How to find out if a lens is stolen?

I'm thinking about buying a lens on craigslist, and I'm wondering if there is anyway to make sure the lens isn't stolen? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Sean

Unless you know the seller and can be damn sure they aren't scamming you, the best litmus test is price Vs going rate for the same gear on eBay and here in the Buy/Sell section.

If something is selling for X number of dollars here but they're selling it for a substantially less money, then start getting cautious.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is...

You can check here:

http://photo.net/neigh​bor/registry/

Or here (this thread did not get much traction but was a great idea):

https://photography-on-the.net …ighlight=Stolen​+Equipment

If you have any doubts, I would ask for a copy of the receipt. You can also call the local police station and check if anyone has reported stolen camera gear recently. Another suggestion would be conduct the transaction in the lobby of the local police station - this would tend to discourage anyone who was trying to sell you "Hot" gear.

Good luck, and as Sargent Phil Esterhaus would say - "Let's be careful out there!"

I wouldn't really use price as the main indicator since some people post low prices just to get rid of the item fast so they don't have to waste too much time trying to sell it. Sometimes they need the money fast for another expense and are willing to take a considerable hit in the price.

Just cause someone posts an item on the net doesn't necessarily mean they are internet savvy or have a lot of time to spend online. It's easy to post something on craigslist and check email, but not everyone likes ebay (to check prices) or visits internet forums and or keeps track of selling prices.

Try to talk with the seller on the phone and see if you get any warning signs. Does the seller know anything about the item he or she is selling?

As far as safety is concerned, it's best to meet in a safe part of town, at a mutual, busy location. Such as a Starbucks.

As with any deal, if you have doubts, you're at liberty to walk away.

I'm not a fan of the receipt, paperwork, original box, etc as an indicator.

After a while, these types of things can get misplaced, lost, thrown out, or accidentally ruined. Some might even throw these out thinking they will never use them again. For some people, space is very limited. Also, some people are just careless.

Pete wrote in post #11400142
As with any deal, if you have doubts, you're at liberty to walk away.

I totally agree. Just use your instincts.

Just ask them for the serial number so you can check if it's stolen...

If you can meet them at their home, or get their phone number, or they will show you ID (my preference) chances are it's a legit transaction.

Or I guess they could just be very stupid criminals....

I've gotten a bunch of stuff on CL at silly prices and I'm pretty sure it wasn't stolen. Cash talks and people get bored with stuff, or it was a gift so they don't place the same value on it, or they just happen to need cash right now...

Bought a phone 2 nights ago, sold a phone last night, selling my iPad tonight

There really is no way to check? Not even sure if canon or whatever the manufacturer or the lens is will tell you if the lens is stolen if you call in.

No one on craigslist will show you id

Only an idiot would complete the transaction at someones home. Safety for seller/buyer etc.

I do not think police will be too fond of you completing a transaction in their lobby.

Price is never an indicator, if i am in a rush to sell something for any reason, the price will show it

Ask them for the serial number telling them you want to check the build date and repair history for the item. If they balk or give you excuses, walk away.

monty28428 wrote in post #11400209
Just ask them for the serial number so you can check if it's stolen...

Thanks everyone for the comments. Where would I check if it was stolen, if I got the serial?

I love buying gear on craigslist. but you have to be kinda smart about it as well. I've gotten some crazy deals. mostly people being uneducated selling "film" gear not knowing the glass works with digital. I've only walked away from one deal. the guy had some pretty good gear but knew nothing about it or how to work it. I'm sure it's the same in most citys, but here the police have people dedicated to watch craigslist and ebay for stolen goods. probably the biggest problem is people don't take the time to write down the numbers on their gear. ask questions, use your head and trust your instincts and craigslist is a great place to find gear. buying and selling on CL has funded half my gear list I bet

rjx wrote in post #11400175
I'm not a fan of the receipt, paperwork, original box, etc as an indicator.

After a while, these types of things can get misplaced, lost, thrown out, or accidentally ruined. Some might even throw these out thinking they will never use them again. For some people, space is very limited. Also, some people are just careless.

Boxes and receipts aren't always available, but if they are it is a pretty good indicator that something is not stolen.

Ray.T wrote in post #11400240
There really is no way to check? Not even sure if canon or whatever the manufacturer or the lens is will tell you if the lens is stolen if you call in.

No one on craigslist will show you id

Only an idiot would complete the transaction at someones home. Safety for seller/buyer etc.

I do not think police will be too fond of you completing a transaction in their lobby.

Price is never an indicator, if i am in a rush to sell something for any reason, the price will show it

I have completed CL transactions on 3 out of the last 3 days, I do it a lot. Plenty of people have had me come to their homes, and I've had plenty come to mine. Plenty of people will show ID even if they're initially suprised at the question. I also take note of license plate, vehicle make and model etc if we're meeting someplace public.

Now, I'm a 6 foot / 200 lb plus guy that is often carrying a concealed firearm along with about $1k in cash. Please don't think I'm advocating that a petite female go solo to some stranger's craigslist house but I have no worries personally.

Most folks are just folks and just like poisoned halloween candy is extremely rare, so are menacing predators on CL I think.

I'll generally have a few anonymous emails back and forth to gauge someone before I give my cell phone number (and you can use a google voice number forwarded to your cell if you don't want to give out your cell), then a conversation before we meet. For me this is to disqualify the time wasters and lowballers.