Serial Numbers

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tbanucci

tbanucci

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I'd like to find out if specific items for sale in this forum are/are not stolen. I plan to ask for a picture of the serial number before going ahead and making a deal. But what can I do with that serial number once I have it? Is there an official number to call to see if it is stolen or not?
 
does anyone else find this post offensive? this coming from someone who had the audacity to call people DUMB for asking about a dolly someone was giving away ten months after the original post only to find out that the dolly was, in fact, still available.
 
Why is this offensive to you? It's common sense to know if a camera I plan to buy off of someone from Craig's List, ebay, or even on this forum has been reported stolen. I'm not sure if you know this, but there are theives out in this world stealing stuff and then selling it to make money. Are you offended because you are one of these people and I am ruining your master plan?
 
Well. I think some might be more offended by your response than the original post. To me it looks like you are fanning the flames and probably should just delete your (this) post all together. Making unfounded accusations or name calling is inconsistant with the purposes for which Jarred started this forum.

I don't know if there is any "is this stuff stolen" telephone number, but ya never know...given the present state of paranoia. You are probably less likely to get burned here than, perhaps, eBay. There are many "old sayings" i.e., "Let the buyer beware." In general (when my brain is in the "on" position) I do things like ask questions, see pictures--or the item itself when possible, and pay with a credit card that offers protection from scams or PayPal when protection is available. Last but certainly not least--if I am not comfortable I don't make the purchase . . . buying from an authorized source frequently costs a few more dollars but then peace of mind may justify the expense. Sometimes you do "get what you pay for."

Good luck.
 
What are you... some kind of siren chaser?

What are you... some kind of siren chaser?

If you are that concerned about buying gear that could be hot, (I guarantee you that the hot stuff gets sold on ebay, not in this community) buy from B&H like the man above says. This post strikes me a a bit bizarre.
 
Read the first sticky creatively titled "how to avoid a bad situation (fraud)" by Jarred Land! See what you think after that!
 
tbanucci said:
Why is this offensive to you? It's common sense to know if a camera I plan to buy off of someone from Craig's List, ebay, or even on this forum has been reported stolen. I'm not sure if you know this, but there are theives out in this world stealing stuff and then selling it to make money. Are you offended because you are one of these people and I am ruining your master plan?
Click to expand...

I'm not into buying stolen goods whenever possible. But I have a basic level of trust in people by nature. Your post is offensive to me because you have an air of conformity and do-gooder to you, laden with distrust of your fellow man, that, when coupled with your immediate, sarcastic, and condescending put downs of someone who nay-says on your grand vision of correctness, deserves a smack for wasting time and continuing trends of paranoia and stupidity.
Master plan? How old are you? Oh wait a minute.....this IS a youngster.
 
i've seen people ask for serial numbers in threads, but I too have wondered what they do with them.

But usually they just say "hey do you have a serial number" and the seller says what it is and that's it.

Pictures may be a bit far because once you get it you'd know if it was not that serial number and could start a stink just like if you never got it, or it was broken, or different than advertised, but I don't think it would be insane to ask of a pic of the serial number, just maybe a bit too far, like that's where at least some trust comes in. I mean you could also ask for a video of the person using the item to show it is working while holding a newspaper with today's date visible on it ... but again trust comes in at some point.

But I too would be interested in what people do with these serial numbers once they have them. Like I said I've seen them asked for and given and wonder what database the buyer is checking them on or what.
 
Guys, let's chill on the sniping--thanks. There is no database of stolen DVX's and even if we tried to compile one, it would probably wouldn't do much good. Most stolen goods get sold on the street or end up in pawnshops or sometimes eBay.
 
just to answer some of the posts above, serial numbers are sometimes helpful with identifying early model devices that were problematic, or later models with upgraded functionality. most of the times i see people ask for serials is to acquire this kind of info.
 
do you really think a thief would post a reply on a forum he intends to use as a fence for his stolen merchandise? you still did not answer the question as to why you referred to people on this forum as DUMB only to find out it was you who were in the wrong
 
Mark, why don't you PM him if you have a problem. I don't know what you are referring to, but right or wrong, you could get in trouble for calling him out here for some dormant issue unrelated to the thread. Especially after a Mod has posted and issued a "cease and desist" sniping request. :smiley_do
Barry_S said:
Guys, let's chill on the sniping--thanks. There is no database of stolen DVX's and even if we tried to compile one, it would probably wouldn't do much good. Most stolen goods get sold on the street or end up in pawnshops or sometimes eBay.
Click to expand...
If you feel there is an ongoing problem with a members behavior please PM your friendly neighborhood mod. :thumbsup:
 
henry cho said:
just to answer some of the posts above, serial numbers are sometimes helpful with identifying early model devices that were problematic, or later models with upgraded functionality. most of the times i see people ask for serials is to acquire this kind of info.
Click to expand...

yeah henry I hear you. That makes sense for sure. But I don't think that's the issue with the post....rather, someone is saying they trust noone in this group as a matter of course: my question then being, why be in the group in the first place? Anyways, enough outta me. There are films to make. Cheers
 
Ok--I'm giving a couple of red cards to Mark and Evolve, and this thread has officially become pointless. We don't tolerate personal attacks, no matter how indirect you craft 'em.
 
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