Phone has no sim restrictions yet won’t recognise my sim.

[Ekmg]

I bought an iPhone 14 privately on eBay with no sim restrictions and yet it won’t recognise any sim. Apple have confirmed iPhone is working as it should. It seems that it may be carrier locked but I can’t get in touch with the seller to see what carrier it was previously with so I can get it working. Any suggestions much appreciated. Thank you.

[MI5]

@Ekmg 

Settings >General >About and scroll down to network provider lock. It will tell you if locked and who to.

Also https://www.checkmend.com/uk/

[Ekmg]

Thanks a lot. I ran it through checkmend as suggested and it would appear I’ve been scammed. The report says it is currently blocked and is being monitored by asset watch. I assume this means I’ve been sold a stolen iPhone 14? Any ideas on how I can unblock it or even make some money back by selling it as a phone that works in every other way except making calls?

[jonsie]

Usual scam

Sell a phone and then report it stolen in order to make an insurance claim

This is fraud and the phone actually belongs to the insurance company

Can you not contact the seller?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Ekmg 

It's been replaced by an insurance company due to a loss or stolen report.

It's worthless and illegal to own.

I suggest you put a claim in through ebay and hope you get your money back.