Bought a laptop off ebay and has illegal files.?

Question

I bought a laptop off of ebay. I bought is "as is" but they said it was in condition. But it contains beastiality and child porn files. Do i report the people who sold it to me, they said it was used before them though so do i tell them and let them report the previous person? Or do i just restore windows and forget or report them?

Answer 1

report those b-a-s-tards!that's so wrong and disturbing!

Answer 2

Unplug the computer immediately !
Call the nearest Division of the "FBI" in your area.
Print out the ebay transaction number and all information that you have about the user that sold you that machine.

If the machine was shipped acrossed any state line then the person that sold it to you is looking at some serious prison time. (One year per photo) is the rule of thumb.

Keep in mind that these children are not starring in porn films, but in essense are victims of porn preditors, so get that machine to the FBI at once.

I might add, thank you, for bringing this issues up here on the yahoo answers screen. You will be doing the right thing and you have my respect for even asking about what to do with that machine.

Thank You for removing a child preditor from the net.

Sparky Miller
Wellsville, Ohio

Answer 3

You haveno idea who downloaded the files. The previous owner may have bought it from someone else.. or lent the laptop to someone else. For all you know, it maybe a set up, where they put the files there on purpose to get you in trouble.

Besides, if you report it, you may out of a laptop while it is impounded as evidence.

You did not download it, so keep your conscience clear. Format the laptop and reinstall a new OS. I would do a complete format instead of a quick format and even use a security hard disk wipe software like SECURE ERASE (freeware). You can download it from:

http://cmrr.ucsd.edu/hughes/SecureErase.html

Answer 4

I would report it. They might be able to track down the person by internet use. Just show them proof that you purchased it on ebay so that they know 1. you didn't take the photos 2. they know who sold it to you. If they can find a web address on the computer, they may be able to find someone.

Answer 5

I would report it....I have heard of a new law that would require all technicians to report that type of porn when seen. Besides....whoever it came from needs some serious help.

Answer 6

Report it.

It's likely the police will come after you. Police won't arrest you for downloading illegal music or movies but they will, however, take action when there is child pornography.

Answer 7

Report it dude the computers IP address may reveal the prior owner and the police can use the computer as evidence.

Answer 8

I would call the police and tell them their user ID. Chances are they already have a record.

I'd give that laptop a good wipedown with something antibacterial, too. ;)

Answer 9

if the laptop works good and has no other problems then just restore windows and forget about it but if its not working good then report it.

Answer 10

I would check with your local law enforcement (talk to more than one person), especially if they have a "computer crimes" unit. You could also check with their child protection services unit.

Answer 11

please report this people so the police can do somthing about it. Explain to them what happen. Have a good day.