Hi all. Just to share an experience with fellow 2nd-hand phone kakis.

[wall of text]
A few months ago I bought an S6 edge+ from a forumer here, fullset with Samsung ewarranty, etc, the usual checklist. Everything was fine, and I used the phone for a couple of months. Unused to the lack of SD card slot, I then sold it off. A few months later, the buyer informed me that the phone IMEI has been blocked, and that Maxis told him to pay up RM600+ due to unpaid bill to unblock it. Shocked, I contacted Maxis, and when they did a detailed check, they said the person who signed up for the Maxis Zerolution contract for the phone never paid his bills and the amount owed was RM2,000+. Under the T&C, they have the right to block the IMEI of the phone when bills are unpaid. They cannot disclose the information of the person, but the staff did ask me the race of the person who sold me the phone (not to be racist but just to see if it was the original owner)... and it was different. So the phone had changed hands at least twice when I bought it. Maxis suggested that I make a police report, and contact the original seller, but I had already deleted the Whatsapp conversation, so there's nothing to go on, and he was probably a 2nd-hand phone kaki like me anyway, not much I can do about it. So I paid a few hundred RM to my buyer as compensation for a unusable phone and moved on.

This Maxis Zerolution plan requires no upfront payment for the phone, people desperate for money may sign up and sell the phone without paying the bill. Worst case is he is blacklisted (which he probably won't care anyway), and the phone IMEI is blocked, which will be unfortunate for the current owner. So just be careful when you buy phones from Garage Sales. Even with receipt from telco, you won't know what may happen.

I'm not sure if other contracts have this kind of T&C.

https://www.maxis.com.my/en/maxis-zerolution.html
What if I did not make full payment to the bill?

You will need to ensure all payments are made with no outstanding amount, for three (3) consecutive months to avoid your IMEI being blocked. Device will be unblocked once total outstanding in account is settled.
[/wall of text]

TLDR version:
- phones from Maxis Zerolution will be IMEI-blocked if bill is not settled
- be careful where the phone you wanna buy comes from
- keep history of your Whatsapp conversation after the deal

im unaware of this
look like another way for maxis to squeeze from their customer.

if imei blocked cannot use at all ke?

Hi Good info and thanks for sharing. I think this kind of cases wont be too many because the original owner will have to forfeit his mobile account and he wont be able to sign up with another telco because he/she will be blacklist. So most to most can only do it 1 or 2 times.
Question is how to check if the phone on zerolution?

I think very few are aware. Basically Maxis cannot even get their cost back if the person doesn't pay, so they block IMEI to discourage this. Hopefully other bros here won't learn this lesson the hard way like I did.

Cannot use telephony with any telco SIM cards. Can use other phone functions, I think.

Agreed... but the risk is very real... just be careful as a buyer. I previously thought telco sets are safe bets... hrm...

Don't know how to check. Maybe can get IMEI from seller and check with Maxis. What if other telco contracts also got that clause? Need to call here and there

Thanks for sharing. This is maxis insurance against defaulters.

Alot ppl cant afford iphones and s7's but die die also wanna buy

Thanks for sharing. This is very good info.
Although it makes me think twice about buying second hand phones now...
Any one have any idea if there is a way to determine whether a phone is tied to zerolution and the likes?

the block imei S6 edge+ wanna sell ?? if want pm me , thanks

This post has been edited by destee88: Nov 2 2016, 12:07 PM

Pm me if u would like to sell off the phone. Thanks.

custom rom can help?

Hi Bro Marcian,

I have the same case like you.

Seems we have the same fate, yet the seller never contact me back.

Refer to this thread: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry82381999

May I know after you have contacted Maxis, are you manage to unblock the IMEI?

Thanks

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 2 2016, 03:43 PM

Just to add, becareful of whonu deal with. Alot of stara or senior forummer dont mean jack shit.

Check their wts history.

Well said,wake up call for these ppl👍

This is valuable info.

Erm..wonder how do we check and verify that the used unit is not a zerolution set then?

1) Buy 2nd/used set should ask for receipt of purchase original or copy in case for future matters.

2) Should be ask phone is 1st owner or family or 2nd or 3rd parties n so on.

3) Should be ask this phone sign by contract at what Telco Company.

4) Should get all the details from 1st owner, if rejected suggestions better don't buy n looks for others.

5) If this issue related to 2nd owner or others parties when purchase better write or whatsapp or sms for the dealing agreement.

