On the Yahoo! BlackBerry Users Group, Member Larry posts a question about this new BlackBerry 7750 he's just bought on eBay.

Larry's contacted Verizon Wireless about a warranty, but he says that Verizon would bot insure an eBay purchase.

In Larry's opinion, he thinks this is "an illegal act by Verizon" to force buyers to purchase a BlackBerry from them.

C. Mark Wagner - one of the more active and expert participants in the Yahoo! BlackBerry Users Group - posts a reply that explains Verizon's policy accurately and concisely.

"You might have a case if you had bought the BB7750 from (BlackBerry-maker) RIM (Research In Motion) but you didn't," Mark writes. "Neither you nor Verizon know why the seller sold it through eBay but if I were Verizon's (warranty) issuer," I would be suspicious."

Mark adds that a key reason no warranty was issued because the device's sales channel (via eBay, not via Verizon-authorized channels) means the device has an unknown history.

"Caveat Emptor," writes Mark.

That means "buyer beware," and I agree.