If you're looking to buy a used desktop computer and are on a really tight budget, you're most likely going looking at cheap used desktop computers with price your first consideration. When price is your first consideration, you may end up looking a computers that are stolen. The greatest incidence of stolen computers can be found among online computer dealers, pawnbrokers or auction sites. Some of these sellers may know very well that they are dealing in stolen goods; some sellers may have no idea that the computer is stolen.
How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Computer
If you are buying cheap used desktop computers on line or through a dealer, never pay cash. Paying cash allows you no recourse against the seller and leaves no trail - something a seller of stolen goods wants. A credit card allows you to contest a sale with the credit card issuer. If you pay cash, use a check or send a cashier's check, you will never be able to return the item or recoup the sales price.
Used Desktop Computers for Sale
An unusually low asking price should be a red flag for the purchaser. Don't buy cheap used desktop computers out of someone's car trunk - no matter what their story is. This includes flea market vendors. An honest dealer will have an honest, well established location. A honest seller on an internet auction site such as eBay will have track record. If you find a computer that is affordable, but you still have your doubts, ask your local police department to check the serial number on the cheap used desktop computer for you. If it's not stolen, the seller will have no qualms about this action or be in a hurry to complete the deal and be on his or her way.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of the seller about the cheap used desktop computer. How long have you owned it? Where did you buy it? Why are you selling it? If the answers are realistic and make you comfortable, you can complete the transaction. You might want to consider asking the seller for their identification and making a copy of it for your records.
Pay attention to the body language of the seller. We've all seen cartoons of a seller opening his raincoat to display a collection of watches. If the seller makes you feel that way, if they're in a hurry, or if they just won't make eye contact with you, consider passing on the deal when looking at used desktop computers for sale.
Remember one important legal concept. It is illegal to possess stolen merchandise. If you buy a cheap used desktop computer and it turns out to be stolen, you could not only be out the computer, you could be out the amount of money you spent for it.
All in all, if you're uncomfortable or if the deal is too good to be true, simply walk away. An honest deal on cheap used desktop computers is always just around the corner.
How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Computer
If you are buying cheap used desktop computers on line or through a dealer, never pay cash. Paying cash allows you no recourse against the seller and leaves no trail - something a seller of stolen goods wants. A credit card allows you to contest a sale with the credit card issuer. If you pay cash, use a check or send a cashier's check, you will never be able to return the item or recoup the sales price.
Used Desktop Computers for Sale
An unusually low asking price should be a red flag for the purchaser. Don't buy cheap used desktop computers out of someone's car trunk - no matter what their story is. This includes flea market vendors. An honest dealer will have an honest, well established location. A honest seller on an internet auction site such as eBay will have track record. If you find a computer that is affordable, but you still have your doubts, ask your local police department to check the serial number on the cheap used desktop computer for you. If it's not stolen, the seller will have no qualms about this action or be in a hurry to complete the deal and be on his or her way.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of the seller about the cheap used desktop computer. How long have you owned it? Where did you buy it? Why are you selling it? If the answers are realistic and make you comfortable, you can complete the transaction. You might want to consider asking the seller for their identification and making a copy of it for your records.
Pay attention to the body language of the seller. We've all seen cartoons of a seller opening his raincoat to display a collection of watches. If the seller makes you feel that way, if they're in a hurry, or if they just won't make eye contact with you, consider passing on the deal when looking at used desktop computers for sale.
Remember one important legal concept. It is illegal to possess stolen merchandise. If you buy a cheap used desktop computer and it turns out to be stolen, you could not only be out the computer, you could be out the amount of money you spent for it.
All in all, if you're uncomfortable or if the deal is too good to be true, simply walk away. An honest deal on cheap used desktop computers is always just around the corner.
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