Why would anyone need to know the ESN of a phone I'm selling?

[geno]

I'm selling a Sanyo 4900 on eBay and I just got an email from a person asking what the ESN is... is there any harm in divulging that info? I just found it odd that someone would ask for the ESN

 

[MercenaryForHire]

<paranoia> they're going to steal your identity and take all your money </paranoia>

- M4H

 

[cressida]

Dun't do it.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
<paranoia> they're going to steal your identity and take all your money </paranoia>

- M4H

*dons tinfoil hat* stop listening to my thoughts!!!!!!!!


I'm not suspicious, I'd send the ESN right now if the phone wasn't at home while I'm at work Just wondering why anyone would need to know the ESN, why would it be a deciding factor in bidding on a phone?

 

[Phokus]

Originally posted by: geno
I'm selling a Sanyo 4900 on eBay and I just got an email from a person asking what the ESN is... is there any harm in divulging that info? I just found it odd that someone would ask for the ESN

The ESN number is what's used by the phone company to allow you to connect your phone to their network. Kinda like an IP number. Don't give it out until you sell it to them.

 

[dmurray14]

I cannot see why anyone would need that info. The only way I would ask for it is if you are running an auction without any pictures of the phone, or just stock pictures. A while back, you used to be able to use someone else's account with their ESN I believe, but I don't think that's true anymore.

Dan

Edit: The only other reason I could think of would be for them to call the wireless company and make sure the phone isn't stolen...

 

[Chiboy]

Originally posted by: Phokus

Originally posted by: geno
I'm selling a Sanyo 4900 on eBay and I just got an email from a person asking what the ESN is... is there any harm in divulging that info? I just found it odd that someone would ask for the ESN

The ESN number is what's used by the phone company to allow you to connect your phone to their network. Kinda like an IP number. Don't give it out until you sell it to them.

I ask for the ESN from people if I buy a phone because I can call my company &amp; ask them if it will work with them. When I ask people for it, I always get it. I dont think its a big deal...

 

[KingNothing]

They (might) want the ESN so they know the phone isn't stolen. I asked for the ESN when I bought my Sprint phone off EBay, the seller was apprehensive but gave it to me after I explained why.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: Chiboy

Originally posted by: Phokus

Originally posted by: geno
I'm selling a Sanyo 4900 on eBay and I just got an email from a person asking what the ESN is... is there any harm in divulging that info? I just found it odd that someone would ask for the ESN

The ESN number is what's used by the phone company to allow you to connect your phone to their network. Kinda like an IP number. Don't give it out until you sell it to them.

I ask for the ESN from people if I buy a phone because I can call my company &amp; ask them if it will work with them. When I ask people for it, I always get it. I dont think its a big deal...

This is a Sprint phone though, pretty sure it's locked into their network...

 

[Christoph]

Another reason for a buyer to request the ESN is to verify that the previous owner doesn't owe a balance.

 

[fs5]

is this a parody thread? you're about 4 months late btw
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=38&amp;threadid=1206893&amp;arctab=arc

 

[dartworth]

To make sure the phone isn't stolen, and to make sure there isn't a balance on the phone.