Tips to stay away from buying a stolen computer

There is always a threat in falling prey when buying from third-party dealers like the one from a thrift store or a pawnbroker or from online dealers/stores and end up buying a stolen computer instead of a used computer. 

The following tips might help to avoid making such a purchase:

It is not recommended to buy a used computer from an unknown person who sells computers on the street.  Even if you happen to get hooked by the price they sell, ask for the receipts for the purchase of the used computer, unless and until the computer is new it is better to ask for the original documents pertaining to the used computer.  To avoid buying a stolen computer it is wise to confirm the serial number of the computer with the local law enforcement people.

 Normally a stolen computer does not come with a power cord and it is a sure sign of a stolen computer.  While checking the computer for it’s functioning, it is wise to check the operating system, the memory capacity etc matches with the description in the document of the computer, which is sold.  If the buyer is aware of price trend of the computer market, it is good to compare the price of the used computer being sold with that of the market value, which will give a clear picture if the computer is a genuine used computer or a stolen one.  The stolen computers are sold for dirt prices.  It is good to purchase a used computer with a check payment or through credit card rather than making purchase by cash.  It is good to have knowledge of why the used computer is being sold, how it was purchased and how it was paid initially?  The answers if satisfying can go ahead with the purchase or else moves on to another seller.

The seller’s body language can educate you on whether it is a genuine sale or an illegal one.

Since private advertisements are free, such dealers advertise and make deals, hence it is wise to avoid any such private advertisements unless there is an authentication to it.

The next reason is that a private seller doesn’t have to give a VAT receipt in case of private sale, which makes the seller not bound to any legal action taken in case of discrepancies occurring as they give only cash receipts.  As a purchase, be wary of such transactions.

Some might sell the stolen computers with pirated software. Pirated software always are a threat to the buy as it can crash any minute with loss of data.  Most of the software licenses do not allow it to be either copied or resold.  By doing so, the person is breaking the law for using unlicensed commercial software.  Also you will end up with no back-ups or technical support, which will also not make it feasible to buy any software upgrades.