MetroPCS Selling Samsung Galaxy S III for $499

Try again. Metro PCS does not act as an MVNO in any market. They do not sell equipment or service outside of their markets. All of Central Florida is covered by Metro PCS on their own network. I guess if you repeat the same lie over and over again it must become true.

Cricket on the other hand does offer their service outside of their markets, so the practice isn't unheard of. But I must state again, Metro PCS does not engage in this practice.

As far as flashing handsets, it's much less common now as Metro has a wide selection of equipment and fashed equipment doesn't work in AWS markets. Even so, it's not Metro PCS' responsibility to see if an ESN is stolen or locked off from a network due to non-pay. If the wireless industry as a whole took subsidies away, at least 1/2 of the problem is resloved.

It sounds like personal experience (though doubtful that you actually work in the industry outside of perhaps a retailer) has brought you to this forum to perpetuate lies. It's not helpful or informative.