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Fraud http://www.missingequipment.org
Dealing with stolen gear in the broadcast and cinema equipment industry is an unfortunate reality, and it’s something we take very seriously. Being on the email list for stolen gear alerts, I’m constantly paying attention to what’s happening in this space. Sadly, with advancements in technology—including AI—the problem could become even more complex. It’s both frustrating and disheartening that we have to face these challenges, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant.
Most of the equipment I sell comes from clients I know and trust, which significantly reduces the risk of handling stolen gear. However, stolen items often leave the country quickly, making it even more challenging to track them down. Despite this, not all stolen gear escapes detection, and sometimes vigilance can lead to positive outcomes.
I recall a specific incident in either 2021 or 2022 that really reinforced the importance of diligence. I received a call from someone asking me to sell their Sony Venice Camera package. Right away, something felt off. The caller didn’t seem familiar with the camera or its capabilities, which raised red flags. I started asking detailed questions about the equipment and gathered all their information, including the serial number.
Using that serial number, I looked it up on a stolen gear database and discovered that it matched an item reported stolen. I immediately contacted the rental company that owned the camera and shared the information with them. Together with the police, they were able to recover the camera from the thieves.
This experience underscores why it’s so important to verify equipment and work only with trusted individuals. Theft not only disrupts businesses but also undermines trust within our industry. By staying alert, asking the right questions, and utilizing resources like stolen gear databases, we can all play a role in combating this issue.
For me, it’s about more than just selling equipment—it’s about protecting the community and ensuring that the equipment we handle has a clean history. If you’re buying or selling equipment, I encourage you to partner with someone who values integrity and takes the extra steps to verify every transaction. Together, we can help make our industry a safer and more trustworthy place.
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