I bought an iphone 4 off of craigslist and was reported stolen?

I met with a guy on craigslist and he said the phone had a clean esn so i bought it. So i tried to put my sim card in it it wouldn't work so i called at&t. They said it was a stolen phone so i told them the story but they didn't help me out at all. The phone came with a box.case, charger, and headphones so i didn't really suspect it was stolen. What can I do?

Added (1). Does anyone know where i can check if the imei/esn is clean if i buy a phone in the future? Whenever i call at&t they say they can't check it which I know is a lie

Added (2). Also, does anyone know if I buy a phone from the owner of it that after i buy it they won't/can't report it?

Looks like you learned your lesson. Don't buy phones off craigslist.

About the only option is to contact the seller and ask for your money back, which is unlikely to happen.

When you buy a used phone, go to the ATT store with the seller before buying it and verify it's not stolen.

Well, go to the police. Give the guys phone number and see if they can trace the #. Sometimes they can. Word of advise, if you are going to buy through CL, always make sure to test the phone and call your carrier when the person is there, and let the carrier know you are buying said thing, so they can document you as the new owner. You cantr Ebay, as they have protection for both sellers and buyers. Never meet someone at some unknown place, make sure you go to their house, so if there's any problems, you know where they live and they are less likely to do this scam.

Email me, i have new iphone for sale or trade.

Check if numbers match on box and phone
Check imei under settings and about phone

If it matches the guy probably sold it and reported stolen

If they don't match it was stolen from the beginning
Sorry to say the phone won't work

Edit: swappa.com has a free imei checker
Bill of sale with the phone can help if they report stolen
They get another through insurance

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