How does SafeOrStolen know if an item is stolen?

We search over 100 databases including NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau), law enforcement databases, insurance claim records, carrier blacklists (for phones), and DMV records (for vehicles). When an item is reported stolen, it appears in these databases within 24-48 hours.

Is the stolen item check really free?

Yes! You get 2 free searches with no credit card required. After that, we offer affordable single checks or subscription plans for frequent buyers. Pawnshops and businesses get volume pricing.

What happens if I already bought a stolen item?

Unfortunately, if law enforcement identifies your purchase as stolen property, they will confiscate it and return it to the rightful owner. You receive no compensation—the only recourse is against the seller (if you can find them). This is why verification BEFORE purchase is essential.

Can sellers use SafeOrStolen too?

Absolutely! Sellers can run verification on their own items before listing, then share the verification certificate with potential buyers. This builds instant trust and often helps items sell faster and at better prices.

What items can I check with SafeOrStolen?

We verify phones (via IMEI), vehicles (via VIN or license plate), bikes, electronics, tools, jewelry, firearms, and anything with a serial number. If it has an identifier, we can likely check it.

Introduction

0:59

Kelly McEvoy

How to Check if Items Are Stolen Before Buying (Free Tool)

Name: How to Check if Items Are Stolen Before Buying (Free Tool)
Uploaded: 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z
Duration: 59 s
Channel: Kelly McEvoy
Description: Verify items aren't stolen in 30 seconds with SafeOrStolen. Check IMEI, VIN, and serial numbers FREE before buying on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and OfferUp.

Verify items aren't stolen in 30 seconds with SafeOrStolen. Check IMEI, VIN, and serial numbers FREE before buying on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and OfferUp.

#stolengoodscheck

#safeorstolen

#IMEIchecker

#VINlookup

#serialnumberverification

About This Video

This essential video reveals the staggering $13 billion problem of stolen goods circulating in the secondhand market. Every year, millions of buyers unknowingly purchase stolen items from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and other platforms—losing their money when items are confiscated by police. SafeOrStolen's free verification tool changes everything by allowing buyers AND sellers to verify any item in just 30 seconds. Whether you're checking an IMEI number for a used iPhone, a VIN for a used car, or a serial number for tools and electronics, our multi-database search provides peace of mind before you hand over your hard-earned money. This video walks you through the simple process that protects both buyers from legal trouble and sellers from accusations.

Key Takeaways

Stolen goods represent a $13+ billion annual problem in the US alone
Buyers who unknowingly purchase stolen items lose both the item AND their money
IMEI, VIN, and serial number verification takes just 30 seconds
SafeOrStolen searches 100+ databases including NICB, law enforcement, and insurance records
Sellers can prove their items are legitimate to build buyer trust
Free verification is available with 2 searches at no cost
The mobile app allows verification at point-of-sale for in-person meetups

Video Transcript Summary

The video opens with a shocking statistic: over $13 billion in stolen property circulates through secondhand markets every year in the United States alone. This creates a massive problem for innocent buyers who think they're getting a deal, only to have police confiscate their purchase weeks or months later—with zero compensation. Kelly McEvoy, the founder of SafeOrStolen, explains how traditional buying advice like "meet in a public place" or "trust your gut" isn't enough. Thieves are sophisticated, using fake receipts and convincing stories. The only way to truly protect yourself is verification. The video demonstrates SafeOrStolen's simple three-step process: enter the identifier (IMEI for phones, VIN for vehicles, serial number for other items), wait 3 seconds while we search 100+ databases, and receive a clear Safe or Stolen result. Kelly emphasizes that verification protects sellers too—by running a check before listing, you prove your item is legitimate and build instant trust with buyers. The video concludes with a call to download the SafeOrStolen mobile app, which allows verification at the point of sale, right when you're meeting a seller.

Key Statistics

$13+ billion in stolen goods sold annually in the US

Over 2 million vehicles stolen per year

3-second verification time

100+ databases searched

2 free checks available

Expert Tips from Kelly McEvoy

"Never complete a secondhand purchase without verification—even if the seller seems trustworthy or has great reviews. Sophisticated thieves cultivate fake profiles with positive feedback over months before selling stolen goods. Always verify the IMEI, VIN, or serial number BEFORE meeting the seller, not after. If a seller refuses to provide these numbers, walk away immediately. For high-value items like cars or electronics over $500, consider paying the small fee for a comprehensive report that includes insurance claims history and ownership verification."