Have I been sold a refurbed phone as new?

[Gaz2again]

I've just bought a lovely shiny new iphone 12 Pro Max on O2 from a 3rd party vendor.

On putting the new O2 sim in it, out popped a Verizon sim. I was not a little surprised!

The phone's on-board model number starts with M so it's not been refurbed by Apple (apparently the number then would be prefixed with an "F").

For those of us with a suspicious mind, it would suggest it's a non-Apple refurb sold as brand new. Someone forgot to take the last owners sim out.

Beofe I talk to the vendors, can anyone suggest a valid reason my supposed brand new phone would have a North American sim in it?

The phone otherwise looks like new as did the packaging.

Any help gratefully received.

[MI5]

I can think of no other explanation other than yours @Gaz2again 

[jonsie]

Call the vendor immediately @Gaz2again 

[Bambino]

@Gaz2again There's absolutely no reason for a US sim to be in a UK phone, particularly if you were led to believe the phone was new. It sounds like you've been had.

[Gaz2again]

I would have called but the vendor's "care line" isn't open now till Monday.

A quick look at Companies House - the vendor turned over £120M kast year which begs the question are even large phone vendors up to no good? They're hardly a fly by night operation.

Is there any one trust worthy out there?

(and yes it was sold to me as brand new)