I've created a FB group for those willing to vow they will do their best to avoid buying stolen goods online.
Step one:
When buying used goods, especially valuable used goods, don't buy items that don't come with accessories. If someone is selling an iphone, with just a case, that's a good indicator that it is stolen. The original owner should have headphones, manuals, a case, a box, hopefully a receipt. Sure lots of us toss or loose this stuff. Still, I won't touch something if it's just the item. Cause there is no way I believe the person selling it that they "just upgraded and don't need this anymore".
1.Keeping the original box to your accessory adds resale value, and credibility that you are the original owner. From now on, try to keep all original receipts (black out your personal info when selling), and store them in the box you bought your item in. If the box is too bulky, keep the receipt in an envelope. If you don't have a receipt, ask a gifter where the item was bought and go back for a gift receipt/proof of purchase.
2.Many stores that ask for your postal code at check out keep track of what you buy, so should be able to reprint a receipt. If they say they can't, they either don't know how, or are lazy. Ask for a manager.
3.Find a common place to keep all valuables original packaging. Most of the time, they really don't take up much room. Unless they are those stupid huge bubble packs. Those are annoying. Curse them.
4.Before heading out to buy a used item, check CL and Kijiji first to check for any "item stolen" posts that sound like what you are about to buy. In person, ask the seller if the item was stolen. If they won't look you in the eye while they answer, or if they get all offended, don't buy it.
5. Give the thief the benefit of the doubt. If they don't want to meet you in person, post online and arrange details to swap through the TTC/YMCA ect public space controlled lost and found. Have them put the item in a sealed envelope with a code word, that only someone specifically asking for that item would know about. So if you got to the lost and found and ask if they have an envelop that says "Don't Be Evil" no one else is going to be asking for that. If someone does have the decency to return something this way, be humane, forgive them, and give them a reward in a similar manner. It will encourage kindness, and help others in the future.
6. Always label your items with an email address. For keys, go buy a cheap dog collar, take it to an engraving store, and have your email address put on it. If you loose your ect/item, it give people a way to find you. Similarly for electronics, write your email address and REWARD on a tiny piece of white paper, and tape that into the battery cavity, battery cover, or battery of your electronic. Another way to help people be honest. If they can contact you.. they can be honest.
If someone ever returns something to you, give them some kind of reward. We all help and return stuff from the good of our hearts, but it is very nice to get either a Tim's card or a $20 for our efforts. Annonymous thank you's to CL is a nice added touch, and lets people know there's still good in the world.
Thanks.
Don't be evil. God/your dead ancestors/dead souls/your karma/your own conscience knows!!
