Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
Ask the seller for the frame serial number, if not listed in the ad. Explain to them that you want to check with local law enforcement to see if the bike has been reported stolen. If they balk, try to get as much info as you can, and turn them in.
If the serial number is listed in the ad, run it by the local PD, just in case.
I wouldn't give a seller the serial number. They could register it under their name, report it stolen and you'd be stuck proving it's yours or be forced to hand over the bike.
In person, I don't mind them checking.