5 Red Flags Buying Used iPhones Perth | Avoid Scams | Oloop

If you've ever browsed Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for a used iPhone in Perth, you know the feeling: great price, decent photos, seller seems legit. But that nagging voice in your head asks, "What if something's wrong with it?"

After four years of inspecting hundreds of iPhones in Perth, I've seen every trick, every hidden issue, and every "small detail" that sellers conveniently forget to mention. Here are the five biggest red flags to watch for when buying a used iPhone in Perth—and how to protect yourself from a bad purchase.

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Red Flag #1: "Battery Health is 100%" (But No Proof)

The Problem: Sellers love to claim "battery health 100%" or "battery like new" in their listings. But here's what most Perth buyers don't know: iOS Settings can be inaccurate, and battery health numbers can be manipulated with certain aftermarket batteries that report false data to the system.

I've tested phones where the seller swore the battery was at 95%, but professional diagnostic software revealed it was actually at 78%—barely holding a charge for half a day.

What Oloop does differently: We use professional battery diagnostic tools—not just iOS Settings—to measure true maximum capacity, cycle count, and internal resistance. Every TrueReport™ shows the exact battery percentage verified with calibrated equipment, so there's no guessing.

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Red Flag #2: The Screen "Looks Fine" (But Fails the UV Test)

The Problem: Aftermarket screens are everywhere in Perth's used phone market. Many look identical to genuine Apple screens—same brightness, same colors, even the same touch response. But cheap third-party screens can have serious problems that only show up weeks later: ghost touch issues, reduced touch sensitivity, color shifting, or shorter lifespan.

The worst part? Most sellers won't disclose that the screen was replaced. They'll say "minor repair" or just not mention it at all.

What Oloop does differently: We use UV light testing—the same method Apple-certified technicians use—to detect aftermarket screens. Original Apple screens don't fluoresce under 365nm UV light, but most third-party screens do. If we find a replacement screen, we document it clearly in the TrueReport™. No surprises.

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Red Flag #3: No Mention of iCloud or Activation Lock Status

The Problem: This is the nightmare scenario when buying a used iPhone: you buy the phone, get home, and discover it's iCloud locked to the previous owner's account. The phone is now a paperweight unless the seller unlocks it—and good luck getting them to respond after the sale.

I've had customers bring me "great deal" phones from Gumtree that turned out to be locked. There's no workaround, no hack, no fix. If it's iCloud locked, it's worthless.

What Oloop does differently: Every Oloop phone is completely clear of iCloud Activation Lock and ready to set up with your Apple ID. We verify this during our inspection process. If a device shows any sign of being locked, we don't sell it. Period.

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Red Flag #4: "Minor Water Damage" or "Slightly Wet Once"

The Problem: Water damage is one of those things sellers love to minimize. "Oh, I dropped it in the sink once but it still works!" or "Just a little splash, no big deal." Here's the reality: even minor water exposure can cause long-term corrosion that kills the phone months later.

Water damage doesn't always show up immediately. Internal components corrode slowly, and by the time the phone starts malfunctioning—maybe Face ID stops working, or the battery drains in two hours—you're weeks past any return window.

What Oloop does differently: We check Liquid Contact Indicators and look for corrosion signs during our internal inspection. We also use professional tools to detect hidden moisture damage. If there's any evidence of water exposure, we either reject the device or disclose it clearly in the TrueReport™—no minimizing, no "it's fine."

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Red Flag #5: Seller Won't Meet in Person or Rushes the Sale

The Problem: Scammers rely on pressure and distance. "I'm leaving Perth tomorrow, need to sell today!" or "Can only do bank transfer, no meetups." These are classic tactics to prevent you from inspecting the phone or asking questions.

Legitimate sellers have no problem meeting in a public place and letting you test the phone thoroughly. Scammers? They'll invent excuses, push for quick payment, and disappear the moment the money clears.

What Oloop does differently: You don't have to worry about meeting strangers or rushing decisions. Every Oloop phone comes with full documentation, free Australia-wide shipping with tracking and insurance, and a 30-day return policy. If anything's not as described, we make it right.

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The Bottom Line: Trust, But Verify

Buying a used iPhone in Perth doesn't have to feel like gambling. Whether you're buying from a private seller on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, knowing these red flags can save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of frustration.

If you want to skip the stress entirely, that's why I built Oloop: professional inspection, permanent documentation, and personal accountability. Every phone gets tested with the same tools Apple technicians use, every issue gets documented in a TrueReport™ that stays online permanently, and every sale comes with my name and 12-month warranty behind it.

Written by Jason, Founder of Oloop | Based in Perth, WA | 4+ years iPhone inspection experience