Hello guys,
I'm fairly new to this forum, but I'd like to share a story that you might all need to know.
Without locations or names mentioned, I purchased a brand new top of the line 15.4in" Retina Macbook pro at $2000 sealed in the box. Little did I know, I knew it was good to be true.
Days later, I got a phone call by local law enforcement stating that I purchased a stolen laptop from an individual. However, I simply said, "I'm not going to speak to anyone without my attorney." I figured saying that would be much wiser whether he really was a cop or some prankster.
Another two days past, and I got the same phone call. At this point, I figured that this was really the police, and I started talking to them. As we spoke and introduced himself, he started to tell me about their case. Apparently, the individual that sold it to me was involved in some kind of robbery or identity theft in stealing these products, and that they found evidence (which is my phone number) of them calling me on their cellphone. However, I simply stated that I will no longer speak to them without a presence of my attorney.
Apparently, from my view, it seems like the guy started to rat out all the innocent buyers he scammed.
Now, I am stuck in a serious dilemma. My family says to just toss them the laptop back, but $2000 is serious money to some people like me. Another thought at it, is it possible I can win a case by denying it?
Now, here are a few questions and pointers:
Local police only know me by my first name, and they ONLY have my phone number. The only possible way is for them to subpoena my records to find me, would this be even worth it for them? Another bad scenario, that this whole thing is from some robber, professional prankster, or scammer. I won't know for sure.
If this would turn into some serious case, I don't have the laptop at hand in my home. Another thing that drives it, is that they think I might be involved in the seller's activities. Would simply denying it win me this case? Or should I just turn it in to them and give myself up. Another thing, can Apple really give up a serial number to the authorities? Or would this violate any privacy laws. This whole problem is driving me paranoid and insane!
In the end, if I had to do it, I would have to just turn it in.
If all this were true and law enforcement might track all buyers of such an expensive laptop, I would have never thought that police would be so vigilant about it (in that case, it would clear up the misconception of lazy donut eaters). Either way, it is just a bad situation for me.
For those that buy expensive Apple products from craigslist (or anywhere else for that matter), BEWARE!
Always ASK the buyer for any receipts!
And ask where they have purchased it.
If they don't have any proof of purchase, you run the risk of buying it stolen! Some may buy them and get away with it, but there are a few unlucky ones out there!
Also, as a safety measure, block your number! Being a simple one time buyer justifies it. Unless you are running a business on craigslist and need to maintain ethics, it is always important to protect your identity! Don't give your true number to total strangers!
Learn from my mistakes, and this situation won't happen to you! Otherwise, when it comes to craigslist, buy at your own risk!
I'm fairly new to this forum, but I'd like to share a story that you might all need to know.
Without locations or names mentioned, I purchased a brand new top of the line 15.4in" Retina Macbook pro at $2000 sealed in the box. Little did I know, I knew it was good to be true.
Days later, I got a phone call by local law enforcement stating that I purchased a stolen laptop from an individual. However, I simply said, "I'm not going to speak to anyone without my attorney." I figured saying that would be much wiser whether he really was a cop or some prankster.
Another two days past, and I got the same phone call. At this point, I figured that this was really the police, and I started talking to them. As we spoke and introduced himself, he started to tell me about their case. Apparently, the individual that sold it to me was involved in some kind of robbery or identity theft in stealing these products, and that they found evidence (which is my phone number) of them calling me on their cellphone. However, I simply stated that I will no longer speak to them without a presence of my attorney.
Apparently, from my view, it seems like the guy started to rat out all the innocent buyers he scammed.
Now, I am stuck in a serious dilemma. My family says to just toss them the laptop back, but $2000 is serious money to some people like me. Another thought at it, is it possible I can win a case by denying it?
Now, here are a few questions and pointers:
Local police only know me by my first name, and they ONLY have my phone number. The only possible way is for them to subpoena my records to find me, would this be even worth it for them? Another bad scenario, that this whole thing is from some robber, professional prankster, or scammer. I won't know for sure.
If this would turn into some serious case, I don't have the laptop at hand in my home. Another thing that drives it, is that they think I might be involved in the seller's activities. Would simply denying it win me this case? Or should I just turn it in to them and give myself up. Another thing, can Apple really give up a serial number to the authorities? Or would this violate any privacy laws. This whole problem is driving me paranoid and insane!
In the end, if I had to do it, I would have to just turn it in.
If all this were true and law enforcement might track all buyers of such an expensive laptop, I would have never thought that police would be so vigilant about it (in that case, it would clear up the misconception of lazy donut eaters). Either way, it is just a bad situation for me.
For those that buy expensive Apple products from craigslist (or anywhere else for that matter), BEWARE!
Always ASK the buyer for any receipts!
And ask where they have purchased it.
If they don't have any proof of purchase, you run the risk of buying it stolen! Some may buy them and get away with it, but there are a few unlucky ones out there!
Also, as a safety measure, block your number! Being a simple one time buyer justifies it. Unless you are running a business on craigslist and need to maintain ethics, it is always important to protect your identity! Don't give your true number to total strangers!
Learn from my mistakes, and this situation won't happen to you! Otherwise, when it comes to craigslist, buy at your own risk!
