[safc1986safc]

Ok the phone was been used with the 3network (unsure if contract or payg or if that would matter) My contract is also with 3network and I had a new micro simcard sent to me as my N8 only had a large sim. I have had the sim activated and all i get is a message saying 'The sim card is missing or invalid. You can still make emergency calls'. I've spoken to 3 tech support who suggested basically switching phone on/off and then adding 3network to network selection neither of which made a difference. I  then waited for specialist tech support team who after 1 or 2 questions suggested I go to the 3 store, that I am doing tomorrow. My question is if this visit to the 3 store proves to be of no use to me what other alternatives do I then have? I should add the seller on ebay advertised 'does not accept returns' and said the same again after I've asked him for one. All in all very frustrating and will be buying an unlocked phone next time instead of skimping and saving 50 pounds.

[kinaton]

Hi

Its possible the phone is blocked due to it being a lost/stolen (this is why I never by Mobile phones from ebay).  I can't see it being you simcard as you have said you've used it in your old phone (I used my e63 sim in the lumia with no issues.)

You could try putting simcard in and doing a full reset of phone.  

With regards to ebay.. You have rights under "distance selling laws".. I would speak to Ebay customer services, they are normally very good, and I had a similar issue with an electrical item, which the seller wouldn't accept back (even though it was faulty), and EBAY refunded me.  

[carman58]

I have heard issues with micro sim cards and apparently there have been updates, would suggest you try a new card as this has proved successful with others, maybe go into a 3 shop and see if someone can simply try a new sim in the phone, if it works, get a replacement ?

[chris166]

If you have paid with PayPal then it does not matter what the seller put you will be covered and if the phone is dead then you can. Report them to eBay and PayPal and they will sort it and give you a refund.

[93tid]

This sounds like a classic scam - the seller has declared the phone lost or stolen and got a new replacement under insurance, then sells the first phone but it has already been blacklisted by all networks, so will never work on any of them.

You should initiate immediately an "Item not as described" claim process with ebay/paypal and if you have proof that the seller already refused a refund you can escalate it immediately without waiting for the initial response period.

[safc1986safc]

Thanks for the replies. Up to now I have just returned from the 3 store and put in my new sim card in and told it can take up to 24 hours not sure if I just have to put it in and wait or if i need to call 3 again. In the mean time I've opened up a 'item not as described' case. I sincerley hope it starts to work and I'm wrong and in fact its a problem with 3. I was told in the 3 store that 3 customer service can unlock the phone but need to do background checks to check if it has been reported lost or stolen I'm getting a call back tonight......we shall see.

[psychomania]

Might be worth paying £1.99 to find out if it's been reported lost or stolen.

http://www.checkmend.com/uk/

[93tid]

Waste of money, database hopelessly out of date.

[akpc1]

I just came accross this post and realised that the seller is probably me so decided to register and respond.

I purchaced this phone on contract with 3 about a month ago but was then given a Blackberry from work that I was told I had to use (connects in to the work server). I didn't want to carry two phones around so decided to sell the Nokia.

When I sent the phone it was working correctly and I hadn't had any signal issues in the time I used it. The buyer received the phone on the 16th Feb and then 3 days later informed me that he was having a problem. Thats 3 days later in which time I am assuming it worked.

I do not want to issue a refund as I cannot see that I have done anything wrong and I don't think the fault is down to me. I have been an ebay member since 2004 and have 100% feedback (257). I am not a scammer and sold the phone in perfect boxed condition as described. I still have my receipt for the phone and still use 3 for my iPad and no signal issues.

As I instructed the buyer I cannot really be held responsible for signal issues that seemed to start 3 days after receiving the phone.

-APP-

[safc1986safc]

Hi Akpc

Just to clarify Indeed you are the seller.  I have not been able to receive a signal at all from the point of receiving a micro sim card which I received 2 days after purchasing the phone. I can vouch for you in saying the phone was in immaculate condition and I would not have thought twice if it was sold as new as it came with screen sticker etc and was boxed immaculately. I can't see how your ipad signal quality is related at all but I do trust you are not a scammer as you clearly would not go to this length to research the problem after selling as you should also be able to see from my posts I am left in a hopless position atm with a fantastic phone (and it really is) but also a phone that does not have the most essential function of a phone e.g. I cant speak with anyone on it.

[aspergerguy]

@akpc1

Whilst you would have reset device prior to sale, perhaps OP should try a hard reset of this device and failing that have 1600.2483.8107.11501 installed by Nokia Care to leave device factory fresh.

[safc1986safc]

I have already hard reset it. Still to no avail, at this point in time I'm still waiting to see if the second sim card activates and the phone then works in the next (apx) 18 hours. I'm getting another call from customer support at 3 tomorrow and will update any progress here.

[anseio]

In the meantime, put the micro sim into an adapter and try it in your N8.

Just a week ago, I was at my friend's and put my cut sim into my old HD2 to try something out. When I put it back into my Lumia, it wouldn't work. With the phone powered on, I removed the sim and reseated it. It power cycled and everything was fine.

We need to rule out that your sim cards are the problem. They must be tried in a different device.

[akpc1 · Accepted solution]

Just a quick update.

The buyer is now using a newly registered sim card that appears to be working and has closed the case with ebay.

Hopefully there are no hard feelings here as both of us were just being careful.

I hope the buyer enjoys his Windows 7 phone.

-APP-

[safc1986safc]

All sorted now. Activating the sim card alone was not enough for it to work. I got a call from 3 and was told to read the sim card number out and then place back in the phone and it worked! not sure what exactly 3's magic trick was unfortuanately or why they couldn't do this sooner, there were no checks on the phones imei to distinguish if it was reported lost or stolen which I find unusual. Not to worry though it now is working as normal Thanks for all the replies and thanks akpc1.