Avoiding stolen goods?

Ames

Hi all,

I'm about to get an insurance payout and want to buy a few gadgets (ipod, netbook and SLR camera). Obviously I want the best price, which usually would mean eBay.

Now, after last week, I imagine there'll be lots of these things on ebay which are stolen.

So, is there anything I can do to protect myself from buying stolen items by mistake?

I've also been looking at Cex, I've bought from them before, is it safe to assume stuff there will be legit?

Crowqueen

I'd like to say there's little chance but I would be very careful buying anything like that without certain guarantees, whether it's stolen or not.

The only way to keep it 100% kosher is go to PC World. Buying something like that on eBay you run the risk that it's stolen, fake, or just too good to be true. When buying from a reputable store, you might not save much money (if any at all) but you get a guarantee that will be honoured, the option of a good additional warranty and the chance to see the item up front before you buy.

Ames

Thanks Crowqueen, I see what you're saying. I'm planning on going travelling in December, interrailing round Eastern Europe, so I'd rather have cheap second hand stuff with me than expensive new stuff. I will have a look at what's available in mainstream stores as well.

Crowqueen

CEX may be a better bet as they probably vet things for authenticity and you could probably check it works there in the shop rather than having to rely on an eBay dealer.

I can imagine the issue. I've been travelling myself quite a bit - in fact this year was the first time I've taken a holiday where I stayed in one place for almost a week! - but I rejoiced when I got an iPod - no more bulky CD wallets!

Good luck.

hermum

If you buy from a seller on ebay who is a well established seller with good feedback then you should be ok, especially if you're looking for used goods. Always pay by Paypal for added protection.

RFW

If you're buying anything second hand (except items that have verifiable id) then there is always a risk that it could turn out to be stolen, even items that have been sold and verified by the most reputable of auction houses have in the past turned out to have been stolen property.

Minimising risk is the best option, if Ebay, low feedback and high value items are riskier than high feedback from a seller who sells that item all the time, even then the small seller could turn out to be genuine and the large seller be selling stolen goods.

All that said Ebay is one of the most transparent places (ie easiest for thieves to get caught on), sellers of stolen goods would rather not sell in a place that requires their name and address and for the funds to pass through a bank account.

You can always ask the seller if they have proof of ownership.

Pembroke

Other options maybe to try the mainstream store but negotiate a deal if you buy all the things you want at the same time, or see if they have any shop soiled / ex-display models, or use the returns outlets that many retailers now have.

The other place that will soon have loads of stuff available is police auctions as any goods they confiscate that have been looted will either be the property of the insurers not the shops anymore or will be forfeit and the police will auction them off. This may not happen before December though.

Another suggestion would be that if you're traveling then take the cash with you and buy the items in the EU rather than here. You may find prices are cheaper over there although you will need to check for compatibility. Perhaps a quick websearch to find out prices in EU countries along your planned route?

Oliver14

Ames wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm about to get an insurance payout and want to buy a few gadgets (ipod, netbook and SLR camera). Obviously I want the best price, which usually would mean eBay.

Now, after last week, I imagine there'll be lots of these things on ebay which are stolen.

So, is there anything I can do to protect myself from buying stolen items by mistake?

I've also been looking at Cex, I've bought from them before, is it safe to assume stuff there will be legit?

Wow if you're that paranoid i'm amazed you ever buy anything.

Common sense is the key. if it sounds too good to be true it normally is.

swimsink

I know it's a very easily flawed technique but I won't buy anything high value unless it comes with the origional accessories etc, stolen goods would, I assume, usually be stolen for their high value (i.e. just the laptop, just the phone, just the tv) I can't imagine thieves routing around for all the matching cables etc.

George_Michael

Try to avoid ad's with wording similar to the following.

It's a Apple Ipod innit.
unwanted pressie from me bro
choice of colors available.

Lots of other unwanted goods available. Tell me what you want and i will see what I can do.

olias

Have you checked with your insurer that they are paying out in cash?

Most insurers these days, particularly if you are claiming for electrical goods/gadgets, will pay out in the form of a gift card for somewhere like currys or comet, so you may not have the option of where to buy from anyway.

Olias