If you are purchasing an iPhone 5 from an individual you need to make sure it has not been stollen, or if previously legitimately owned, that it has been removed from the previous apple id and reset to factory settings as if new.
You do not state what the specific model is or how much storage it has. Just for a ballpark most iPhone 5's with 16GB are going for about $150 on eBay. If it is a lot cheaper - and it is possible, just make sure it is not stollen. There have been stores robbed and people have had phones taken. Apple can remotely brick (destroy) those phones and you are out the money.
Lisa
You can use the link below to use a tool apple provides. You wile need either the IMEI or serial number of the phone. You can enter it at the site linked below and it will tell you.
https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
This link explains why it is a good idea to check:
Apple Now Lets You Check If An iPhone Is Stolen Before You Buy It | TechCrunch
What I found about refurbished iphones from Apple was that it will not come in a white box. It will come in a brown box. But I also found this that will let you know if it has any apple care. New iphone have a year. Also any apple refurbished iphone will be a good deal. They do an excellent job refurbishing.
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
Lisa
You can use the link below to use a tool apple provides. You wile need either the IMEI or serial number of the phone. You can enter it at the site linked below and it will tell you.
https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/
This link explains why it is a good idea to check:
Apple Now Lets You Check If An iPhone Is Stolen Before You Buy It | TechCrunch
What I found about refurbished iphones from Apple was that it will not come in a white box. It will come in a brown box. But I also found this that will let you know if it has any apple care. New iphone have a year. Also any apple refurbished iphone will be a good deal. They do an excellent job refurbishing.
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
Lisa
Got this reply when I entered by IMEI no on the link
Activation lock: Off
This devoce can be activated by a new user
Does this mean all is ok?
Yes that is what it means! I tend to "assume" everyone is in the U.S. when I post but I know better. I should ask to be sure sometimes. Sorry!
Hope you love your new iPhone. I have an iPhone 6 - it was my first iPhone anything - and I love it.
LIsa