Bought a stolen laptop on eBay

saving£££

Hi everyone. Long term lurker.

I bought a Dell laptop off eBay about 2 months ago for £900 and after attempting to renew the warranty with Dell, they've told me it is showing as stolen on their database. :eek:

The laptop was bought as used but was brand new when I got it, though not in the original box. The seller also sold a near identical model at the same time.

Dell are requesting me to send it back to them but then I'll be out of pocket and without a laptop.

Does anyone know what I can do? Is it even possible to request my money back from the seller? The laptop was paid for using Paypal (credit card, not Paypal balance).

thelawnet

If you buy stolen goods, then you acquire no title - the seller never owned it to sell. Since you do not own a laptop, I would be contacting paypal and/or the credit card company for a refund, and returning the laptop to Dell.

However I would ask Dell for a letter in writing with details of the theft/serial number so you can provide that to paypal, etc.

theonlywayisup

How did you fund the paypal transaction?

You have 180 days to start a chargeback, which can be done if your credit/debit card is one which will pursue (not all will).

The laptop doesn't belong to you and I would echo the comment above, asking Dell to confirm the same in writing.

I would report the matter to the police taking the full details of the seller with you. The seller may or may not be aware.

saving£££

Thanks for the help.

It was funded by credit card via Paypal. I'll do what you say and contact police - are you sure they won't just say it's a civil matter and not worth pursuing? I just hope I don't end up without a laptop and without the money for which I paid for the laptop. Thanks again.

Enfieldian

Theft and receiving/handling stolen goods are not a civil matter.

Your defense in this case however, is that you bought the item in good faith via a legitimate auction website, so you are very unlikely to face any action.

eBay on the other hand...?

Sgt_Pepper_2

Enfieldian wrote: »

Theft and receiving/handling stolen goods are not a civil matter.

Your defense in this case however, is that you bought the item in good faith via a legitimate auction website, so you are very unlikely to face any action.

eBay on the other hand...?

If the op does not contact the police and retains the laptop he is guilty of handling stolen goods. Handling often carries a stiffer sentence than theft.

halibut2209

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

If the op does not contact the police and retains the laptop he is guilty of handling stolen goods

Because a third party alleges that it was stolen? I think you exaggerate somewhat.

James1968

If Dell provide the proof then the OP will have a cut and dried case for a refund. If the closed listing is still available to view, then they should get a print-out of that as well. If it is as Dell claim, stolen, the surely the OP should take it and the evidence to the Police to deal with. At least they will get a crime number to back-up their claim for a refund.

Mind you, £900 for a laptop from ebay would have alarmbells ringing for me.

Sgt_Pepper_2

halibut2209 wrote: »

Because a third party alleges that it was stolen? I think you exaggerate somewhat.

Is there a reason not to believe Dell?

saving£££ wrote: »

I bought a Dell laptop off eBay about 2 months ago for £900 and after attempting to renew the warranty with Dell, they've told me it is showing as stolen on their database.

No_Eye_Deer

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

Is there a reason not to believe Dell?

If the laptop was reported stolen and an insurance claim was made. Then surely the laptop is now the property of the insurance company.

At the moment the Op doesn't know if Dell has a right to the Laptop or not. Do they own it? Why would they if another company paid out a claim?

Was it stolen, or just reported stolen?

I agree going to the police is probably the best course of action to see what they say. However, to say that the OP is guilty of handling stolen goods if he doesn't do this or that is just scaremongering.

montymud

saving£££ wrote: »

Thanks for the help.

It was funded by credit card via Paypal. I'll do what you say and contact police - are you sure they won't just say it's a civil matter and not worth pursuing? I just hope I don't end up without a laptop and without the money for which I paid for the laptop. Thanks again.

You need to open a case with paypal/ebay asap and contact your credit card company. Up to you re police but sending the laptop to dell would be best once its sorted as you should get your money back. HTH