4 ms·
where I'm from, it's insanely common to buy a smartphone, only to find out when you put your sim card in, that it was stolen. The authorities will just take it
by naitgacem 3y ago
where I'm from, it's insanely common to buy a smartphone, only to find out when you put your sim card in, that it was stolen.
The authorities will just take it back (with no refund ofc) if you can prove that you bought it.
However, most purchases are from online sellers, or stores that say (this phone came from abroad by an immigrant).
Now this is indeed how most electronics enter the country, so the risk is unavoidable sadly.
- 8organicbits 3y agoCouldn't the seller put in a sim card to determine if the phone was stolen?
- ivalm 3y agoWhy would they? The seller wants to move product and illegal product comes with discount.
- mcv 3y agoDoesn't that make them guilty of fencing? Do they at least refund the illegal purchase?
- whimsicalism 3y agoYou are reasoning from high rule of law when OP is clearly describing a low rule of law country, prolly middle-income.
- naitgacem 3y agounfortunately it's much more insidious, they are both priced exactly the same. no one's the wiser until the police hit you up, or you try to fly abroad.
- ivalm 3y agoIt’s discount to the seller/middleman. Ie I can sell a legally or illegally sourced phone. The illegally sourced phone is cheaper to me so more profit.
- 8organicbits 3y agoStolen product is less valuable to the buyer (see complaints in thread) and seller reputation at the very least.
- toast0 3y agoIf the seller has mostly stolen goods, seller reputation isn't a big concern. Startup a new shop when the old one dries up.