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Original poster

another ebay question - stolen goods

35 replies

lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:22

I've bought something off ebay which I've been told by the original suppliers is stolen. Does anyone know legally where I stand?

The supplier told me they'd like it back (duh) but then someone else from the company called and said they'd claimed for it through royal mail, so it might be their property instead. Haven't heard from royal mail or police who they said were involved.

Have emailed ebay twice with no reply, have also emailed paypal.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
eenywifemum · 03/08/2006 16:23

thats bizarre! sorry I really dont know what the answer is but its a strange scenario! good luck luna.

Original poster
lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:24

I'm so hacked off! I couldn't believe it!

I've never had a bad ebay experience before and I've just had two in a row.

OP posts:
Norah · 03/08/2006 16:25

You sure this isn't a scam ??

Why would supplier tell you it's nicked ? Presumably they nicked it ?

eenywifemum · 03/08/2006 16:27

so you bought something from person A.

Person B told you that Person A stole it from Person B and Person B would like it back? Then person C contacted you and said actually it belonged to them? Sorry if I am being thick!

SenoraPostrophe · 03/08/2006 16:27

if it is stolen then you must give it back, but is there a chance that they are lying? how did the original suppliers contact you? dunno about the royal mail/suppliers bit though. what a pain!

piglit · 03/08/2006 16:28

You don't have to pay. You didn't receive the goods (I assume) so the risk stayed with the seller. Sounds like they are pulling a fast one.

SenoraPostrophe · 03/08/2006 16:29

I thought lunavix did receive the goods? agree is not then not your problem, lunavix.

Scoobydooooo · 03/08/2006 16:30

Was it stamps you brought?

piglit · 03/08/2006 16:30

Hmmm, not sure. It's not vey clear tbh.

Original poster
lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:30

Okay let's give this as an example.

I bought a little tikes toy from person A on ebay.

I phoned little tikes (as in manufacturers) to get a replacement... door (!) for the toy. THey've told me the item was stolen, but they had filed the loss with royal mail.

So technically I suppose the item belongs to royal mail.

I'm not questioning that it's mine - I'm wondering what processes ebay and paypal have as in can I get money back and what do I do with goods? I needed the item asap so I suppose in the meantime I'll have to get another.

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:31

I've paid for the item through paypal, and received it.

It was a reputable company - the manufacturers - who told me it was stolen.

OP posts:
Norah · 03/08/2006 16:32

Are Little Tikes asking you to return the toy ?

Presumably you could assist them by giving the details of who you bought it from - then police could deal and ebay ban them ?

LIZS · 03/08/2006 16:33

how can they tell and are they or Royal Mail able to track down whoever they claim intercepted it?

Original poster
lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:33

Little tikes (this is a made up example btw lol) said originally they'd like it back, and there was mention of some sort of compensation.

However was contacted by them again to be told the issue was technically with royal mail as that's who had compensated them when the item went missing.

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 03/08/2006 16:34

There's a serial number on the item, which they asked for.

I don't think they can but then again I havne't been contacted by police or royal mail.

OP posts:
lemonaid · 03/08/2006 16:34

If it's stolen then you legally need to return it to the current owner, which might be (a) the person or company who originally owned it, or (b) an insurer who's paid out for it.

You might then be able to reclaim your money from whoever you bought it from.

It sounds as though in this case it's unclear who the current legal owner is. Given that I think you can reasonably ask anyone who wants you to give the item to them for evidence that they are the current legal owner. And I don't think (not sure on this point though) that you'd need to pay postage costs -- you could tell them that they are welcome to come and pick it up.

Scoobydooooo · 03/08/2006 16:35

This has just happened to me but mine was with 1st clas stamps, i had the crime investigation unit contact me to say the stamps i had were counterfeit & i had to return them because it would be acrime to use them this was 2 months after i had brough them, anyway i returned them & was told to open a claim with paypal which i have done but i am now having a row with paypal because they have a 45 day period on which you can claim 7 because i am out of this time i am not allowed my money back.

Personally i think it is wrong because i was sold FAKE goods & i no longer have the goods but hey ho thats shitty paypal for you.

lemonaid · 03/08/2006 16:36

Cross-posted. Start by filing a dispute with PayPal, I think, as you need to do that within 30 days.

bran · 03/08/2006 16:37

I don't want to worry you any further but is there a chance you could be accused of receiving stolen goods? I'm sure there will be someone legal-ish along soon who could advise you better, but you might need to tell the police that you have the goods as this will show that you didn't know it was stolen when you bought it.

If you paid by credit card and it was over a certain amount (£100 I think) you may be able to claim it back from them if you don't get any joy from ebay.

Salamander · 03/08/2006 16:41

How have you informed ebay and paypal Luna?

Skribble · 03/08/2006 16:48

I still think it is bit strange, how was it stolen from the manufacturer and how di they know the particular one you had was the stolen one. I don't imagine the manufacturer sending out individual toys with royal mail they send them to retailers.

I would cover yourself by getting in touch with both the police and royal mail to ensure they don't think you are knowingly accepting stolen goods and that you purchaed it in good faith.

Keep a record of all e.mails and phone calls regarding this transaction, and tell the police.

If it wasn't for the fact you contacted the manufacturer I would say definate scam.
People look at what you have bought and then get in touch claiming it was stolen from them, hoping that you are so worried about your rating and that the police might think you are invloved so will send it to them without taking it further.

Go by the book and keep yourself in the clear.

LIZS · 03/08/2006 16:54

Still seems mighty odd. Just checked our Little Tikes stuff and no serial numbers to be seen (could have worn off with time I suppose thoguh) ! Is it a one-off or something ?

Salamander · 03/08/2006 16:56

LIZS - Luna was using Little Tikes just as an example company.

It wasn't actually from Little Tikes (necessarily)

LIZS · 03/08/2006 16:57

ah sorry missed that bit !

Salamander · 03/08/2006 16:58

that's ok - it is odd though isn't it?

Poor Luna