Missing serial numbers (scratched off)

Will CPS work on a lens that has had it's serial numbers removed?

Doubtful. High possibility of it being stolen goods or black market.

That is what I figured. Current owner explained that it was stolen from him and recovered sans serial numbers.

I'd stay away from it even if the price was great.

if what the current owner says is true and he has the police reports etc, and if the price is very good, it might be worth just calling Canon and see if there's anything they can do, i.e. replace the number or what ever. Doubtful, but if the price is right, it's a phone call worth making. Otherwise run in the other direction

I would make sure you buy from the rightful owner. That is more important than wether Canon is prepared to repair. Are you expecting your new acquisition the fail?

I suppose my real concern is me, too. In the fact that I would have a hard time in the future selling it later on down the line. Probably not worth the headache to save a couple bucks.

possession of an article with an altered or removed serial number is against the law in most states. I doubt if a police dept would release it back to the "victim"

bakatari -- don't be like your name .

bakatari wrote in post #16003751
That is what I figured. Current owner explained that it was stolen from him and recovered sans serial numbers.

If the serial number was obliterated, how did he know it was his?

Perhaps a receipt? If he bought it at a local store, maybe they will remember him buying it. I know my local store knows me well lol

NManuel01 wrote in post #16004472
Perhaps a receipt? If he bought it at a local store, maybe they will remember him buying it. I know my local store knows me well lol

No way to tell if that's the one he bought though.

I would stay away from it. You would always be wondering if you had a stolen lens and it could be difficult to sell in the future.