What is Receiving Stolen Goods?

This can happen to the best of us and we just do not really know if the thing you bought from someone on social media truly owns the item or not. We go under the presumption that if the person is selling the item and has it in their possession that they own the item. But unfortunately, this is not always the case.

So you are questioned by the authorities about an item that you bought on a Buy, Swap & Sell page by the police. You know you bought it and all you have is some messages on the phone to prove you bought it. The other person claims that their account has been hacked. You don’t have any other proof. The matter goes to court, at worst you loos the item and get charged with receiving stolen goods and loos the item. At best you just lose the item without reimbursement.

How do you cover your Ass?

The simple answer is to get a receipt.

What should be on this receipt?

• Date
• Time
• Sellers Name
• Sellers Address
• Sellers ID: (one of the following)
  • Drivers Licence Number
  • ABN Number
  • Medicare number
• Item Description
• Item Serial Number
• Amount of the agreed price
• Sellers Signature.

This creates a paper trail and demonstrates that you bought the item in good faith. Still, if the item is proven to be stolen, at worst you just lose the item, and the Majistrate may instruct the true owner to reimburse you part or full of the amount you paid for it.