Activation Lock after buying from unauthorized reseller – widespread issue in Iraq

Hello everyone,

I want to ask for advice and highlight an issue that is affecting many users in Iraq.

A friend of mine purchased a new iPad Pro (3rd Gen) from a local, non-authorized reseller. The device came already linked to an Apple ID, which is common here because many people don’t know how to create their own Apple ID. Instead, they buy pre-made accounts from local stores.

After updating the software, the iPad became Activation Locked and now requires the Apple ID password. The original seller changed the password, and we can’t sign in. I have the device box showing the serial number, and a physical card that came with the iPad showing the Apple ID, password, and security questions. He is the first buyer and trying to help as a tech person.

This situation is happening to many people locally — stores create Apple IDs, resell them, then later change the passwords or resell the same accounts to others, locking honest buyers out of their own devices.

I’ve tried contacting Apple Support, but the call-back request form won’t submit from Iraq, and the system doesn’t seem to accept our phone numbers. I’d like to know:

• How can we officially verify ownership and request Activation Lock removal when Apple callback isn’t available in Iraq?

• Is chat support the only working method?

• Can Apple look into preventing sellers from mass-creating and reselling Apple IDs like this?

Any advice or experiences from other users would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Younis Shakir — Iraq