Steps to follow when purchasing a misplaced or stolen Amazon Kindle device.
When considering the purchase of a used Kindle e-reader, it's essential to ensure that the device has not been flagged as lost or stolen by its previous owner. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.
Amazon sells older Kindle models as renewed or refurbished directly on their own website. However, purchasing a Kindle from third-party sellers such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Unclaimed Baggage, or local pawn shops can potentially result in a device that has been flagged as stolen or lost by the previous owner.
To verify if a used Kindle e-reader has been blacklisted by Amazon due to theft or loss, you need to call Amazon directly at 1-888-280-4364 and provide them with the device's serial number. Only Amazon can confirm if the Kindle's serial number is flagged as lost or stolen in their blacklist database.
If the Kindle is blacklisted, you will not be able to log in with your Amazon account or access Kindle services on the device. Factory resetting or updating the firmware will not resolve this issue. Amazon does not provide information about the current owner due to privacy reasons and does not offer refunds or exchanges for blacklisted devices. Your only recourse if you unknowingly buy such a device is to contact the seller for a possible refund.
It's important to note that the risk of buying a used Kindle that has been blacklisted is low, but common sense should be used when buying. When purchasing from eBay, checking the seller's history and reading reviews is crucial. Buying a secondhand Kindle from an official Amazon outlet like WOOT can be safer due to their business model.
Logging in to a Kindle in a WiFi coverage area can help determine if it has been flagged as lost or stolen. If you are unable to log in, it might be a sign that the device has been blacklisted.
In case the device has been flagged as lost or stolen, it will be impossible to log in and buy e-books from the Amazon bookstore. You can, however, use the device as a dedicated e-reader, but books will need to be sideloaded using a USB cable or a third-party program like Calibre.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that fewer than a few hundred documented cases of being scammed with a lost or stolen Kindle have been reported since 2014 in Canada and the United States.
Michael Kozlowski, who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has been writing about audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers for eighteen years. His expertise provides valuable insights into the world of digital reading devices.
Remember, a little due diligence can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience when buying a used Kindle e-reader. Happy reading!
[1] Source: Amazon Customer Service
- When purchasing a used Kindle e-reader from sources other than official Amazon outlets, such as third-party sellers or local pawn shops, it's crucial to be aware that the device might have been flagged as stolen or lost, potentially rendering it inoperable for accessing Kindle services.
- Firmware updates and factory resets won't resolve the issue of a Kindle being blacklisted due to theft or loss; therefore, before purchasing, it's essential to verify its status by contacting Amazon directly to confirm if the device's serial number is flagged in their blacklist database.
