Buying a mobile phone on Ebay, yay or nay?

[FluffyDucky]

I am looking to get a new phone as I am so fed up with my current one and my contract is up with O2 next month. I have heard great things about GiffGaff but obviously need a new phone!

What is your opinion on buying a mobile on Ebay? I am really cynical but don't want to pay £££ for a new phone! (I wouldn't mind a Samsung s3 or possibly 4)

I certainly wouldn't - you have no idea whether it's stolen or what might be on the hard drive

There's nothing wrong with buying a phone on Ebay! I have bought and sold phones there. Just make sure you buy from trusted sellers, and do some research on the phone(s) you are interested in.
If it's a smart phone (android or the like) then just do a 'factory rest' when it arrives to make sure all previous user data is deleted permanently.

jkklpu not sure i follow your logic, anything you buy on ebay could be stolen....

I think as long as you ensure that the seller is reputable (ie. good history and feedback) and you pay by Paypal then you should be fine.

Oh and just avoid any phone which is claiming "no service" That is a strong clue that said phone is stolen and has been blocked by the network provider.

Just wanted to confirm.... Giffgaff are indeed brilliant. Bills have reduced from 60pcm for my iPhone to 12pcm. And I now have unlimited text and data. The cash saved will surely buy me a new phone when the time comes.

Bought a phone last year off ebay with no problem whatsoever. I checked the seller's ratings and feedback. He seemed very genuine - as far as you can ever tell. I asked a few questions & he responded. He helped me double check it was unlocked, which it was. Maybe I was lucky, but I think if you are prepared to a bit of checking, then you should be ok.

Another huge fan of giffgaff. Me and the kids are all on it & it works fine & is such good value.

I've sold quite a few mobiles on eBay following upgrades and would like to think others are doing the same, rather than being unscrupulous.

Totally forgot to mention checkmend too. if you are buying a newish phone, it's well worth paying the £2 for a report to check it's not stolen or tied to a contract.

if it's tied to a contract and the person stops paying, the network will block your phone regardless of if you bought it in good faith or not.