Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
My question involves criminal law for the state of: pa
On January 30th I bought an Xbox One S off of offer up app on a cell phone here is what the ad said
"Looking to sell my basically new Xbox one s. It comes with 2 games battlefield one (Digital) Minecraft also is included with bundle never used the code. I'm firm on my price due to I'm selling it to pay fines."
It look legit to me so I contacted the seller and we arrange the meeting through the app to the point where I gave him my cell phone number and he came to my home and I paid for it.
It is now February 11th and I got a text at 1 a.m. in the morning stating this
"Hi we have an issue, the Xbox one I sold you was given to me by someone and all of a sudden they want it back or they are reporting it stolen is there any way I can give you your money back for it or I'm gonna get in trouble.."
I am a 33 year old male with Asperger's Syndrome and I asked my support staff what to do they told me it's bestest to wait it out.
So my question is what is the best thing to do I'm kind of scared I don't want to be in prison for this as a side note I do have the guys information off the Xbox because he left me his account at least his address and stuff like that.
Should I go to the police with this or wait it out. Thank you for your replies and for reading my long message
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
Well, the problem is: is the guy being honest? Did he take his friends game without permission? If so, it is stolen property and now you have been made aware of the issue, you are holding stolen property. You will lose possession of the property if his friend follows through with his threat. You may not regain your money. Of course the guy that sold it to you could be charged with stealing and selling stolen property as well. Will his friend actually do that to him?
while I have a touch of paranoia, this situation also makes me wonder if this isn't a set up to either take it back from you without refunding your money or even something worse.
Personally (definitely not legal advice) I would return the game in exchange for a full refund. I would suggest the exchange take place where you are protected and they can't simply take the game and run off.
Until the game is reported stolen, the police aren't likely to be interested.
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
Thank you that's what I'm scared of I made a dumb decision and gave him my home address I didn't want to carry the Xbox the whole way home and risk dropping it so if all this is true he could give my address right to the police and they would know where I am
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. The original owner has no grounds to claim that it was stolen because he gave the Xbox to his friend.
IF this guy were to report it stolen (and it actually was) you more than likely would not be charged with anything, but they may take the Xbox from you. In that case you could always file a suite in small claims court against the guy who sold it to you and get your money back.
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
You could contact the police and explain the situation to them. Explain that you are willing to rescind the contract but want a safe place to make the exchange, like the lobby of the police station as an example. See what they say.
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
Agree with jk.
Many police departments offer safe exchange areas for internet sales. I think it's a great idea. It's not a good idea to give your home address to a stranger.
See about making the exchange at the police station. If the seller balks, you will know something is not right.
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
Thank you guys for your help I like your ideas it was a 1:10 a.m. standard Eastern Time February 11th 2017 that I got the text and I have never got a text from him yet back I did not reply to the original text if he does text me back I will arrange to meet at the police station like you told me see what happens I am starting to think he was maybe high or drunk or whatever young kids doing nowadays and just wanted to scare me
Re: Unknowingly Bought Stolen Merchandise Off of Offerup App on Cell Phone
Sounds good. Just be cautious and careful.