this dispute, at what point will someone at Apple sit down and look at the situation and say maybe this person didn’t get their package.
I can't claim to know Apple's processes but I am sure it's all a well defined process where it's long been determined that the package was delivered just fine. I'd expect that at some point Apple will look into these same-day delivery frauds more closely and realize there's many customers with a similar experience. But that could take years if it happens at all.
 
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Apple will not block it intentionally, but it would amount to the same. Anytime you reset a device where an Apple account is logged in upon first boot it will prompt to enter the credentials of that account or the device will not activate. If the assigned account is disabled this will not succeed.

The issue is also that simply disabling Find My won't remove this restriction. It commonly happens that people wrongly assume this and wipe their Mac after disabling Find My, then sell it, and when the buyer tries to activate it they're asked to enter credentials they don't have.

On a Mac if you open the system settings and you don't see your name at the top where the account would normally show and it says you can sign in, and if there aren't any other accounts that are logged in either, then you should be good to go. It would be best to reset each device regardless, to test it out. Once it passes the activation screen once you know it's good. Just don't sign back in again.

You can still sign in to the itunes store, or other Apple apps that allow for it. But if it redirects you to the system settings sign in page and sets up the entire iCloud thing, that's where you need to cancel. So no iCloud connected services/sync.

An account can become non-functional for any number of reasons and they all lead to this issue, Apple offers to unlock the device in a store with the original invoice that must show the device serial number. But again, if they see you supposedly owe them lots of $$$ I have no idea if they'll do it. By law they'd be required to of course but these big corporations don't always follow the law and prefer to pay ridiculously small fines if it comes to it.


I can't claim to know Apple's processes but I am sure it's all a well defined process where it's long been determined that the package was delivered just fine. I'd expect that at some point Apple will look into these same-day delivery frauds more closely and realize there's many customers with a similar experience. But that could take years if it happens at all.

Ok thanks.

Ya whenever I stop using a device or sell it I turn find my off, sign out of iCloud and do a factory reset.
 
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I am astounded by the way Apple has treated you so abysmally. I doubt any thief (I am sure you are not) would go to the trouble (and visibility) of chargebacks AND file a police report for stolen MacBooks.

I am confident if you could meet face to face with an Apple manager, relayed the facts, they would replace the stolen items. That is probably not likely given your location.

Best of luck.
 
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OP:

Have you been able to ascertain yet... whether the "charge back" has been finalized?
If not, when will you find out?
 
Ok thanks.

Ya whenever I stop using a device or sell it I turn find my off, sign out of iCloud and do a factory reset.
This is the proper way, friend.

When planning to sell or trade-in your Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad, through platforms like eBay or directly with Apple or other carriers, it’s essential to follow proper procedures to ensure your data is safe and the device is ready for its new owner.
Back Up Your Data: Before you do anything, make sure to back up your device. You can do this using iCloud or iTunes. This step ensures that you don't lose any important documents, photos, or other data.
Sign Out of iCloud, iTunes & App Store: Go to the Settings app, tap on your name, and scroll down to 'Sign Out.' Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your decision. This will prevent the new owner from accessing your accounts and ensures no issues with activation.
Unpair Your Apple Watch: If you are an Apple Watch user, make sure to unpair it from your iPhone. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, select your watch, and tap ‘Unpair Apple Watch.’ If your watch has a cellular plan, remember to remove it.
Disable Find My iPhone: Navigate to Settings, tap your name, go to ‘Find My,’ and turn off ‘Find My iPhone.’ You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password to complete this step. This is crucial for deactivating Activation Lock, which prevents anyone else from using the device.
Erase Your Device: Once you have completed all steps above, you can erase your device. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Confirm your choice, and the device will reset to factory settings.
Remove SIM Card: Don't forget to take out your SIM card from the device, especially if you plan to use it with your new phone. iPhone 14 and later users must delete the eSIM(s) from the settings app or it can also be deleted through the guided reset process in Transfer or Reset iPhone. 📱

Following these steps not only ensures that your personal data remains secure, but also makes the transition smoother for the new owner or for refurbishing and recycling ♻️ , whether you are selling or trading in your Apple device.
 
OP:

Have you been able to ascertain yet... whether the "charge back" has been finalized?
If not, when will you find out?

Nope not finalized yet. Visa might take a while to respond. Called into the bank to confirm they received my email and documents.

I will update the thread as soon as I hear anything.
 
