How to Avoid Buying Stolen Goods: Red Flags and Checks for Resellers

Why resellers carry more risk

A one-off buyer who gets caught once loses one item and its price. As a reseller, you buy repeatedly, often in the same categories, and your business model relies on low prices. One stolen item can:

• Cost you the item and the money you paid
• Lead to criminal liability under Articles 291–293 of the Polish Criminal Code
• Damage your reputation if you resell it to another buyer

The law does not require intent to convict you. Article 292 § 1 kk covers situations where you «should and could suspect» (powinien i może przypuszczać) that the item was obtained illegally.

Red flags in the listing

Before you even contact the seller, several warning signs should make you cautious:

• Price too low. Compare the asking price against the fast-sell quarter of comparable listings. Say you price at 40% or more below that — ask why. A genuine motivated seller can explain; a stolen item cannot.
• Stock or stock-like photos. Professional product photos, white background, no environment context. Ask for a real photo showing the item where it currently sits.
• New seller account. Check how long the account has existed and what else they list. A day-old account with five brand-new iPhones is a clear signal.
• Multiple identical items. OLX rules require one listing per item in the user's possession. Several new high-value items of the same model suggest commercial sourcing, not a private sale.
• Vague origin. «Found in storage», «inherited», «clearing out» — without specifics, these are cover stories.

Red flags at the meeting

If you proceed to meet the seller, watch for these warning signs:

• No original box, charger or receipt. For electronics, these are the minimum documentation. Without them, you cannot verify the serial number.
• Seller cannot open the device settings. A genuine owner can open Settings on their phone, tablet or laptop. If they claim they «forgot the code» or «it's locked to an account», walk away.
• Seller does not know basic details. Ask: «What apps do you use on this?» «What's your most played game?» A real owner answers instantly. A thief stalls.
• Rushed cash deal. «I need to go», «I can only take cash», «Let's meet now» — pressure to close fast eliminates your chance to check.
• Location changes. Seller agrees to meet, then messages «actually, can we change to this other place?» — a classic stalling tactic while they check if anyone is following.
• Account still locked to previous owner. For phones: check if the device is still linked to the original owner's iCloud or Google account. A factory reset that fails to remove the activation lock is a major red flag.

Serial numbers, IMEI and frame numbers

Verification is your strongest defence. For every high-value electronic item:

1. Match the number on the device to the number on the box and receipt. All three must align.
2. Ask the seller to show the serial in Settings. For iPhones: Settings → General → About. For Android: Settings → About Phone. If they refuse, walk away.
3. Check IMEI online through your mobile operator or the IMEI database services — though note that Polish public registries for IMEI or bike frame numbers are not officially verified, so treat any «clean» result from a third-party site with caution.
4. For bikes: note the frame number (usually stamped on the bottom bracket or head tube). Ask for any registration documents or proof of purchase.

For more on testing devices at pickup, see test used electronics.

What Polish law says: paserstwo

The Polish Criminal Code has three articles that directly address buying stolen goods:

• Article 291 covers intentional handling: helping sell, passing on or hiding an item you know was obtained illegally. Penalties range from 3 months to 5 years for the basic offence, with lower-gravity cases getting a fine, restriction of liberty or up to 1 year.
• Article 292 is the key risk for resellers: it covers unintentional handling (paserstwo nieumyślne). If the circumstances should have made you suspect the item was illegally obtained — and you bought it anyway — you face a fine, restriction of liberty or up to 2 years. For items of considerable value, the penalty rises to 3 months to 5 years.
• Article 293 § 2 adds a civil consequence: the court can order the item forfeited even if you paid for it in good faith.

This is general information, not legal advice. For specific situations, consult a lawyer (radca prawny or adwokat).

For the legal risk of selling fakes, see selling counterfeits law.

If you suspect an item is stolen after buying

If you discover problems after the purchase — or later realise you missed red flags — act immediately:

1. Stop selling the item. Do not list it, do not ship it to a buyer.
2. Keep all records. Chat messages, payment confirmations, photos the seller sent, the meeting location. These are evidence.
3. Contact the police. Go to your local station with your evidence. File a report. The police can investigate whether the item was reported stolen.
4. Do not confront the seller. Messaging them that you know can alert them, compromise investigations or escalate conflict.
5. Accept the loss. Under Article 293 § 2 kk, you may lose both the item and the money. This is why prevention matters more than cure.

For common OLX scam patterns, see OLX scams for sellers. For buying safely on Facebook Marketplace, see Facebook Marketplace flipping.

A buying policy you can apply every time

Build these rules into your sourcing workflow:

• No serial number matching box and receipt = no deal
• No receipt for items over say you set a 500 zł threshold = no deal
• Seller cannot open device settings in front of me = no deal
• Two or more red flags combined = walk away
• Always test the device at the meeting before paying
• Keep chat and payment records for every transaction

For iPhone-specific checks, see the iPhone resale guide. For bike checks, see the bike resale guide. This page is part of the broader product sourcing guide cluster.