I think I bought a stolen PB G4

[Mozze]

If not, your as bad as the thief.

No offense, but you should have known something was up-it
sounds like you did.

Honestly I don't have an issue with turning it over I'm pissed about my cash but other than that I don't really mind handing it over. but posts like these are not helping me any I need advice as to what steps to follow. I need no help in the guilt department. seriously I'm doing the right thing if you don't have anything constructive to say don't post please.

and as you can see I have already had apple run a background check on it I am headed to the police to have them check the serial #. and I guess I if I can figure out how I will call the original owner of it as well. who very well might be that guy I bought it from. but I am having a very positive attitude about it now it passed the apple check so I have my hopes up.

@Multimedia: on ebay they want almost 1500 for one so when I saw an add for it and ended up getting it for 800 I thought I was getting a really good deal. Macs are super expensive for what they are. and this is my first mac ever and so far the experience sucks

 

[Mozze]

Repeat: you call Applecare and give them the serial number which appears in the About This Mac window when you click on the OS Version Number above the Software Update... button twice and you ask them to tell you the owner's name address phone number and email address because you think you bought it stolen and if they refuse you ask the Apple Customer service rep to email and/or phone the real owner for you and ask them to give him/her your phone number and email address. The real owner will probably give you a reward.

It is not uncommon for stolen computers to never be reported to police nor Apple. That's why I think the above would be the best way to find the previous owner.

I'm sorry but that seems really far fetched to me, these computers new cost upwards of 2k who in their right mind if it was stolen would not report it you would have to be a complete F****** moron. And what is stopping them from saying I had it stolen but never reported it so you should give it to me?
( I guess the only way I would know if that person was lying to me would be if it was the guy who I bought the laptop from on the other line )
you know what I'm saying I don't mean to come off as hostile but seriously if the police don't have the serial # on file I'm going to enjoy my new laptop.

 

[CEAbiscuit]

Ok update people

I took it into the Mac center they ran the serial #
and it came back clean.
as soon as I get it back from the Mac center I will be copying down the serial and going down to the police department to see if it is registered with them as stolen, if that comes back clean I am looking forward to enjoying my new MAC

Sounds to me he already ran the serial number with Apple at the store (is that what the OP is refering to as the Mac center i?!?) If so he's going the extra mile by going to police...

At least after assuming the worst (which most people seem to do these days), the follow up is there... way to go.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

I'm sorry but that seems really far fetched to me, these computers new cost upwards of 2k who in their right mind if it was stolen would not report it you would have to be a complete F****** moron. And what is stopping them from saying I had it stolen but never reported it so you should give it to me?
( I guess the only way I would know if that person was lying to me would be if it was the guy who I bought the laptop from on the other line )
you know what I'm saying I don't mean to come off as hostile but seriously if the police don't have the serial # on file I'm going to enjoy my new laptop.

Yup, you have done "due diligence" in my opinion. Enjoy.

Same thing happened when my son found an iPod on Craigslist. Bought it fairly cheap, serial number scratched off. Called Apple and the police, wasn't reported stolen, happily keep using it.

As long as you do reasonable efforts to satisfy your conscience, it's all good.

 

[wongulous]

Frankly, the only way someone could take away something that I had paid $800 for would be by threatening me with handcuffs and jailtime. There is NO way you'll ever find that guy or your $800, and YOU didn't steal the laptop. If the person he stole the laptop FROM wasn't a complete idiot, they had some sort of insurance to cover it and got their money back (minus whatever deductible THEY chose) anyway. I completely disagree with stolen property laws and how they target innocent people like yourself. Even if my PB was stolen, I would not expect someone who BOUGHT IT (whether for a song or otherwise) to give it back to me and lose their money. It would be MY FAULT for either it having been stolen, or not protecting myself with insurance.

And really, when I was robbed, I was thankful that I had home owner's insurance... sure, there was a $500 deductible, but $3000 of stuff was stolen. I just made sure to haggle with the insurance company to up the items' values about $500.

So, wow, good for you, you get a $0.01 gold star for being the perfect citizen, but I'll be laughing at you if they find the rightful owner and you're out $800.

 

[rt_brained]

I am all for doing the right thing but c'mon. There is no way I would call the police for something I paid $800 for. Even if it is stolen, the owner and probably claimed it on insurance and bought a new one already.

Uh-huh. Later, you would convince yourself that the former owner is probably stoked that his computer got stolen, because now he can get a brand new computer out of the deal. Yeah, that's the ticket!

