Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was excited to get my first smartphone. My excitement quickly faded when I opened the package: the supposedly new iphone 5C came with a flimsy lightning to usb cable that was already broken on the usb end and was obviously fake since it was made of very cheap plastic (nothing like the real thing), and didn't have the signature "designed by Apple in California" on it. The two apple stickers were also missing from the box. The phone was all greasy and looked like it had been handled multiple times. The original screen protector sticker featuring the apps had been replaced by a shoddy clear plastic one that was even off-center. Being very familiar with the way original, brand-new iphone 5C's look, I knew something was wrong. To find out for sure, I headed straight to the closest Apple store to show them this iphone and investigate its history. I was told this iphone 5c is an A1456 model which was originally intended for the Japanese market, while I ordered the advertised A1532, which is the unlocked US version. The Apple reps not only confirmed that the lightning cable I received with my order was a cheap knockoff, but added that it might be unsafe to use since the metal connector going into the usb port comes off constantly, unless pushed back in, and leaves all the wiring exposed. Besides, Apple said they could not guarantee the correct operation and durability of this iphone since it has most likely been returned by a previous buyer and potentially has hidden issues. They were very perplexed that nobody at Amazon (since this was an Amazon-fulfilled order) bothered to check that all the original accessories were included before shipping it out. Once I got back home, I sent it right back to Amazon for a full refund. Call me picky, but after spending over $500 and giving my business to a seller, I don't appreciate being sent a returned iphone (and the wrong model at that) from which someone took the original lightning cable and apple stickers. What's worse, the seller (MBC Mobile) even tried to pass it off as new. This is FRAUD. This whole experience has left such a bad taste in my mouth, I'm seriosuly considering closing my Amazon account. Amazon even made matters worse by censoring my review four times with the excuse it didn't meet their guidelines before I called them threatening to close my account right away if they didn't publish it. Amazon, you must realize that censoring customers' truthful reviews when you don't like what they have to say won't keep them coming back and will destroy their confidence in you. Update: I ended buying the iphone 5C from the Apple website: it cost a bit more, but it saved me a lot of time, aggravation and stress. You're strongly advised to do likewise unless you want to be taken for a $500 ride.