I bought a phone from someone online and when I tried to get it activated I was told th...

Get the IMEI cleared from the past owners boost account ... I bought a phone from someone online and when I tried to get it activated I was told that the IMEI number was still active on a boost acct. And I would have to contact the person I bought the phone from to get it cleared. I have tried and can not find the person to resolve the issue. The phone has been in my possession for over * months now and has not had service on it. When I purchased it the guy had told me he switched service. So I am sure that he just never closed out his acct. With boost and went on to his new service. So my question is how do I get the IMEI cleared so I can use the phone I bought or am I just srewed out of the money that I worked hard for and used to purchase this phone or will you some how help me?

I paid hard earned money for a phone that I can't get activated becuz the past owners never closed their boost account when they changed service and sold me the phone

Clear the IMEI so I can use the phone I purchased

I have been a customer of sprint and boost for several years

I have talked to a tech and they say I have to find the previous owner. Of Wich I have no way of finding