And if it were MY computer you bought hot, I'd anxiously be waiting for it to quietly email me its new network location—and the cops to track it down and knock on your door.

friggen Einstein, you are.

 

[Allotriophagy]

Just for your information, I had a G5 iMac which had its logic board replaced. This resulted in the serial number being removed from the "About This Mac" box.

It is possible that when you first took the machine into wherever, this is why they could not find a serial number.

Something to consider, at least. Not all PowerBooks belong to people who read online forums, keep the box, store all the receipts in the family same, keep the machine wrapped in clingfilm and Vaseline out of direct sunlight and away from FREE RADICALS.

 

[Koodauw]

If AppleCare gave out my personal information to someone who had bought one of my old computers, I would be pretty upset. I can't see this happening. I say you have done everything you can within reason. When your computer comes back, enjoy!

 

[Mozze]

If AppleCare gave out my personal information to someone who had bought one of my old computers, I would be pretty upset. I can't see this happening. I say you have done everything you can within reason. When your computer comes back, enjoy!

I will but I am firstly going to go to the local police department and see if it is registered with them. I could see someone reporting it to the police and not bothering with reporting it to apple. but I cannot see someone not doing one or the other so if on Monday it clears with the local police I'm done with my search and will consider it a good deal.

 

[PismoPB900]

Stolen Item Database

Of course, there is nothing wrong with being honest. It's all about how you feel about it. Then again, in these cases, the only person who loses out the most--other than the original owner of the laptop--is YOU! Because it opens it up to more scams because, as you can see, people can say they lost it and in turn, "steal" it from you.

Though they would have to come up with proof of purchase, unless they bought it secondhand from an owner who didn't transfer over the "papers."

There's always the saying, "If it's too good to be true..."

PowerMax of Oregon is a highly reputable Apple Authorized Reseller (I do not work for them) who has a stolen database on their site. You can go here.

I'm surprised an Oregonian hasn't heard of them, the biggest retailer in the state. (I have bought things from them in the past)

> http://www.powermax.com/cgi-bin/sn_browse.cgi?PHPSESSID=776e2338da7a72f706fc88fabeb5a38a

My two cents? Unless someone in the area starts posting for a stolen laptop (wanting it back that is, and can prove that it's theirs) because usually, stolen items end up being sold in the same area they were stolen in--crooks aren't the smartest people in the world--rather than being taken out of state, don't put yourself into a big fuss over it. Like I said, you'r the one who's going to lose more in the end. $800, plus a lot of other headaches.

P.S. For future reference, always get the information of the person you are buying from, especially if you don't know them. A phone number, address, etc. A legit seller with a legit product should never hesitate to give out information, because what could they lose? Nothing. If they won't give you as so much as the time of day, it's probably a shady deal.

P.S.S. I myself have my laptop registered with Apple, and StuffBak, a place that helps you get your, stuff back. I just recently bought my PowerBook G4 and since I wouldn't want to lose my baby, I have some type of security. You can check with them too to see if they have it registered (Stuffbak).

> http://www.stuffbak.com/sb/

 

[Mozze]

@PismoPB900

the Mac store Checked with Apple....... so I don't think going to another shop is going to yield any different results

 

[wongulous]

This thread is so tl;dr, except I actually did read it... anyway, you are amaaaazingly thorough and super-moral/super-ethical for going through all that. I wouldn't have. Apple products are expensive--though totally worth it--and actually pretty cheap compared to what most "luxury" brands charge compared to the competition. Furthermore, your PB G4 may not be able to dual boot into Windows, but it's still a way better laptop than a MacBook. Those things get dirty, scratched, are squeaky and rickety and the latches are annoying, plus they don't have the niceties of a pro-level notebook, so don't let the grumpy old squares in this forum make you feel bad about it. Thanks for sharing this experience with us, now PLEASE... go enjoy your Mac.

 

[VicRattlehead]

I will but I am firstly going to go to the local police department and see if it is registered with them. I could see someone reporting it to the police and not bothering with reporting it to apple. but I cannot see someone not doing one or the other so if on Monday it clears with the local police I'm done with my search and will consider it a good deal.

if it was me and i had my laptop stolen id call apple tell them it was stolen, then called the ins co. if they said i had to get a police report in order to get it replaced, then and only then id call the police. when my car got broken into it took them 6 months to call me back after it happened they wanted to take a look at it and take prints and photos' hell i had it fixed detailed and all that within a week of it happining. police = worthless when it comes to stolen property
i think your in the clear, just enjoy it.

