Looks like you're already on the TDS thread, so that is your best bet. I don't know that there is any real proof, and I'd say you're in the clear, but I'd help the dealers try to track down the seller.Quote:
Originally Posted by Puttzer
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Looks like you're already on the TDS thread, so that is your best bet. I don't know that there is any real proof, and I'd say you're in the clear, but I'd help the dealers try to track down the seller.Quote:
Originally Posted by Puttzer
I don't think the issue is that the buyer is in any trouble, but more so that he has an opportunity to help out some of the members of our community who have been taken advantage of. Just remember the "do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you". I think if you had been ripped off, you'd be grateful if others helped you.Quote:
Originally Posted by bottomtime
Cheers,
Jeff
"If honesty's such a good policy, how come I'm out a cap pistol?" - Opie Taylor
I agree the "golden rule"Quote:
Originally Posted by icestac
shoot first, ask questions later,,,,oopps,, make sure only one is standing to tell what really happened,,,,,, just kidding,,,,REALLY....
BUT WE need to be aware, and do the best to watch out for our self and fellow divers,,,
The only way to prove an item is stolen is with serial numbers, or some owner-applied number / mark. If the item is non-serialized and/or the vendor did not keep a record of the serial number that was shipped to the fraudster, then everyone is spinning their wheels (at least as far as this particular item is concerned).
The purchaser is most likely safe in any event. The worst that could happen is that his light is seized as evidence, but again, for that to happen, proof would have to exist that his light was the exact same light fraudulently obtained from the vendor. In order to make a case for receiving stolen property, it must be proved that the receiver knew that the item was stolen, or should have reasonably suspected that it was. While I think he got a great deal on the light, I could hardly suspect that it was stolen based on the facts and circumstances known at the time of purchase (and I'm a reasonable person) :-)
Which brings me to a point I constantly make: Record the serial numbers of all the cool stuff in your house, especially firearms. It is the only way you will ever get that stuff back if it is ever stolen. Keep a copy at home and a copy at work (in case the home-copy is stolen too). In a past life I've recovered a fair amount of stolen gear, but it can't be recovered if you don't have those numbers.
Sadly, I don't think the lights have serial numbers. I think the best outcome is to simply provide more information to the dealers in an effort to help track the fraudsters down. I am a reasonable person and I have very little doubt in my mind that this is anything other than stolen property... but only after knowing the context of dealer pricing and the thread on TDS.
OK, I'll give you $100 for this stolen property!!! I'm kidding of course...lol
I had this happen to me once when I got a computer off of E-bay. Got a call from a Detective in Denver and he said this lady sold about 200 of them to people and some on Gov contracts. As it turns out I found out the one she sold me was subject to a recall and got my money back before the call from the Detective. She was in a lot of trouble.
Seller told he bought it on some sales list: sounded like a Canadian version of Craig's list.
Stolen goods are a potential problem with anything we buy on Ebay, flea markets, garage sales, Craigs list, ....
This may be legit or not, we'll never know
I'm suppose to visit Light Monkey next week (for other light repairs) and I'll show it to them: make sure it's OK and not tampered with.
Then I'll sell it to whomever offers me a profit.
I might take it with me at PSSP Dec 4th and compare it to my 21 watt HID.
Email me if you want to make me an offer now or want updates after I show it to Light Monkey.
so first the disclaimer: to not giving legal advice here unless being a lawyer ................... so i claim this as not giving advise.
anyhow here are my two cents: As of my knowledge if you did not know that the goods were stolen when you purchased them then they will not prosecute you but if proven you knew before you will be prosecuted as a federal crime. Either way the goods will be returned to the original owner. In short you can never get ownership of stolen goods.