"Hot" Deal on a Bigma
Jan 22, 2014 11:28:31 #
I found a Bigma 50-500mm Pentax-mount listed on Kijiji last week for only $750. The item was supposedly new or unused but the seller did not have the packaging. I made several attempts to arrange to look at the lens but the seller for some reason would not provide his address and phone number. He wanted to do the transaction in a parking lot. When I didn't respond to that email he complained. I told him I was wary of meeting in a parking lot and that I was getting the impression that the item was "hot" as in stolen. He replied quickly to that email with a terse "item is sold. So, what do you think?
As a musician I've always taken a dim view of stolen instruments and I've known too many others who've had equipment taken from them, including my brother many years ago. I've never really encountered this in camera gear, however. But it left me with the same unclean feeling and I had to go take a shower. Thanks for the opportunity to vent. The listing is still active. Here is the link to the listing: http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-cameras-camcorders-Sigma-s-APO-50-500mm-F4-5-6-3-DG-OS-HSM-lense-W0QQAdIdZ541080567
As a musician I've always taken a dim view of stolen instruments and I've known too many others who've had equipment taken from them, including my brother many years ago. I've never really encountered this in camera gear, however. But it left me with the same unclean feeling and I had to go take a shower. Thanks for the opportunity to vent. The listing is still active. Here is the link to the listing: http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-cameras-camcorders-Sigma-s-APO-50-500mm-F4-5-6-3-DG-OS-HSM-lense-W0QQAdIdZ541080567
Jan 22, 2014 11:33:06 #
Jan 22, 2014 11:36:50 #
SlimDude wrote:
I found a Bigma 50-500mm Pentax-mount listed on Ki... (show quote)
report him to the police .They would probably investigate.
Jan 22, 2014 11:47:49 #
You know, it is a transaction that at least for me it is very hard to make a judgement.
He could be wary also of meeting at his home with a person he does not know.
The item could or could not be hot, hard for me to say but you followed your feelings and I would say you did the right thing.
He could be wary also of meeting at his home with a person he does not know.
The item could or could not be hot, hard for me to say but you followed your feelings and I would say you did the right thing.
Jan 22, 2014 12:01:53 #
Now I am curious. I've reported the incident to crime stoppers. And I've just responded to the ad again using a different email address to inquire if it is still available for sale. If he still has the lens for sale I think that confirms my suspicions.
Jan 22, 2014 12:03:14 #
I would love to own it too. $750.00 cash and meet me in a parking lot sounds scary. Better not go alone. Good luck.
Jan 22, 2014 12:17:29 #
Just got a reply from the seller. He tells me that the lens is still for sale even though he told my other email that it was sold. Hot potato! I hope Peel Regional Police nail him good.
Jan 22, 2014 12:27:13 #
JPL wrote:
99% sure it is stolen. Would be interesting to see a serial number.
Want to find out. Google www.fivefingereddiscountstore.com
Jan 22, 2014 12:32:13 #
Shutterbugsailer wrote:
Want to find out. Google www.fivefingereddiscountstore.com
Tried that. Got only 2 hits, from 2008. Not very useful.
Jan 22, 2014 12:33:59 #
SlimDude wrote:
When I didn't respond to that email he complained. I told him I was wary of meeting in a parking lot and that I was getting the impression that the item was "hot" as in stolen. He replied quickly to that email with a terse "item is sold. So, what do you think?
Even if it's not stolen, that sounds like the perfect example of a deal to avoid. Meeting in a parking lot? Probably at night, right? And he would flash his headlights three times as a signal. :D
Jan 22, 2014 12:35:54 #
SlimDude wrote:
Tried that. Got only 2 hits, from 2008. Not very useful.
Was just kidding. Trying to stir up a little chuckle
Jan 22, 2014 12:37:32 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Even if it's not stolen, that sounds like the perfect example of a deal to avoid. Meeting in a parking lot? Probably at night, right? And he would flash his headlights three times as a signal. :D
How about meeting in a bank, Walgreens pharmacy, or Airport terminal. Plenty of witness and plenty of security cameras
Jan 22, 2014 12:39:58 #
Shutterbugsailer wrote:
Plenty of witness and plenty of security cameras
Right! So there would be evidence of you buying stolen property. :D
With a serial number one could check online to see if it were stolen.
Jan 22, 2014 12:49:11 #
Exactly. Just use your internet phone to check the serial number to see if it was reported stolen. I was just suggesting these venues for the personal safety of both buyer and seller alike. When conducting business with strangers, you never know what can happen
Jan 22, 2014 13:34:05 #
I've bought and sold lots on Kijiji. I've never run into a seller who wanted to negotiate the deal away from home in a parking lot and not even provide me with his phone number. What if I was late or lost my way?
And I have no interest in buying stolen goods, on video or not. I shoot for pleasure. Who needs the guilt?
And I have no interest in buying stolen goods, on video or not. I shoot for pleasure. Who needs the guilt?
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