How can I figure out that an HP laptop is a stolen one before I buy it?

[NasDjf]

Hello,

I have an important question which is:

How can I figure out that an HP laptop is a stolen one before I buy it?

NasDjf

[Dragon-Fur]

@NasDjf 

Interesting question...

It depends on the thief.

Some of the more obvious things to check / be aware...

If the theft is very sophisticated, it can be harder to detect until it is too late.  For example:  You might end up with a product that "looks" like the real thing from the outside, but the components have been switched out for ... lesser expensive parts.

Some shady resellers might be clever - and, assuming they are thieves - they've had practice convincing people to buy what is offered.

If the theft is a shoddy "grab and run", then the box will have been opened , perhaps left that way, or perhaps poorly resealed - assuming there is even a box.

One factor that at least shows the product is not "new" in-box:

The computer will be locked up with someone else login still attached to the startup.

Note that a shoddy return and resale can result in the same "already has a user account" problem if the merchant does not actually check and recheck the returned merchandise before putting it back on the sales shelf.

The local police might have the serial number on record.  Whether they'd share that information with some random person asking the question is - in itself - a question.  I'd guess not just because the police don't generally share this sort of evidence information with an inquisitive public.

Prevention:

Purchase only from reputable full service retailers.

Check reviews for what other people have experienced with that merchant.

Purchase your computers directly from your regional HP Store whenever possible.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[NasDjf]

Thanks for your reply. One more question:

Can HP lock a stolen laptop remotely as Apple does?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@NasDjf 

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@NasDjf wrote:

Thanks for your reply. One more question:

Can HP lock a stolen laptop remotely as Apple does?

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You are welcome.

HP does not track / lock computers.

That said, if the product is available in your region, 

Absolute Protection provides several services, including Delete, Locate, Recover

• Absolute Theft Protection Plans

Search for "Absolute" or  "Absolute Home & Office"

  HP Store

Click the Flag at the bottom to change regions

Hopefully, either this service or something similar is available in your region.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"