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Tips to Avoid Buying a Stolen Computer
- Never buy a computer from someone on the street
- If you buy a computer from someone you don’t know (not recommended) ask for purchase receipts
- If you decide to buy a computer from a third-party (i.e. online, or from a thrift store or pawnbroker) get the serial number and check with local police to confirm it is not stolen
- If the computer is not brand new, ask for the original documentation
- Avoid purchasing a used computer with cash; if possible use a form of payment that can be verified such as a check or credit card
- Check to ensure that the computer has a power cord – often a sure sign that a computer is stolen is that it is missing the power cord
- If buying in person, ask to see the computer booted up before purchasing and check installed OS, memory, etc to make sure it matches the description of what is being sold
- Make sure the price reflects the value of the computer; if it sounds like ‘a real steal', it probably is
- Ask probing questions such as why they are selling it, where they got it, and how much they paid
- Monitor the seller’s body language and behavior – if they seem nervous, in a rush, or distracted this may signal trouble