Dear Dave: I own a small business specializing in cell phone repair. Sometimes I buy phones and parts on eBay. I can make sure the phones are not stolen by running a check on the serial numbers. However, I cannot be certain about the individual parts. Is there a way I can ensure I'm not dealing with stolen parts?
— Gordan
Dear Gordan: I would try to deal only with reputable sellers. eBay, I believe, has a ratings system and you have power sellers and so forth. Try to find someone who has a steady stream of cell phone parts, someone who's a reputable, long-time seller and doesn't appear to be a fence. eBay doesn't tolerate that kind of stuff if they can find it.
I would also do a reasonable amount of due diligence in terms of research. But at the end of the day, you can't completely guard against that unless it's a serial-numbered item. I wouldn't say never buy anything on places like eBay, but I would try to use some common sense and judgment.
I used to say I had a bad gut feeling. Then, a pastor friend of mine told me not to call the Holy Spirit a gut. It's not a gut feeling; it's God's spirit — listen!
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