Hi everyone,
I have just been contacted by the police and informed that a computer I purchased back in May '10 over eBay is in fact a stolen item, the seller has apparently been caught selling many stolen items on eBay and is currently on bail.
The police said that they don't wish to seize the computer yet as it was obviously bought in good faith, but as the case proceeds the insurance company who have paid out for the theft of the machine may wish for the computer to be seized.
They gave me a crime number and advised me to contact PayPal and make them aware of the situation as I may need a refund should the computer be seized. I explained to the police officer that PayPal usually has a 45 day limit on dispute resolution and that I had a bad feeling I may be up the creek without a paddle. The officer assured me that this couldn't be the case as I had no way of knowing anything was amiss within 45 days of purchase.
I've just come off the phone with PayPal, they've stated that they can guarantee no help with this as the 45 day deadline has passed. Asked to be escalated and the lady on the phone checked with an 'Account Expert' who said the same thing. Only advice was to try contacting my bank - unfortunately the funds for the purchase came directly from my account, not my credit card.
Looks like my only hope is the insurance company in question not wanting the machine back? Otherwise I'm left with no item and no money. A cautionary tale from someone who uses PayPal rather a lot. My advice would be to ensure your funds are being taken from a credit card if at all possible!
