[GenevievesMom]

I've bought several used cell phones for the kids off e-Bay. It's not the horrible thing most people are claiming, as long as you follow a couple of common-sense rules.Rule #1, only use PayPal to pay for it. If the seller won't take PayPal, then it's an immediate redflag. PayPal gives you protection against fraud and buying stolen phones.Rule #2, Make the seller take a picture of the ID tag with the S/N number clearly shown. Use the numbers on there to contact the cell phone company and verify that the phone is OK to use on your system, that it is not locked or under a theft claim, and that it's compatible with the service you have.Rule #3: Make sure you only buy a phone from your own cellular carrier. Sprint won't even consider activating a T-Mobile or Cingular/AT&T phone on their system...and vice versa.The other option you have is to contact your cellular carrier and see if you can buy a refurbished phone from them. They usually come with decent warranties and are guaranteed to work on your network. But if you use some street smarts on eBay and make sure you're keeping all of their safeguards in place, you're in good shape.