6) Nowadays so many signing contract at my telco so that can enjoy new phone, after that billing came then sell off the phone n money gone for other's matters as well.

Good Day Bro/sis.

Cheers

Hi bro.. Thanks so much for the sharing.. Never thought of that next time hv to be extra careful

Wow.

No, Maxis will not do anything without a police report. I didn't lodge a police report as I have no records anymore of my conversation with the seller. It was months after I bought it.

Since you have the conversations and screenshots, there is no reason not to lodge a report. This is fraud. Report it, show the report to Maxis, and request them to unblock the IMEI. Involve MCMC in the picture if you can. The current owner of the phone should not be the one to suffer, but Maxis cannot do anything else with their flawed Zerolution contract, except to threaten to block IMEIs. This is affecting the 2nd-hand phone market.

Good luck bro.


To the ones who offer to buy the blocked IMEI phone, what do you plan to do with it? Change the IMEI? What are the recovery options and the cost? Just asking for information as I do not have the phone with me anymore. Thanks.

Agree so much with you, bro. Especially point #1 and #4. Must find out where the phone came from. Once bitten twice shy. I will now avoid the following sets:
- gifts (without receipt)
- lucky draw (without receipt)
- telco set (even with receipt)

Good info sharing... should make this thread a Star/Sticky for others to see

To be safe, avoid from buying "I only want the plan, don't want the phone" or "no receipt"

Thank you TS!!

PERHAPS U CAN FLASH WITH OTHER IMEI, THIS WOULD HELP

This is should be pinned! Thanks for your insight bro

Surely do. I will lodge police report as soon as I could, since I am stuck with my current project right now. Based on my friend, once I log the case, police with MCMC could work together to see the best resolution that I could get.

Well the IMEI is only blocked on MAXIS. If use other telco should be ok. Just get a prepaid sim from your friend that is using a different telco. If it works then just make sure you don't use the set with Maxis

Imei block by telco same like iphone locked set from telco. no way to break it so far becox i experience before. The buyer make report, go sme but claim phone no problem..... hehe.. luckily we solve it peacefully....

The problem is, currently I am using Umobile, and it is still showing "Emergency Call" and no signal at all.

Samsung itself has tried to use all the telcos for my phone, and the issue still persist bro.

Seems the only way is to solve it, it's by communicating with Maxis

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 2 2016, 07:49 PM

Nice info from TS and darkassasin, thank u

Good share.

I knew telco can block imei num but doesn't really thinks they will do it coz the purpose of it is to block stolen device. Guess now telco is being smart ass, doing it for their own benefits, not the users.

Since u r saying maxis blocking it, do u able to use the phone using other telco lines?such as celcom or digi?imei block could only be localize. Can also be telco-wide. Worth a try TS.

I never knew such MO by phone seller/individual. For now, should stop buying telco set.

This post has been edited by realcheraz: Nov 2 2016, 09:39 PM

They change motherboard but imei can rema8n the same ?

I see...since u said all telco is the same, guess this blocking imei is controlled by some other 3rd party server controlled by mcmc perhaps.if overseas, sure able to use.

Change phone mobo can solve it, but then will cost u a bomb.

You are right bro.

And they have changed it twice.

And somehow, IMEI is stil the same

You can ask Samsung SEMS from 1 utama for my case, it is quite famous there apparently, since i am mistakenly thought that samsung does something to my phone, which is incorrect fact ( seems the prev owner has not pay the zerolution bill)

I have changed the mobo twice by claiming warranty with samsung. And the imei is still the same bro. Now, I am unsure whether Samsung is bluffing me or not, but seems i really need to settle with maxis (or mcmc).

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 2 2016, 10:18 PM

Normally change new mother board should be different imei even though refurbished/reconditioned set also have different imei.
I think sme didn't change mo or maybe change other's parts.

Should have service sheet from sme.

Cheers.

I think samsung is bluffing on you bro...if mobo changed, imei surely changed. Thats I 100% sure.

Imei basically pre-programmed into the comm circuit/mobo used to identified any device connected to any network.

People who did this is really desperate.. when the sum of owing raised to certain level, for sure telco will issue court summon.. desperate people will do many kind of tactics to gain money.. but when think about this, this is the worst scam tactic that surely get the person ended up in court.. and such person can do this once only

The risks are always there when do deal in this space.. this is just another example of scam tactic.. should we stop buying telco set? Imo, its goes back to the reason why you are lurking for used set online, reconsider the risks..

