It is unfortunate that a handful of bad players ruins it for everyone else. That being said buying a used device from a small individual seller is probably okay but the big sellers that are organized are the ones to be wary of. Also buying a new device off eBay can be a gamble.
I bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max off eBay and it was not fully unlocked as the seller got the device free as part of a t mobile promotion but had to pay off his device before mine would be unlocked. The seller was honest and I was able to get the device unlocked but I had no way to even know the device was not unlocked as it came in a sealed new box. I checked myself after I found out people scam by selling phone that isn't paid off. If I had not read that I would have never even checked and it is possible the seller could have scammed me.
If you are going to spend a lot of money on an Apple product it is easy to want to get a deal and save money because they are so expensive but you risk losing the money spent in the effort to save money.
Even buying from 3rd party sellers can be tricky. Buying direct from Apple might cost more but at least you know what you are getting and you know you will be supported if you have a problem.
I bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max off eBay and it was not fully unlocked as the seller got the device free as part of a t mobile promotion but had to pay off his device before mine would be unlocked. The seller was honest and I was able to get the device unlocked but I had no way to even know the device was not unlocked as it came in a sealed new box. I checked myself after I found out people scam by selling phone that isn't paid off. If I had not read that I would have never even checked and it is possible the seller could have scammed me.
If you are going to spend a lot of money on an Apple product it is easy to want to get a deal and save money because they are so expensive but you risk losing the money spent in the effort to save money.
Even buying from 3rd party sellers can be tricky. Buying direct from Apple might cost more but at least you know what you are getting and you know you will be supported if you have a problem.
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