Can I activate a phone I did not buy?

[AC Question]

Can I activate a phone I did not buy

a friend of mine had moved to another state and left his galaxy 3 behind. He said I could have it. Can I still activate the phone and start an account under my name? Do I need any information from him for the phone?

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Can I activate a phone I did not buy

Welcome to Android Central! That's very tricky. It would have to be completely paid off by him, or else the carrier will blacklist the phone. You'd have to get a new SIM card, because the current one is presumably tied with his account. If it's a Verizon phone, he might have to contact Verizon to let them know he's transferring the phone to you, since it takes more than just a SIM card on Verizon.