Ah i see. Hmm, should have the service sheet then. I am newbie to this kind of things anyway, learn from you, thanks

Seems so. They just bluff me then

Thanks for clarification bro, appreciate it.

But to be honest, nothing could be done on Samsung side also right? They also need protect themselves.

Yup. They just 'refused' to replace the mobo coz they new it is not their fault. Did u told samsung about the imei block when claiming for warranty?

Nope, not at all. They are knowing it at the 1st place seems, since they straight suggest me to check with Maxis. i just confused why i cant use my sim slot at the 1st place, not knowing it's about imei block, so i am not ask them to unblock the imei at all

I have changed S4 mobo at Samsung before (at least they claimed to have done it). IMEI remain the same, but the counters for earphone, charger, etc all reset to zero. Is it possible to change mobo then flash the old IMEI?

This post has been edited by Marcian: Nov 3 2016, 12:13 AM

Nah, I need this info as well. Since Samsung claims that they have change the mobo twice tho for my case

Ic...in that case, samsung also may hv access to the system...access to the database where all blacklisted imei stored. Just like ccris/ctos to banks. Same function as this.

Imei is non flashable afaik. At least not at the svc ctr. Maybe the the chipmaker can do it eg Qualcomm etc. It is easier to change the whole hardware, in todays technology may only 1 or multiple chipset. By practice svc ctr wont pull the chipset out and attach to another mobo..its too complicated to do it by hand. The old phone yes, coz base on modular design..where u can easily attach n detach the chip/ic.

Ah i see. Ok then. Let's see with the police report that i have been made, will lead me into something. Thank you for your explanation, man

Just becareful guys for buying telco or gift set, it is indeed a hard lesson for me as well tbh. Stay vigilant!

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 3 2016, 01:27 AM

Serial number same ?
Imei same?
Need counter check these info

You mean that we need to check samsung service sheet, no?

Enlight me ya bro..

Anyway, just my 50 cents, NEVER EVER EVER BUY MAXIS ZEROLUTION 2ND HAND SET (if the seller inform you guys for the plan), UNLESS YOU GUYS MAKE THE DEAL TOGETHER IN MAXIS CENTER.

Thanks

Actually deal together at Maxis Centre also no use. If he doesn't pay the coming bills, also block IMEI...

You are right. Nah, what i meant, at maxis center, at least you can snap fella's information, since Maxis will only give all information only with the account holder.

Like house address or maybe any important info? At least when shit hits the fan, you can file police report, and do what is necessary.

But it's better safe than sorry, it is better to purchase 2nd hand for local set without any plan. Stay vigilant!

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 3 2016, 07:57 PM

hi, im facing same problem as urs.
im using note 5, seller also signed for zerolution plan. went to Ssamsung and also Maxis (yesterday).
they wont unlock it and also wont give the "owner" contact number....
this is duos sim , my slot 2 still able to use just cannot use slot 1.
seek for u all helps, if u have any idea/information to unlock the imei plz share to me.. now i hv 2 sim but cannot use in Note 5... sad...
thanks for your topic, share this information to others dun let those CHEATER keep sign zerolution plan and sold to us end up x bayar and imei blocked.

++ my phone still under warranty until coming Feb 2017 lolx

This post has been edited by histryyorn: Nov 4 2016, 10:45 AM

this case is applied for maxis zerolution set only right..

other normal telco plan, eventho using EPP, they will charge c.c.. should be no problem.. the phone basically paid off

find back the seller ?

Aha! So Maxis only blocks IMEI 1? At least you can still use IMEI 2. But please find back the seller and settle it.

Normal plans have upfront payment for the phone so less risk for telco.

Check your pm ya

You are right. For maxis zerolution plan, if you are really keen for it, takes 2-3 steps ahead, like checking address and stuffs, and do it in maxis center.

And based on Marcian, yeah, seems only maxis is willing to bear the risk in the market now, but the system is really flawed, especially when it comes to 2nd hand buyer
, since they are only blocking the imei without helping the 2nd hand phone buyer (unless mcmc is involved?) Except will spill the info with the solely phone owner.

So the best practice is to buy the phone without any plan i think

Mine one is blocked for 2 sim slots, only be able to use phone while on wifi only. T.T

I think mods should pin the thread, shouldn't they?

