How Find Out if Something is Lost or Stolen- Looking for Good Website

I've only been looking at Craigslist for a few months now and hear all kinds of stories about hot merchandise, scams, etc. on their site. Let's say I see something that looks good and the gently used price is much lower than the new price. I'd like to consider buying it, but want to do some homework first before meeting someone to buy it. I don't have anything I'm buying now on Craigslist (most stuff I get is free).

But it would be nice to know. I figure there are dealers here who receive autos and want to check the VIN numbers first to make sure the cars aren't stolen. This website hopefully would have the following types of items listed for all around the United States:

Autos
Rare coins that are in holders by PCGS or NGC
Watches (high end such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, etc.)
iPhones and other Apple stuff
Stereo equipment
TV sets
GoPro cameras
And much more



I tried using the Search function on this site and typed Stolen Property Database". I got 12 pages of results, but nothing that was really good.

I realize another obstacle for some of these items (i.e., watches and coins) is verifying that they are not counterfeit. What is a good, free site to go to?

from what i know, it seems what youre asking about, does not exist.
at least not for ordinary ppl/civilians.

it sounds like something the police or FBI might have access to.
and that too, u have to keep in mind that many crimes are not even reported or the owners dont yet know the item has been stolen...so the police etc dont even know about it.

my own rule is that if it doesnt feel right or i see some clear signs that something is stolen or even if i know the person isnt very honest, i wont deal with them- no matter what a bargain it might be.

Originally Posted by recyclersteve

I've only been looking at Craigslist for a few months now and hear all kinds of stories about hot merchandise, scams, etc. on their site. Let's say I see something that looks good and the gently used price is much lower than the new price. I'd like to consider buying it, but want to do some homework first before meeting someone to buy it. I don't have anything I'm buying now on Craigslist (most stuff I get is free).

But it would be nice to know. I figure there are dealers here who receive autos and want to check the VIN numbers first to make sure the cars aren't stolen. This website hopefully would have the following types of items listed for all around the United States:

I realize another obstacle for some of these items (i.e., watches and coins) is verifying that they are not counterfeit. What is a good, free site to go to?

I had the same concern when I started buying certain electronics as my prices were very good on mostly laptops and RAM. I called the local police to see if they had a database that could help reduce the risk of hot merchandise. They simply sent an email stating "if you receive stolen merchandise call the police immediately". But how am I supposed to KNOW if the items are stolen?! You may want to ask your local police department and see if they have a database set up for items. Another place to look is on those facebook stolen items pages where people post if an item was stolen. It won't cover everything that's been stolen, but who knows you may get lucky and find one.

Originally Posted by msmoorad

my own rule is that if it doesnt feel right or i see some clear signs that something is stolen or even if i know the person isnt very honest, i wont deal with them- no matter what a bargain it might be.

AMEN to that !!

I deal mostly with cars
If they have the keys and title >> I assume they are the owner and all is good
If they have the keys OR the title >> I will take the car and I also get a photo of there drivers license with the vin in photo. I also am looking for some proof they do own the car >> Something like old paper work for car insurance or registration with their name and information on it >> also the location of the pickup must be the same as on there license.
If they have no keys and no title >> I have the police meet me at the car and run the VIN. If it does not show as stolen >> the above rules apply I will take the car and I also get a photo of there drivers license with the vin in photo. I also am looking for some proof they do own the car >> Something like old paper work for car insurance or registration with their name and information on it >> also the location of the pickup must be the same as on there license.

It seems like there is an opportunity here for some enterprising person with resources to create a comprehensive website for stolen items that is free for all to use and can be used all around the country. The thought of each police department having their own list is, frankly, unacceptable. What do you do in a major metropolitan area that has dozens of suburbs? Check each one individually? Cmon! And, of course, it is worse yet when the person crosses state lines. I would imagine that police departments would eventually find that a centralized system would be easier for them rather than looking things up individually every time a person calls. And that could be used with the site owner as a way to fund the website. I imagine there are some wealthy people who have been victims of theft that would love to see something done about it- and would pay to do so. Or they could pay $ to invest in stock in a new business like this.

I'm sure there would be someone who would try to cheat the system somehow. As to the notion that cheating could happen, I ask this. Which would you rather have- Craigslist as it is with fraudulent deals and it's obvious warts, or nothing? I'd choose the flawed CL any day.