Why are serial numbers not supposed to be posted here?

[behealed]

When you make a new post here on this forum, it says not to include serial numbers are other "private information". I even was able to use google to find an old post from someone else, who attempted to post their serial number here, and a mod had removed the number, replacing it with [proviate information removed].

Reason I ask is, I was planning to sell my HP desktop PC, and I had removed the serial numbers from my photos, mainly because I remembered that here on the forum those serial numbers were called "private". Although actually, I have no idea why they are private, or how it would hurt to share them.

But one potential buyer just asked me to give him my serial number, so he can "prove that my listing isn't fake". I am inclinded to give it to him since I don't really know why a serial number would be a bad thing to share. But before I give it, I figured I better ask here.

So can anyone tell me why HP considers serial numbers to be private?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Read this article...

https://www.howtogeek.com/294471/should-i-keep-my-techs-serial-numbers-private/

While I don't work for or represent HP, I would have to conclude that HP doesn't want the serial numbers posted in case the PC is still under warranty, and an unscrupulous person could attempt to file a false claim for warranty parts replacement or recovery media or whatnot--just like the article indicates.

If the PC is not under warranty, then I doubt there would be much anyone could do with the serial number.

You see PC serial numbers posted on eBay listings of PC sales many times.