I need to buy a new phone but buying it without the contract (already have one and I'm not due for an upgrade for another year) is expensive. I am looking to buy an LG Cosmos and I've went to Verizon and they told me if I buy it from Ebay, make sure the ESN is clear. So if I buy it from Ebay, and it says 'no contract' is that the same as a pre-paid phone or no? (I know I can't use the pre-paid phone if I buy it so I don't want to waste my money.) Also, I am somewhat afraid of buying one off of Ebay because I don't know how reliable they are and have thought about just going to Verizon and just buying it. If you were to decide, would you buy one off of Ebay or just go to Verizon?