This post has been edited by darkassasin: Nov 4 2016, 01:41 PM

sadness.... couldn't find back the seller.. i swap phone with a Mxlxy guy with my S6 edge plus around april.. that time...until recently bought another number baru realize x boleh use..

ya slot 2 still can use, consider lucky? not faith to buy from mudah ady ....

previously. maxis set will consider premier for secondhand market.
i think no ppl will try the best to avoid maxshit set.

Thanks TS for the thread. Almost agreed to buy an 2nd hand Iphone still under zerolution contract. The seller told me " i will settle the Zerolution fee after you pay me the cash"

THAT does not sound very good right?

Hmmm. My spare j3 bought 2nd hand also sim 1 blocked. Can only operate 2g network. 4g/3g it doesnt work... Possibly blocked by telco?

Thank you for this tread. planing to buy my phone.

saw the plan here. Thinking to get before cny.

Why is Maxis fault? U take the plan of course you are responsible to pay in full before it's u fully owned it right...

You can't pay its your fault as customer

i almost buy a second hand phone, but after knowing this, i might be more careful
thanks bro,
wonder how to force unblock IMEI

Is there anyway we can check whether the phone is zerolution set or not...from imei no perhaph...?

u can ask them tax invoice..if its from maxis without any amount of phone price then its a zerolution..if the tax invoice from maxis got amount from the phone, then the seller bought the phone without zerolution..

no wonder now maxis cancel their iphone for zerolution..

Good news guys, we can solve the lock now , can sms or whastapp me 016-7185234 if intrested

how about normal plan that subsidies some for the device? then not under zerolution right?

so these "partly subsided" device can buy?

that bundle package with phone can buy without worry of emei will be block by SP. well, last time i own zerolution iphone and sell it coz i need the package only...till now no problem with the phone or received complain from the buyer...well i paid the bill as usual, coz i need my number, damn nice....hahaha. but later i paid the penalty and terminate the zerolution.

I bought a used phone from a forumer here that was IMEI blocked. Went to Samsung to get it fixed, they changed the motherboard but IMEI was never changed. The technician says that the IMEI is never changed and stays with the device for life. After changing motherboard, problem still persists so I checked with the seller. He was kind enough to take the phone back and went to check wit the telco. Apparently, Celcom also does IMEI blocking. The phone was out of contract yet they made a blunder and blocked it. So be careful.

How to fix this problem?? I have the same exact problem, but the seller has a different maxis plan and my phone is an iphone.. how to fix the issue ?

if only 2g.. try insert DIGI sim

that sim was imei locked by the telco.... guess the previous owner/seller lied to me when i bought it..

Telco locked iPhone is useless as a phone. The best option you have is sell it as spareparts. I buy these kind of phones for repair purpose. Contact me at https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=0178399033 should you wanna sell

Is Maxis the only telco doing this?

I have the same problem, can someone help me. I dont have num old owner.

I wanna sale it

It’s sad to see some of unlucky buyer who bought the under-telco plan smartphones.

I myself have struggling to sell my phone from complimentary gift for the past few years. But luckily this couple of years everytime i received the complimentary gift, they issued alongside the delivery note. This should be okay

this kind of problem only happen on 2nd hand

How to check the phone is telco set or not using the imei?

Can pm me to sell your telco phones. Can COD KL, Cheras, Kajang.

will I be safe if I bought a telco set from another person which was under normal contract? That means it has been paid for fully?

bought a sealed set from mudah.my


i called all telco, they said they didnt block the sim1 slot IMEI.


so what happened? this is last year issue. im still using the phone anyway since i have 2 slots

new seal also can happen.

One question guys!

Maybe not related but i buy iphone 12 pro under normal contract and decided give my mom to use it without activated using my sim card.

As for now the phone was been stolen and since I'm not a iPhone using so i didn't do any much settings especially on the apple id.

Can we ask service providers to block imei although i never activated the phone using my own sim card?

You still buying? How about a used telco one?

Is this a Malaysian set with local warranty by Honor? Safe to buy from dealer rather than Honor MY? What is TELCO UNLOCKED SET?

Malaysia set
Unlocked means you can use any sim from any telco on that phone

Unlocked means no longer managed by telco. Usually for phone under contract, the device can be locked for access until the person pay the monthly fee.

Odd is usually the contract is 2 or 3 years not 1.

Best practice for telco set is wait for 3 years.

What if it is a new model only release 9 months ago?

What matters is when the contract starts not when the model releases … if it is a 3 years old model then i think safest …