 

[Abstract]

Honestly I don't have an issue with turning it over I'm pissed about my cash but other than that I don't really mind handing it over. but posts like these are not helping me any I need advice as to what steps to follow. I need no help in the guilt department. seriously I'm doing the right thing if you don't have anything constructive to say don't post please

Agreed. Talking the talk is nice, but some people have problems handing over $800 so freely.

And besides, if my laptop was stolen, and you (the OP) paid $800 for it, I can't imagine being happy knowing that someone else lost $800 after buying it with honest intentions. If I got my laptop back, it means someone else got robbed $800 thanks to me. Imagine if someone else had to suffer through losing money because of something that happened to me? What am I supposed to feel.....better? I wouldn't. What if it was stolen because of a slightly, or very, careless act on my part? Yes, it was stolen, but should someone else pay for my carelessness?

(snip some useless crap)

friggen Einstein, you are.

Great response. *cough*

I think MR really needs to apply an IQ test before letting people like this sign up.

 

[belovedmonster]

I never knew the MacRumors community was so full of rich people. Clearly it must be if the majority of them would gladly give away $800 of their own money to feel warm and fuzzy. There's NO WAY IN HELL I would do anything to jeopardise that amount of my own money. This isnt some guys wallet with $50 in it, this is 800 bucks!!

 

[26139]

Uh...

@Multimedia: on ebay they want almost 1500 for one so when I saw an add for it and ended up getting it for 800 I thought I was getting a really good deal. Macs are super expensive for what they are. and this is my first mac ever and so far the experience sucks

Your first Mac experience sucks? Well maybe you shouldn't buy second hand goods from a somewhat shady dude you barely know...ever consider that?

I doubt your experience has ANYTHING to do with the powerbook.

 

[Cybergypsy]

Do the right thing as the owner is out his money and his laptop.....It might also have tracking software as soon as you go online the owner gets a call, dont wait for the knock at your door

 

[GoCubsGo]

It does sound like he is trying to do the right thing but due to him being out $800 bucks he is struggling. The OP already displayed signs of being less than thrilled to pay the price for something unless it is "haggled" down. No one in their right mind will ask for one price and go down hundreds of dollars unless the item is not theirs to sell or they stole it. Either way, the piece missing here is that it sounds as though you went to his apartment didn't you? If you did, how come you're not jotting the address down? Most people can reverse an address and if the address comes up with no hits then people in law enforcement and beyond can run it.

Either way it sounds shady, but it also sounds like you at least found out from Apple that the PB was not reported stolen. Someone else suggested you go to another place to find out if it was reported stolen and you don't want to. You think it may not yield a different result. I think it may and I think you know it may and that is in fact your concern. However, you did exactly what I think most people would do and so you can rest easy with your cheap PB. Just because it's not exactly what I would do does not make you a worse person.

Also, keep in mind that the $800 you are out would not have built you a PC laptop. You mentioned that and I thought I'd toss that in there. Second, if you base your experience with a brand of a laptop and an OS on the fact that you perhaps bought stolen goods and got duped then it is truly unfortunate and you should sell the PB and buy a Windows laptop. You cannot equate your buyer's botch up on the reason's why you've had nothing but "bad experience" with Macs.

 

[Keebler]

I'm sorry but that seems really far fetched to me, these computers new cost upwards of 2k who in their right mind if it was stolen would not report it you would have to be a complete F****** moron. And what is stopping them from saying I had it stolen but never reported it so you should give it to me?
( I guess the only way I would know if that person was lying to me would be if it was the guy who I bought the laptop from on the other line )
you know what I'm saying I don't mean to come off as hostile but seriously if the police don't have the serial # on file I'm going to enjoy my new laptop.

first off mozze, i'm glad you're doing the right thing. but honestly, you've done almost all the steps that calling apple is one tiny thing to do. someone may not have reported it in your area...heck, i think we can agree that there is a possibility that the laptop isn't from your area so asking the police might mean SFA.

BUT, if you do what multimedia suggests and ask apple to speak to the people who originally registered with that serial number, that would be the perfect follow up. if it's clean, enjoy the new book.

that's what i would do.

 

[wongulous]

I never knew the MacRumors community was so full of rich people. Clearly it must be if the majority of them would gladly give away $800 of their own money to feel warm and fuzzy. There's NO WAY IN HELL I would do anything to jeopardise that amount of my own money. This isnt some guys wallet with $50 in it, this is 800 bucks!!

