Courtesy Amazon

This idea probably won’t work for gadgets not tied to a specific service. But for items like Amazon’s Kindle, where users need to be properly registered so that they can buy books for the electronic book reader, Borgese’s solution is a definite winner. If the original owner doesn’t verify the sale, then the gadget is rendered effectively useless. And the person trying to register the gadget—potentially a thief—has left a traceable record within the system.

Granted, it’s possible that people have figured out how to load pirated books onto a Kindle, limiting this deterrent somewhat. But providing this kind of service can help gadget makers score points against those bemoaning the imposition of propriety and closed platforms onto users. “Yes, you buy books at the price we set, and we can delete books you’ve paid for (and refund you). But we will also help you catch those who steal your gadgets—or at least make it harder for them to profit from illegal enterprise.”

It’s easy to see the reasons behind the stance towards stolen gadgets of companies like Amazon. Most likely they involve legal and cost concerns. But wouldn’t an anti-theft guarantee be a great incentive to commit to a product and its corresponding service(s)?

Source

Post from: The Gadget Blog

Courtesy Flickr user Culture Shlock

This according to an aggressive legal notice sent out by Davis’ law firm Lavely & Singer. Lawyer William Briggs II basically asserts that any media outlet that purchases information stored on Davis’ stolen laptop are basically buying stolen goods (against the law). Based on the language of the stern warning, anyone publishing what’s been declared as Davis’ private and copyrighted data can expect suit for damages and an injunction.

The notice also calls on outlets approached regarding the stolen data to contact the law firm asap, to facilitate presumed efforts of authorities to locate the stolen laptop of Baron Davis. Click through to the source to read the full notice. Maybe Baron Davis should start relying on Fujitsu for his next laptop?

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Post from: The Gadget Blog

1. Demand the Gadget’s Serial Number

After you get the serial number, search for it online, on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and any other search engines you can think of. Chances are that, if the gadget you’re about to buy is stolen, the previous owner dutifully reported the theft on user group forums, blogged about, or found a way to publicize the theft online. He or she most likely posted what was stolen (including the item’s serial number), where, and how.

Courtesy Wikipedia

What if the seller refuses to divulge the serial number? Walk away. Why would a seller not reveal the serial number of the item he’s selling? Unless he has something to hide of course.

2. Pay Only Through COD

Sure, if someone scams you through your credit card or a bank deposit, you can always contest these charges and eventually have them reversed. But that’s unnecessary trouble, especially when you can demand to pay only on a cash on delivery basis. And why not? You’re the one risking your money, right?

3. Get Complete Contact Details of the Seller, and Confirm Them

It’s a worst case scenario: everything checks out, you’re enjoying your gadget, and suddenly the real owner pops up; you’re slapped with a fencing charge. In some jurisdictions, the last declared holder of a stolen item will bear the burden of proof, unless he can lead the authorities to the original seller.

In short, make sure you know who to contact if you encounter problems with your new purchase. Aside from warranty purposes, you also need to know who point the finger to in case you’re accused of fencing stolen goods. Most important is that you confirm the contact details and identity of the seller yourself.

Actually, I’d prefer not to buy gadgets from total strangers, but I do understand the chance for genuine bargains is there. Just make sure to keep these 3 rules in mind to protect yourself and your investment!

Post from: The Gadget Blog

I will admit considering the vulnerabilities of Financial Credentials as a revelation. Aside from the almost-cliche possibility of stolen credit card numbers and bank accounts details is the potential to manipulate stock trades and mutual funds on your non-consented behalf. Overlooking those is understandable, especially since many of us don’t really have the sound long-term financial planning needed to drive such investment-related online activity. That’s a pitfall I hope to remain aware if and when I decide to manage my financial future on the internet.

To be clear though, there are much more practical—and pressing—considerations. As I attempt to maintain the secrecy of my real email address, the crown jewel for any would-be identity theft, I hereby declare: You can pry my Steam collection from my cold, dead hands.

Post from: The Gadget Blog

A friend’s old-generation Macbook Pro was stolen over a year ago. So imagine his surprise when he encountered it on a for-sale forum. The serial number posted by the seller indicated that it was my friend’s long lost Macbook Pro!

So my friend contacts the seller, confronting him about the laptop while asking him to return it. Initially, the seller agreed to return the laptop immediately, and look for the thief. Unfortunately, on the agreed date, the seller was a no-show.

Now I’m assuming the seller had nothing to do with the original theft. After all he posted the serial number (in compliance with the forum’s rules), right? So why did he decided to stonewall my friend, and protect himself by lawyering up?

Well, in the Philippines, where I’m currently based, the anti-fencing law is pretty severe. Mere possession is enough to land you in jail. So obviously, the seller was covering his ass.

And that’s why you should be careful and never let your stuff get stolen, if you can help. For if somehow you have a chance of retrieving your stolen stuff, there are still potential complications that may continue to put your lost item(s) beyond your reach. Especially if the whole thing starts involving the police and the courts.

(The complete story is on Mac user forum PhilMUG)

Post from: The Gadget Blog