Craigslist with way too many new Macs in the box never been opened? How?

Question

OMG I was looking to buy a used Mac Book Pro and someone suggested I look at Craigslist. What is up with all these new in the box never been open computers? How can this be, are they all stolen? My son suggested it and I work overseas and he says if you find one let me know and he'll pick it up. Isee a lot of 15" i7 going for 1700 and they list for 2200 plus tax. I even see people with pictures of like 3 in a box sitting on their bed.
Can someone enlighten me on this? I love the idea of saving say 650 bucks but I would just die if my son gets a box of rocks. I told him to open it up and power it up and if it's on the bad side of town don't even think of it. Is there a listing of stoen serial numbers out there?
My dad always said if it sounds too good to be true then it most likey is.
DK

Answer 1

While no one can say with certainty, the strong likelihood is that if someone claims to have several Macs available that have never been opened, they're either 1) stolen or 2) the seller is lying about what they have. If the computers are discontinued models, it's dimly possible that the seller managed to pick them up on a closeout from someone or are dealers themselves closing out old gear; Best Buy sometimes eBays demo gear and may in some cases eBay discontinued stock.
But if someone is showing multiple boxes on their bed and claiming that they're current models in sealed boxes, it's most likely either a fake - either used gear, or you'll be given nothing at all (people have been known to seal up boxes with nothing but bricks in them), or the seller plans to rob you when you meet - or stolen goods. No one in his or her right mind will sell legitimately-obtain Macs new in the box for that much less than they sell at normal dealers.
I'd strongly suggest avoiding any such sellers; it's just not worth the risk. If you decide to go ahead, then follow Ralph's advice: meet only in a public place (do not meet at your own residence), confirm the goods by opening the box, and insist on a receipt to prove that the seller legally acquired the computer. Receipts can be faked so it's no guarantee, but at least you can show a good faith effort if the police show up at your house and you're accused of receiving stolen property. If the seller is legit, you should be able to contact the seller shown on the receipt and confirm legal sale before you purchase; if the seller balks, he's probably selling stolen goods.
Regards.