Thank you. This thread is BEYOND RIDICULOUS. Anyone who would go to this length (beyond what has already been done) to try to lose their $800 is rich, an idiot, or controlled to the point of paranoia by fear of what others might think or judge. The original owner either sold this, pawned it, lost it, or it was stolen, and if it were stolen, they likely either deserved to have it stolen (unsecured), and also got an insurance settlement for it to replace it.

But it doesn't matter, people will continue to harp on this for weeks longer. To the OP, I hope you eventually ignore this thread and the can of worms it opened by asking for the opinions of people on this forum. Those of us to whom $800 is a lot are not in the majority here.

 

[suneohair]

Thank you. This thread is BEYOND RIDICULOUS. Anyone who would go to this length (beyond what has already been done) to try to lose their $800 is rich, an idiot, or controlled to the point of paranoia by fear of what others might think or judge. The original owner either sold this, pawned it, lost it, or it was stolen, and if it were stolen, they likely either deserved to have it stolen (unsecured), and also got an insurance settlement for it to replace it.

But it doesn't matter, people will continue to harp on this for weeks longer. To the OP, I hope you eventually ignore this thread and the can of worms it opened by asking for the opinions of people on this forum. Those of us to whom $800 is a lot are not in the majority here.

Mr. Assumption is in the house. What if someone broke into his house/apartment and stole it? What then? Did he deserve that? What if someone came up to him in a coffee shop and swiped it?

There are many situations where it could be stolen, nobdody DESERVES to have something stolen. That is one of the most idiotic things I have ever read.

If I had something stolen and someone said "you deserved it because...." I would knock them out. Ugh.

 

[wongulous]

Mr. Assumption is in the house. What if someone broke into his house/apartment and stole it? What then? Did he deserve that? What if someone came up to him in a coffee shop and swiped it?

There are many situations where it could be stolen, nobdody DESERVES to have something stolen. That is one of the most idiotic things I have ever read.

If I had something stolen and someone said "you deserved it because...." I would knock them out. Ugh.

Way to take it out of context, take offense, name-call, and get testosteronal. Mr. Knockout is in the house. I can't believe I'm being called an idiot by someone who wrote that.

To rephrase, I said there is a great likelihood that it was stolen because it was not reasonably secured. If you don't lock your doors, if you have a pet door, if you don't have locking windows, don't have a recently-changed deadbolt and unique door handle lock, don't have motion-activated lights, don't have neighbors that pay SOME attention (or a watch program), and/or don't have a home security system, then you are almost asking to be a victim of a crime like this. Or if you leave it sitting out at a coffee shop while you go to the bathroom and don't at least conceal it, if not use a locking chain to a table... or, DUH, what 99% of sensible people do, and put it in your bag and take it in the restroom with you... then you're to blame. Maybe no one deserves to be stolen from, but they are partially to blame. I'll give you that much.

Furthermore, I've been robbed and I had insurance. It's seriously like $8 a month.

 

[Melkor]

lol this thread is pretty interesting.

My advice would be to do whatever needs to be done in order to clear your concience. This would clearly vary hugely from person to person.

If it was me, I wouldn't pass any heed in it. Worst case senario, you bought a stolen laptop, and the person from whom it was stolen never got compensated. Life goes on...

 

[synth3tik]

I think the program your thinking of is one that is installed then if your computers stolen it will lock up and also send a message to the company which in turn sends it to the police. It's a preemptive program.

A few places you could check out would be the school. The school should have a list somewhere of items that people have reported stolen. If my PB was stolen I most curtainly would file a report with the school.

I don't know of any, but I am sure that a stolen laptop database is up somewhere. You could do a google search for one.

Also the police would not be a bad idea. You could go to the police and say "I think I may have bought a stolen laptop" give them the serial and they can see if there has been a report.

You also should be able to find out the owner through Apple Care. Apple Care is transferable, so don't worry about asking the Apple Rep when you get the computer back.

Good luck. I hope it works out.

 

[Mozze]

Ok so I had it checked with Apple it cleared I went down to the Police station and it cleared I called Apple and asked them to talk to the Original Owner of it, they just called back and he said he had sold it Locally so it has cleared their as well I now plan to enjoy my new Laptop. only thing that was Odd was that the Original Owner was not they guy who sold me the Laptop..... but o well I have done more than my fair share to clear the laptop only problem I am having is I need to wait for the OSX disc's to come in so I can format the HDD and install the software I want.