First of all I want to say I've had nothing but hell trying to get this stupid phone going. A little backstory, it's a Samsung Galaxy Trend that I gave to my mother for her Birthday. The man who sold it to me told me it was unlocked, but it is not. I changed her number over to a 2degrees sim only to find that the reception is shocking. We threw the phone to the side and instead got her an iPhone which she hasn't had trouble with since.

Anyway, after that rant, it has been around 9 months since that time. I want to unlock the phone, but I'm unsure of the exact date it was purchased, so I'm trying to send Check <IMEI> to 299 to find out if I am eligible for a free unlock. The text I receive back says that the IMEI number isn't recognized. I've put in the 15 digit number with and without slashes, without spaces and with. Many combinations. 

As it is suggested in the text message, I rang 200 for 2degrees support. Funnily enough, both times when I got through and told the person my troubles, I was put on hold and then promptly disconnected. Either I'm a goof and accidentally hung up twice at the exact same point, or 2degrees doesn't want to help me with my problem.

I may be reading too far in to this but this phone has been nothing but trouble, and the only reason I want to get it working is because my own personal phone has bit the dust and I need a swift replacement.

Thanks to anyone who can help. You're my last resort!