Unauthorized Pixel resellers denied access to their Google accounts
Nearly 200 Google accounts have been suspended due to unauthorized reselling of Google’s Pixel phones. The suspended Google accounts were used to purchase Pixel phones through Project Fi, shipping them to an unnamed reseller located in New Hampshire – a state which does not collect sales tax. Once the Pixel phones were resold, the profits were then split with those who originally purchased the phones through Project Fi.
Buying a phone on Project Fi and selling it yourself is perfectly legal, but Project Fi’ terms of service explicitly states users “may only purchase Devices for your personal use [and] may not commercially resell any Device.” Purchasing a phone and mailing it directly to a third-party retailer to be sold at a profit is clearly in violation of this policy.
Those affected by the Google account suspension are not able to access any Google services. This means that they are cut off from their email, photos, documents and social media accounts. Some have also reported that Google has shut down access to secondary Google accounts which were listed as a backup account within their Google profiles.
Google has not publicly commented on the situation. The reseller responsible for the entire fiasco is apparently trying to work with Google to return the Pixel phones in an effort to have the suspended accounts reinstated.
What would you do if your Google account was suspended?