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  1. #1
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    Jun 2010
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    Default Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    I sold a gps on ebay last summer for 335 dollars... I didn't know it was stolen up until i got an email tonight from the buyer stating he tried to register it with garmin and it turned up stolen. He wants me to contact him "Immediately" at his phone number.

    What do i do? Ignore it... respond with where i got it from? It was almost a year ago, can he really even do anything if he wanted to? He is from CO, i'm from MI...

    I'm just confused as to what to do right now.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    Where did you get the gps from? Did the buyer send you any proof that it was in fact a stolen item, or just an email telling you it was? I'd be really leery given the fact that it has taken him so long to contact you regarding the item. Did you keep records of the numbers on the gps for comparison with the unit he's claiming is stolen property? I'm not sure what he can legally do at this point, but the above information may be pertinant.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    I bought the gps from someone on craigslist a long long time ago to mount it on my fourwheeler. Never got around to it and put it up for sale. He says he ran the serial number with garmin and it came back stolen.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    If he makes a police report and the police choose to investigate, they can easily obtain from eBay all records for all items you have sold on eBay. If this is the only stolen item you've ever sold via eBay (or PayPal), you may be okay; if not, you could be in serious trouble.

    In terms of a defense to "I didn't know the item I was selling was stolen," the "I bought it from some guy on craigslist, can't remember who, don't have a name or address" story is becoming a cliché. What records do you have of that purchase and payment?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    First item i've ever sold on ebay that was "stolen"

    I can get the information for the person i bought it from, his address is still in my gps from when i went... I don't use it very often.

    If i provide the police with that information if there is an investigation will i be okay or do i still have issues?

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    You mean, other than giving the "buyer" his money back?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    Quote Quoting Mr. Knowitall
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    You mean, other than giving the "buyer" his money back?
    Yeah... I suppose. If I have to give him his money back, then thats obviously the right thing to do if the investigation comes about. I just would rather not have a selling stolen property charge on my record if you know what i mean.

  8. #8

    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    Ok, but if you subsequently sold an item that you purchased (stolen is stolen) then you are in the same boat as the buyer is now. If you have the name of the seller that you purchased it from, along with his information, I would think that now would be a great time to utilize it.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Unknowingly Selling Stolen Item on eBay

    Quote Quoting mamabear2102003
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    Ok, but if you subsequently sold an item that you purchased (stolen is stolen) then you are in the same boat as the buyer is now. If you have the name of the seller that you purchased it from, along with his information, I would think that now would be a great time to utilize it.
    All i have is his address... I'll have to go over there and start asking questions. But i emailed the ebay member back asking for the serial number, and when he responds back i'll see what he wants to do about the issue. I'll gladly provide him/the proper authorities with the information of the seller.

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