Stolen goods from eBay

hsj2011

I recently bought a laptop from eBay and have been in discussions with Dell regarding the warranty. Dell contacted the original owner on my behalf to try and get the warranty transferred.

However, it has come to light today that in February, the original owner reported the laptop as stolen. As such, Dell are now in communications with the police and the original owner but are pretty much keeping me in the dark.

They are aware that the system was purchased off ebay and I have my paypal proof of payment to back this up, however, what usually happens in these situations? Will I be required to surrender the laptop?

Obviously, as this has cost me a fair bit of money (It's quite a high spec machine), I am really anxious now about being out of pocket.

Can anyone offer any advice please?

halibut2209

Yes, you will lose the laptop I'm afraid. Andit's very unlikely you will get your money back from the seller, and I doubt paypal will be much help either.

I don't know where you'd stand on a chargeback

hsj2011

halibut2209 wrote: »

Yes, you will lose the laptop I'm afraid. Andit's very unlikely you will get your money back from the seller, and I doubt paypal will be much help either.

I don't know where you'd stand on a chargeback

Not sure if I can do a chargeback as it was a virtual debit card. Will have a look now.

MackemPunk

Small claims court may be your best bet.

hsj2011

MackemPunk wrote: »

Small claims court may be your best bet.

I need the sellers address for that, which ebay don't give

Welshdebtor

If you used paypal you should have protection, though I believe there is a limit of a maximum of £400 you will get back. So all well and good if you paid under £400 for it. This may be totally off the mark for your situation but thought I would mention it.

hsj2011

Welshdebtor wrote: »

If you used paypal you should have protection, though I believe there is a limit of a maximum of £400 you will get back. So all well and good if you paid under £400 for it. This may be totally off the mark for your situation but thought I would mention it.

Thanks. I have just spoken to ebay about this and they've given me a number to phone to file a claim. I've also been advised to contact the police myself (but not sure about this).

macfly

halibut2209 wrote: »

Yes, you will lose the laptop I'm afraid. Andit's very unlikely you will get your money back from the seller, and I doubt paypal will be much help either.

I don't know where you'd stand on a chargeback

That's pretty silly advice. Putting someone off contacting paypal - how do you know they won't be any help? This situation can't be unique.

Loanranger

Go to the Police! Why not? The Police will be able to get the address of the seller from Ebay and pursue the theft. Did the seller not put his/her return address on the parcel?

hsj2011

I don't think I have the packaging anymore. It was 2 months ago afterall! I can't afford for the police to take the laptop off me, that's why not.

Loanranger

But it's an offence to receive stolen goods.