Bought and sold a stolen atv (didn't know, have texts to prove it)

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czgheib954

Whats in a title?
Hey there, I traded an cbr 600 f4i with electrical issues on craigslist for an atv. The guy came by dropped off the atv, gave me a bill of sale, and a copy of his DL license. I sold it to him for $2000. He picked up the f4i and left. I wanted to recoup the bike so I sold the atv. I get a call back and the buyer tried registering, got it taken from him and he said he also went to jail. I told him I didn't know about the atv being stolen and he said either I pay him or he sues me for the money. Today, two weeks later, I got a call and a voicemail from a highway patrol demanding I call him back about this. I'm going to talk to my lawyer, but just wanted to hear what you have to say about this. I have texts from me to the seller that traded with me the atv. I asked him for a pink slip and got his information.

Thanks in advance!
 
RightCoastBias

RightCoastBias

F8TRED
Sounds like you should give the guy who you sold it to his 2k back, explain th situation to the CHP and take the guy you got the ATV from to small claims court.

But, if he was knowingly part of the theft, you probably got a fake ID and your bike is out there. It's likely not going to be registered and you'll get tickets, toll violations and/or an impound notice.

Best of luck.
 
Shaggy

Shaggy

Zoinks!!!!
If you've already retained counsel, these are all questions better directed to your attorney.

With that said, I would also be cautious that this could be a scam on the ATV buyer's behalf in an effort to get his money back and keep the ATV. If you end up contacting a legitimate CHP officer (preferably in person and not over the phone so you can verify the legitimacy of the investigation), then tell them the truth about what happened and provide them all the information that could help them complete their investigation.

If you speak with them over the phone, be sure to document the date/time of the conversation, the officer's name and badge number, and the case number related to the investigation so you can later verify whether it's legit or a scam.
 
RightCoastBias

RightCoastBias

F8TRED
Nick said:
If you've already retained counsel, these are all questions better directed to your attorney.

With that said, I would also be cautious that this could be a scam on the ATV buyer's behalf in an effort to get his money back and keep the ATV. If you end up contacting a legitimate CHP officer (preferably in person and not over the phone so you can verify the legitimacy of the investigation), then tell them the truth about what happened and provide them all the information that could help them complete their investigation.

If you speak with them over the phone, be sure to document the date/time of the conversation, the officer's name and badge number, and the case number related to the investigation so you can later verify whether it's legit or a scam.
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I'd not even think of that. I found it odd that a CHiP would call and not show up at his door, considering he was selling stolen property. But being a scam by the buyer is a really good call.
 
RightCoastBias

RightCoastBias

F8TRED
czgheib954 said:
That sounds like a lot of trouble on my end. In the end if I'm forced to do it, I just might have to...
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But it would be the right thing to do. If it is indeed stolen, you caused the buyer a lot more trouble than he needed. Seems like a situation where one should want to make things right and not be looking for an out.
 
NorCalBusa

NorCalBusa

Member #294
Nick said:
If you've already retained counsel, these are all questions better directed to your attorney.

With that said, I would also be cautious that this could be a scam on the ATV buyer's behalf in an effort to get his money back and keep the ATV. If you end up contacting a legitimate CHP officer (preferably in person and not over the phone so you can verify the legitimacy of the investigation), then tell them the truth about what happened and provide them all the information that could help them complete their investigation.

If you speak with them over the phone, be sure to document the date/time of the conversation, the officer's name and badge number, and the case number related to the investigation so you can later verify whether it's legit or a scam.
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^ this.

I'd also record all phone calls with regard to the matter, its time to start keeping really good records. Just let the other person know you are doing so at the top of the call. This isn't fun and games, knowingly or not, you sold stolen property. If you are already working with a lawyer, that's your first conversation to have.
 
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mototireguy

mototireguy

Moto Tire Veteran
Buying stuff with no title and a Nigerian bill of sale.

Selling stuff with no title.

Hope things work out without too much headache and $$$ out of pocket.
 
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packnrat

Well-known member
this is why, NO title. no sale.

one should regester same day you pick up any thing with a motor.
like as in before your check can clear the bank.
like as in before the ink has time to dry.


.
 
caideN

caideN

Get that!
Was the call back number a cell phone number or a number that can be found linked to a CHP office on google?
 
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czgheib954

Whats in a title?
The officer called on an unknown number and gave me a 510 number to call back on. He seemed legit. I'm going to talk to an attorney and then call him back maybe. Also I made the same mistake the buyer did by not checking vins, seems unreasonable that I should shoulder the entire responsibility.
 
RickM

RickM

Well-known member
If you still have the vin# call DMV or CHP and ask them to check if it's reported stolen.

you can also check at www.nicb.org. But I am not confident that database is comprehensive.

I have bought parts bikes with no title before. But I always call DMV and make sure it's not hot.
 
MikeGyver

MikeGyver

:)
I agree with the above. Contact the CHP in person. This seems fishy. If that guy did go to jail why wouldn't they have come get you at the same time for selling stolen property?

czgheib954 said:
the buyer tried registering, got it taken from him and he said he also went to jail.
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Would this actually happen if he had no priors? I can't imagine being taken to jail over having possession of a stolen ATV if you could quickly prove you didn't know it was stolen.
 
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czgheib954

Whats in a title?
No bench warrants as far as I know, also I was just planning on calling after I talk with my criminal lawyer. I spoke with a civil lawyer and he said that if that guy took me to court, he would most likely win the case and get the money back.
 
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DefyInertia

DefyInertia

Original Saratogian
RightCoastBias said:
But it would be the right thing to do.
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Kind of a bold statement and I'm not sure I follow. Seems both buyers got scammed by the original seller and it just so happens that the 2nd buyer was holding the bag when the music stopped. If you buy an ATV with no title or whatever, the risk that the seller does know the goods are tainted is really on you, no? If the OP knew at the time, that's a completely different story but it does not seem he did.
 
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