Stolen Macbook Pro
So, I'm new to this forum and need some advice.
I purchased a macbook pro yesterday from a person on craigslist. Before purchasing I asked him for the serial number in order to check it with Apple. He gave it to me, and I called Apple. I wanted to make sure it was not stolen, or had any other issues.
The representative I spoke with at Applecare informed me that the computer was purchased about 1 month prior, and had not been flagged for any reason. She also informed me that the computer had not been registered, and had no notes whatsoever. She told me that I should have no problems. Feeling confident that I was making a safe purchase, I met the seller a local coffee shop and bought the computer. I then took the computer home and registered it via the Apple website.
Today I was having some issues with screen flicker. I decided to make an appointment at the Apple store with the Genius bar. To make a long story short, after running the serial number, the Genius informed me that the computer had been stolen from another Apple store and called his manager! The manager said he would need to keep the computer, and said I would be contacted from the theft/loss division. I was in total shock! I explained what happened, and he was sensitive to the situation, but said his hands were tied.
I then called Applecare back and explained what happened. The rep ran the serial number again, and said it had no notes/flags. He also informed me that he had no way of telling if computer was stolen. Feeling sick to my stomach, I asked him how this could be. He had no good explanation. He gave me a case number and noted everything I had told him. He told me to call back Monday morning.
Does anybody know why Applecare telephone support had no record of the theft, and why they informed me the computer was safe. Also, why would the store have record of it being stolen, but not Applecare? I feel totally mislead by Apple. I'm out about 1700, and am having a hard time not feeling really angry. Does anybody have any advice on what to do?
So, I'm hoping something positive will come of this situation. I'm waiting anxiously to speak with customer relations tomorrow morning. Apple seriously needs to get there stuff together. I know other companies...i.e. verizon and sprint have databases that accurately track stolen phones. I recently called verizon and checked the serial number of a iphone 4 that I was potentially going to buy off an individual on craigslist. They informed me very clearly to not purchase the phone. I didn't.
Point # 1. I don't understand what is so hard in having some sort of database to keep track of macs. We all know that Apple has some very intelligent people working for their company....after all, they call themselves geniuses! There must be some way to protect the customer, and keep dibs on their machines.
Point # 2. Why didn't the customer service reps, just say that the purchase would be at my own risk. I have spoken to multiple reps, and have never been told the information that I have since discovered. I would have never risked my hard earned cash, if I had any inkling about the computer being stolen. I have bought 2 other macs on craigslist, and went through the same procedure. For all I know, my other two computers are also stolen!!! I am trying not to freak out!
While I agree that craigslist has some losers, it is in many ways a great way to buy and sell things. I have been using craigslist for many years, and have had many good experiences. As we all know macs are not cheap, and saving a few hundred dollars here or there really helps.
I plan on filing a police report tomorrow, but don't see anything coming of it.
What a great Easter.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have also posted this same issue on a couple other forum websites.
MacBook Pro
