Buyers Beware – How to Spot a Stolen Laptop

Laptop theft equals big business for many thieves; online classifieds, auction sites, pawnshops and sometimes plain old street corners provide the perfect spot to flip a stolen machine. Yet while few of us will deny that computer theft is a seedy crime, many of us wouldn’t hesitate if offered a great deal on a good computer. But at what price?

Whether you unknowingly make an illegitimate transaction or simply chose to ignore better judgment to strike a good deal, the consequences of buying a stolen laptop are unfavorable. If you can smell a fishy situation but still make the purchase, you could potentially face charges for Possession of Stolen Property. And even if by chance you can prove you made the second-hand purchase in good faith, you’ll still be laptopless in the end– police will return the machine to its legitimate owner, and you’ll be out whatever cash you forked over.

Absolute recovers thousands of stolen computers each year, and knows the general rule of thumb when it comes to purchasing a used machine: if the situation feels suspicious, it probably is, and you should avoid it.

Although there are no real tell-tale signs of theft, there are definately ‘red flags’ to look out for when buying secondhand:

• The seller is unable to produce any documentation for the hardware.
• Kensington lock slot is damaged (suggests the computer was ripped from its security cable.
• Computer is being sold without its power cord.
• Computer is being sold for an unusually low price (most thieves are looking for a quick flip).
• Serial number is scratched out or blatantly obscured.
• The computer is password protected.
• There are clear signs of corporate branding (desktop, screen savers, naming schemes, stickers, etching, etc.).  

Even though the offer may be tempting, think before you buy – and be sure to do a bit of research first:

• Inquire into the reason for sale. Why is the seller getting rid of the laptop? What have they used it for in the past? Look for fumbling responses, or incoherent explanations.
• Ask where the laptop was originally purchased and for any original documentation the seller may have – manuals, receipts etc.
• Request a purchase receipt. An honest seller should have no qualms with this.
• Consider fair market price. Is the computer being sold for an unreasonably low amount?
• Using the laptop’s serial number, check with online theft registries or local police to see if the machine has been reported stolen.

Buyers beware, be careful and be smart!