How do I know if this is legit? (Question about buying 2nd hand)

Hello.

I really want a new Macbook, particularly the 2.4GHz model.

I've been seeing some offers on Craiglist for prices around $1200 for new, sealed ones. These are sellers in my area, which is ideal.

When I inquire about these notebooks, I ask if people have receipts. Some of them say they do, but most of them say they received the item as a gift and do not.

I'm asking because of warranty concerns and the whole "if it's too good to be true" adage.

So what I'm getting at is this:

How would I know if I was being scammed, if say, I met up with a seller, tried to notebook to see if it worked (and let's assume it did) but there was no proof of purchase? Could I just walk into an Apple store with the machine and say "I'd like to get AppleCare for this?"

Basically, if the seller is offering no receipt/proof of purchase with their apparently "new, in the box" Macbook, should I stay away or is there a way for me to protect myself?

The thought of handing over $1200 cash and then getting screwed is terrifying.

Any advice/thoughts/etc. would be very much appreciated.

 

Honestly most of those listings to begin with are scams, inquire A LOT via email, have some conversations with the sellers. You'll quickly be able to detect if they're a scammer or not, especially if they ask for any form of advance payment. Once you have a feel for someone who seems legit and has the reciept, go for it. No receipt doesn't mean a scam in itself, but craigslist is such a shady place so I'd tread lightly in that area.

 

In my area (on craigslist) i've seen them selling empty apple boxes for $25.00
for what reason I don't know but why would anyone want to buy an empty box LOL

 

What the hell? I didn't know my cat was a traveller! That cat looks way too much like mine

On topic, though, I'd say get hold of the serial number and check it with Apple. Secondly –I don't know how that works in the US, here (Denmark) one can call the police to check if a given piece of hardware is stolen (if you have the serial, of course).

Also, I'd avoid the ones who have "brand new unopened" equipment at these prices and no receipt. No receipt is fine for a cheap-arse mp3-player, a battery, some cables or some-such. But really –as Hep says, most of those are scams.


Oh, and always agree to meet somewhere public if in doubt.

 

Thank you all very much for the tips.

I'm not sure how the serial number would work, like if I could (with the seller present) call Apple and verify that it's a legit item.

I just picture this nightmare situation where I buy a working machine that by all appearances looks new and then take it home and it stops working. Then, when I call Apple, they say I'm screwed.

Because without a receipt, how would a new buyer be able to use the initial one year warranty?