Carrier Does AT&T block iPhone IMEI's for non payment?

[JOSE891]

I ask because I've told my sister a million time's not to buy any type of phone on CL and she came home with this iP 5S she payed $800 for, the seller told my sis he isn't keeping att and that's why he's selling it.

I told her he's probably not gonna pay his bill and in a few weeks there gonna block it.

Just wondering if this is true, that AT&T will block phone's that are tied to a contract and the owner hasn't payed them in months/weeks.

 

[DarkSel]

Yes, AT&T will block phone IMEIs for nonpayment.

 

[Lucille Carter]

If the phone was bought on ATT new "Next" contract, I can see them doing that. I am sure it is in the contract the original customer signed.

 

[CEmajr]

Yes they block them now if a customer stops paying their bill before the end of their contract.