The bit about the employee bypassing their employer's purchasing system is how Verizon legally justifies disabling the device. It was unauthorized. The fact that the OP admits in writing on this forum that he knew it was unauthorized makes it indefensible. I'm not passing judgement, I probably would have done the same thing. Not an issue. The issue is they have asked for it back, which he has zero liability to do so. I would have brought it back because they asked me to. No big deal. Not passing any judgement. Verizon takes this stuff WAY too seriously. Only speaking from experience here. Trying to offer advice from someone who is actually been in a similar situation. Situations are distinguishable, yes. Bottom line, Verizon can do what it wants.