Those who sell on eBay or Craigslist

[SquarePeg]

I have a buyer asking me for the serial number on a camera I'm selling. He says it's to confirm it's not a grey market item. Is this a scam? Can they do something sketchy if I give them the number?

 

[Destin]

I have a buyer asking me for the serial number on a camera I'm selling. He says it's to confirm it's not a grey market item. Is this a scam? Can they do something sketchy if I give them the number?

I don't see how he could do something sketchy. I mean I guess he could try reporting it stolen or something, but that would be a stretch.

 

[480sparky]

Give them everything except the last four digits.

 

[smoke665]

Not sure that asking for serial number is a scam, unless the next question is wanting your bank acct number!

 

[Destin]

If you shoot Nikon, the first two letters will do it.

 

[SquarePeg]

Thanks all.

 

[480sparky]

If you shoot Nikon, the first two letters will do it.

Yes, if the letters are US.

But not all US lenses start out with US. Some are just numbers.

 

[tirediron]

I don't sell, but I buy a lot and I always ask for the s/n to see if it turns up on the RCMP hot sheet.

 

[Designer]

I have a buyer asking me for the serial number on a camera I'm selling. He says it's to confirm it's not a grey market item. Is this a scam? Can they do something sketchy if I give them the number?

I would take a photo of the number and crop off the last few digits before sending it to him. I understand your sense of caution, but at some point, you want the transaction to go through.

 

[Frank F.]

I have a buyer asking me for the serial number on a camera I'm selling. He says it's to confirm it's not a grey market item. Is this a scam? Can they do something sketchy if I give them the number?

I asked Nikon as a buyer if the item I intend to buy was reported stolen. I did often show the serial number openly to gain the trust of my potential customers. I did always have proof of original purchase and items registered with Nikon so noone could trick me easily in return.

 

[compur]

I have been selling on eBay since it began. I agree with the others above who advise just giving all but the last few digits. In most cases the request for a SN is innocent but a bad apple could make trouble for you if given the complete number. Giving all but the last few digits should satisfy any legitimate request for a SN.

 

[SquarePeg]

To follow up, he was just wanting to confirm it was not a grey market item. I copied the warranty card with the serial number and a photo of the serial number, both with the last 2 digits blurred. That was what he needed and the sale was fine. Thanks for all the help!

2 camera bodies and 3 lenses down, 6 lenses to go!!!

 

[astroNikon]

When I buy I always make sure it's a US supported SN for warranty work, whether the warranty has expired or not. My 80-200/2.8 has been in for warranty work about 2 yrs ago and it's past was warranty but I had no problem getting it serviced. I'm not sure Nikon would work on a non-US body/lens.