Galaxy S2 blocked by T-Mo, can I root to unblock?

[E46M3]

I bought the phone off of craigslist and the guy who I bought it from apparently defaulted on his payments. Thus, T-Mo blocked the phone and now I can't use my GS2. what are my options, can I root to unblock?

Thanks,
jk

 

[psp_noob]

I bought the phone off of craigslist and the guy who I bought it from apparently defaulted on his payments. Thus, T-Mo blocked the phone and now I can't use my GS2. what are my options, can I root to unblock?

Thanks,
jk

have you tried switching out the sim card and activating a new account?

 

[Reiver]

have you tried switching out the sim card and activating a new account?

This would be the only thing that I could see that would cause that.

If that's not the problem try installing a new ROM?

 

[rymanh]

This would be the only thing that I could see that would cause that.

If that's not the problem try installing a new ROM?

as far as I am aware, the account should be linked to the sim card and not the phone itself

 

[Atma]

I believe it is blocked by the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and that is not dependent on the sim card. Unless some kind soul at T-Mobile takes pity on you I think you're screwed.

I bought mine from someone on Craigslist about 3 months ago and I sometimes wonder if the same thing will happen to me. I did a lot of searching on the subject and they usually won't block unless the IMEI indicates a stolen phone or the previous owner didn't make even the first payment on the phone. I saw a news report recently that some major carriers weren't even blocking stolen phones. As long as the carrier isn't losing money do they care?

I have read about people paying someone to change the IMEI number on the phone. Keep in mind that is illegal.

 

[rymanh]

I believe it is blocked by the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and that is not dependent on the sim card. Unless some kind soul at T-Mobile takes pity on you I think you're screwed.

I bought mine from someone on Craigslist about 3 months ago and I sometimes wonder if the same thing will happen to me. I did a lot of searching on the subject and they usually won't block unless the IMEI indicates a stolen phone or the previous owner didn't make even the first payment on the phone.

I have read about people paying someone to change the IMEI number on the phone. Keep in mind that is illegal.

that's shitty that T-mobile would do that because it's not they guy who defaulted, or who stole the phone that suffers.. it's the honest person who is trying to get a good deal on a phone that loses in the end

 

[Atma]

that's shitty that T-mobile would do that because it's not they guy who defaulted, or who stole the phone that suffers.. it's the honest person who is trying to get a good deal on a phone that loses in the end

Yeah it sucks and it seems to me they are shooting themselves in the foot. They might lose the money on the phone but at least they would be getting a monthly account signed up. They could still sue the person who owes them the money.