[Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Questions & Answers] JDScott1:
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.

Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.

Device Details:

Model #: SM-N986U1

Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT

Questions:

Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI

Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"

If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.

Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?

Do you see any issues with the current software listed above

Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?

The whole, ugly story:

My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)

Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)

Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)

Many, many customer support calls/chats:

Unable to reconnect device to SIM

Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".

Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support

Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device

Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".

Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.

Problem persists and worsens

I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc

Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk

Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.

They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.

In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.

I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:

Your device is an AT&T device

I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.

They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.

I attempt to reach AT&T support line;

no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.

Attempted support chat, but same results as above

Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.

Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"

Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)

Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.

I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.

They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.

Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)

Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.

Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).

Back to the AT&T store.

They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.

They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service

Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store

Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman

"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"

"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."

Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note

Performs a Network Reset

Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G

I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug

Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service

I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.

They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account

They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.

No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.

Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.

Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)

Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)

NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support

Support tells me I need a new SIM

I explain that

We already tried that 4 days ago, and

My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app

Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:

She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.

She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account

There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it

They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.

Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.

Thanks!