Illegal to Remove Serial Number?

LThermite1990 on 29/09/2018 - 20:11

Hello, I am just wondering if it is illegal to tamper with the serial number on products? I bought a fridge off a company which deals with 1st and 2nd hand products and have realised that the serial number has been cut off (literally the sticker) a

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Hybroid on 29/09/2018 - 20:13
    +3

    Don't think so for common household goods. Only illegal for firearms and vehicles (VIN).

    For the fridge, it's likely stolen so cut off to avoid being traced.

    • Thermite1990 on 29/09/2018 - 20:18

      The company from which i purchased it off seems dubious regarding its reviews (2.5 out of 5 on one website) and its warranty service seems to be another company…

      • SnoozeAndLose on 29/09/2018 - 20:32
        +5

        Just lesson learn not getting anything from them any more?

    • Savas on 29/09/2018 - 21:34
      +2

      how can you steal a fridge?

      • [Deactivated] on 29/09/2018 - 22:38
        +7

        I guess without the owners permission, just like anything else.

      • tomsco on 29/09/2018 - 22:39
        +12

        Same way you download a car.

      • GregMonarch on 30/09/2018 - 19:52
        +1

        how can you steal a fridge?

        1. Stop ingesting soy products…
  • thatonethere on 29/09/2018 - 21:20
    +3

    Sometimes supposedly unrepairable appliances are junked and the serial number removed. Then a third party is able to repair them for sale.

    Sadly also "rent to buy" appliances are sold by the renter and the serial removed to prevent tracking.

    While this may or not apply to yours good to bear in mind.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/09/2018 - 21:40
    +22

    It might get investigated as a cold case.

    • ronnknee on 30/09/2018 - 01:48
      +3

      Freeze! It's the serial number police.

      • GregMonarch on 30/09/2018 - 19:50

        Then spend time in a cell thawing his heels.

  • Davo1111 on 30/09/2018 - 02:09

    just cars

  • El Grande on 30/09/2018 - 03:00
    +2

    Nothing illegal about it. An example is grey imported machinery has serial numbers ground off to protect the suppliers/dealers overseas as if the local distributor finds out they get the overseas supplier (dealer) banned through the manufacturer/distributor of the country of origin.

  • hawkeye on 30/09/2018 - 08:22
    +3

    Mate got 20 years for being a serial killer he would of got more if they could find the others he rubbed.

  • g12345567 on 30/09/2018 - 08:25

    Same. Purchased some refurbished Logitech products (keyboards, mouse, game controllers etc) from a reputable seller on eBay many years ago that had there serial numbers all blanked out. Nothing wrong with the products. Perfect condition and still work fine today.

    Removing the serial number just means you can't claim warranty directly from the original manufacturer. Only from the place of purchase. Unless stolen, which in your case is highly unlikely.

  • whytd on 30/09/2018 - 14:47

    With scratch and dent appliances sometimes the serial numbers are removed to differentiate them from new. What brand is the appliance?

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