I am astounded by the way Apple has treated you so abysmally. I doubt any thief (I am sure you are not) would go to the trouble (and visibility) of chargebacks AND file a police report for stolen MacBooks.

I am confident if you could meet face to face with an Apple manager, relayed the facts, they would replace the stolen items. That is probably not likely given your location.

Best of luck.

Yes if I actually received these MacBooks and I lied I would have broken the law just by filing a false police report. Also lying to the bank and doing a chargeback under false pretext would probably be some sort of fraud. Not to mention trying to frame an innocent uber driver…

Unfortunately speaking to a manager wouldn’t do much at this point because When my file is pulled up it says the case belongs to a lady in Apple relations so their hands are tied.
 
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Yes if I actually received these MacBooks and I lied I would have broken the law just by filing a false police report. Also lying to the bank and doing a chargeback under false pretext would probably be some sort of fraud. Not to mention trying to frame an innocent uber driver…

Unfortunately speaking to a manager wouldn’t do much at this point because When my file is pulled up it says the case belongs to a lady in Apple relations so their hands are tied.
During the dispute with the credit card 💳 company, is that where they looked for the file? Or was it Apple?
 
During the dispute with the credit card 💳 company, is that where they looked for the file? Or was it Apple?

I have a number for Apple management and they’re the ones that told me their hands are tied. The department that originally replied to my email to Tim Cook (Apple relations) are/were in charge of my complaint.

If it wasn’t for someone who works at Apple sending me a DM telling me Apples management number I wouldn’t have ever gotten through to management since all customer service reps denied my request to speak to them.
 
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This reminded me of this thread, especially the phrase “sham investigations”.
 
Called the bank to inquire about the dispute and she said "Good news, you won the dispute. It was accepted Dec 25th and it's all finalized".

I'm glad Visa made the right decision and did a proper investigation. Was truly losing hope.

I really appreciate everyone's help here. I got so much good advice.

I don't know if Apple is going to reach out to me but I doubt it. They will probably just shut down my iCloud.
 
...
I don't know if Apple is going to reach out to me but I doubt it. They will probably just shut down my iCloud.
Glad it worked out for you in the end, but what a stressful thing to have to go through.

You would think Apple would take it seriously and be super concerned that their own courrier choice could be stealing from them.

Having to resolve through CC dispute definitely adds concerns that Apple becomes soured and who knows what they can do given all the data and investment in "ecosystem" we entrust them with.

You may even want to contact the local media and see if they feel like doing a story on it. They often do 'consumer beware' kinds of stories to let others know what they may be in for -- nobody thinks it'll happen to them until it does.
 
Called the bank to inquire about the dispute and she said "Good news, you won the dispute. It was accepted Dec 25th and it's all finalized".

I'm glad Visa made the right decision and did a proper investigation. Was truly losing hope.

I really appreciate everyone's help here. I got so much good advice.

I don't know if Apple is going to reach out to me but I doubt it. They will probably just shut down my iCloud.
Don’t blame you there. Glad it got worked out.
 
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That's great news. Delighted for you. But what a bizarre, deeply unsatisfactory process to have to go through. What were Apple thinking?!
 
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That's great news. Delighted for you. But what a bizarre, deeply unsatisfactory process to have to go through. What were Apple thinking?!

That's the problem, they weren't thinking. The only people that put any effort into this case was the Police and Visa.

Bitter sweet really. I got my money back and Apple still thinks I'm a scammer and the thief gets away with it.
 
Really Happy that you got your money back 🙏🏼
Even if Apple wasn't helpful.
Buy from a retailer next time, if you still want Apple's stuff after this story, so you don't have to deal with the company again.

Personally I'm too invested in their stuff, but I plan to not give the company any further attention.
At least not until Cook left, who don't give a crap about customers, and see if the next CEO will.
 
Called the bank to inquire about the dispute and she said "Good news, you won the dispute. It was accepted Dec 25th and it's all finalized".

I'm glad Visa made the right decision and did a proper investigation. Was truly losing hope.

I really appreciate everyone's help here. I got so much good advice.

I don't know if Apple is going to reach out to me but I doubt it. They will probably just shut down my iCloud.
I’m so happy this was finally resolved for you! It’s helped me be a lot more careful about how I purchase computer equipment, and I appreciate you for sharing all of the details.
 
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It's not Visa, it's your bank. Visa the company has no direct contact or interactions whatsoever with card holders.

My bank confirmed 3 times it is Visa that makes the final decision. Not the bank. Visa deals with the bank not with card holders. Unless the bank is lying to me for some reason.
 
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