Today is Jan 1st and when my dad opened a box inside was an iPhone 4s.
It came with a case on it.The box was a returned vent tube for vaccums and the box was damaged.the iPhone was locked,so does anyone know how to unlock it so I can do a factory reset.it's from verizon 3g.it wasn't charged so I charged it.




Thanks and Happy NewYear

I would say look at the contacts, and call a "dad", or similar number to see who's it is
but that's the problem with smartphones, everyone puts a code!
So if you lose it, there's no hope of getting it back lol.

You should be able to just force a factory reset through iunes, but I'm no iphone expert, so I have no idea. It might be more complicated though, since it's a phone, not an ipod.

EDIT:
I bet a verizon store would be able to track the owner down in their database.
you could make someone else's new years start out nice!

Yes, you can just do a restore through iTunes. Unfortunately, there won't be any more information left on the device, so you won't be able to find the owner.

Why would you perform a factory reset? Unless the sender deliberately put it in the box for you (unlikely) then I believe this is equivalent to finding lost property. In this case, you must (by law) take reasonable steps to find the owner, or surrender it to the Police. If you don't, then it's called theft by finding (or arguably, fraudulent appropriation).

If the value of the phone is <$1000, then keeping it is a misdemeanor. If the value is $1000 or more (say, through the inclusion of purchased apps or media) then keeping it is a felony.

Do the right thing and try and find the owner. You could call verizon. If the phone was reported lost by the person who owns it, you would not be able to hook it up to service and use it anyway.

El_tonto is correct. If you know it is not yours and you keep it you are committing a crime

I've seen a few of these threads about users finding somewhat valuable things. Return it to its real owner. Absolute best thing that you could do.

If you didn't work for it, or expect it then it isn't yours to keep.

I agree with the sentiment of trying to find the original owner.

Might I ask how your dad came across this box?

Always worth trying to get it back. I found a wallet once, turns out it belonged to dad that was a truck driver, and it had his trucking license in it. Getting caught without it a big penalty I guess so he wouldn't be able to work until getting a new one. I went to address and they were so happy, the wife gave me a hug and they tipped me $50, they were so grateful he wasn't going to miss out on any work, it felt good.

I found a wallet once that was dropped behind a bush. I called the number because it had a "if lost, call this number" and the person who lost it was an elderly lady, and she was quite content that I gave her favorite wallet back. It had sentimental value to her, and she tipped me a 20, and said if I ever need anything from her, or as if I was in the area, we were welcome to drop by and visit.