MacBook Pro M1 Activation Lock

[Gfletcher]

Hi guys.
my first post on here but unfortunately I have been scammed. I bought a MacBook Pro M1 from a seller. Handed over the money and 2hen I got home to set it up I was confronted with the Activation Lock Screen where it said that this MacBook was linked to an Apple ID and password. Unfortunately the seller is not replying to my requests for this info and has blocked me from getting in touch with her.
Is there anything that I can possibly do with respect to using the Macbook?
thanks
Graham

 

[IWT]

Hi Graham

I'm afraid you are in a dark space. Apple is very fussy about this and if the previous own has not, and/or will not remove their Apple ID from the Mac, then you are stuck.

An explanation is provided here:

[5 Ways] Remove Previous Owner Apple ID without Password

Our guide provides easy, step-by-step methods to remove the previous owner's Apple ID and gain access to all features. No more limitations!

www.mobitrix.com

If you went to an Apple Store and provided sufficient evidence that you had been cheated and that you were now the legitimate owner of the Mac, they might be disposed to bypass the Activation Lock - but your chances are slim.

I'm very sorry for your predicament.

Ian

 

[Gfletcher]

Thanks Ian. Have you known anyone that has been successful giving evidence to an Apple Store?
I have got all the conversations on messenger and text messages from the seller that I could show at the Apple Store.
what do you think?
Graham

 

[IWT]

what do you think?

Hi Graham

Worth a try, surely? Apple just wants to be sure that your are, now, the bona fide owner. Good luck!

Ian

 

[Slydude]

Do you have any kind of receipt, cancelled check, etc. If so bring that with you as well.

 

[Rod]

Having a receipt from the seller is of little use unless the seller has proof of ownership and if she has blocked communication with you, well, it sounds a bit fishy.
You can check Stolen Register which is an international registry of lost and stolen devices. That may or may not confirm if the device was stolen or lost because it relies on reporting but if it is there, well, you can report it as a crime if not, that's good but not conclusive.

Personally I can't imagine why a legitimate seller would not give you the password unless they didn't know what it was. You can make your own deduction there. I think I would report it to the police or at least threaten to unless your money is returned.

 

[pigoo3]

I've been purchasing used Apple computers for over 25 years (for my own use, my families use, and to add to my collection).

One of my very important rules is always (if reasonably possible) test the computer BEFORE handing over any sort of payment.

* If purchasing via eBay you can always return the computer if there is an issue.

* If buying locally (via Craigs List for example)...and it's a desktop computer...what I usually do is meet at the sellers home (and for safety)...always bring a 2nd person with a cellphone handy in case of emergency. But if things still seem "sketchy"/unsafe...then I skip it.

* If buying locally...and it's a portable computer...then I always meet at a coffee shop, McDonald's, or some other very public place (could even meet in front of the local Police Station).

Then I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS...test the portable computer before handing over payment..since it has a battery & doesn't need to be plugged in to test. I always reboot the computer to test if any passwords need to be entered...and I always check for any Apple ID, iCloud, or any other accounts that could make the computer non-useable to a new owner.

AND (if possible)...when I meet with the seller at a public place...I try to take a photo of the persons face...and a photo of their cars license plate. Many times this information is not needed...but always good too have in case there's an issue.

Here's a good "Buying a used Apple computer" link:

Buying a used Mac laptop: How to avoid scams and find the best deals

You can save money with a refurbished Mac laptop. Here's a guide on how to buy used machines, and how to avoid getting swindled.

www.zdnet.com

Here's Apple's info regarding what to do before selling an Apple computer:

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac

Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.

support.apple.com

Very sorry the OP experienced this issue. In the 25+ years I've been buying (and occasionally selling) used Apple computers...most transactions go smoothly...and most sellers are honest & legit.

But there will always be the 1% (or less) folks that will try to do something dishonest. Being as careful as possible when conducting any used computer transaction is your best defense!

Nick