Stolen PS3 gets tracked down via PlayStation Network
By Donald Melanson 
posted August 11th 2008 2:56PM
posted August 11th 2008 2:56PM
It looks like a recent PlayStation 3 theft took a few more twists and turns than your garden variety console heist, with not one but two individuals finding themselves finding themselves short a PS3 before all is said and done, and one of 'em eventually winding up with an unwanted Xbox 360. Our story picks up when one Dustin Waller gets a used PS3 as a gift and goes about using it, unknowingly, under the previous owners PlayStation Network ID. As luck would have it, that "used" PS3 was actually stolen, and after a month of good times, the police showed up at his door and took the console away. Apparently, they used Waller's IP address to track down his location, which we assume means Sony was also involved, although that tidbit's not exactly clear. But that's not all, when Waller went back to the 3-D Games store that the PS3 was purchased at to get a refund, they refused him, and would only give him an Xbox 360 in return, which Waller complains "isn't nearly as expensive or sophisticated as the PlayStation."[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Small claims courts usually only cost $50 and you don't need a lawyer. I can't imagine a judge allowing a business to sell stolen goods and not be held responsible.
Yeah he should at least try to get a full refund on his purchase.
Yeah, and most places, you can include your filing fees in your judgment amount.
Am I the only one that thinks this whole story is bullshit?
No, just the only one who posted without reading the other comments.
Yay?
"isn't nearly as expensive or sophisticated as the PlayStation."
This incredible technical analysis coming from the guy who cant figure out hes using someone elses PSN account...
Since he said he had bad luck with 360s he must've had some basis for comparison. Further, it's not a large leap to thin that someone who didn't realize that he was using another's PSN account would base sophistication on less technical differences between the two.
Isn't it illegal to sell stolen goods, or did I just imagine that in law class?
I was about to say the same thing (except I never took any law classes).
So they sold him a stolen console, and got away with it?
This story doesn't make any sense. It sounds to me like a Sony viral news article thing. Especially the "not so sophisticated" comment in the end.
I'd expect the real story to end with a complete refund, and an investigation regarding the source of this store's merchandise.
I call "viral news ad".
Only if a reasonable person in the same circumstance would be likely to believe the item was stolen. How many people walk into these shops selling their old stuff with no original packaging, receipts, etc? A lot.
Does it means that theres a chance of my PS3 to be recover? Mine got stolen few weeks ago but I changed my PSN password. I got new PS3 now through insurance though.
Sue the store in small claims court. Demand your money or a replacement PS3. Even if he took the XBox he can offer to give it back in his suit.
Make sure the police know the whole story and investigate the store. Act fast on that lawsuit since the store wont be in business much longer if they are selling stolen (or unknown origin) console devices.
Its probably good he got the Xbox360 now since the store may not be around long enough to sue them for a replacement PS3.
Best Line in the mix;
"individuals finding themselves finding themselves short "
As for not reformatting the harddrive and using someone else's screenname... well, I guess if you're too damn stupid to get the police involved with the store, you're too dumb to start a new account.
It was a gift from his fiancee, whom obviously would have a RECEIPT, so wouldn't he get the police involved with the store and not just hand it over and say nothing about it being LEGITIMATELY PURCHASED?
The store, most probably, would have the info of the person who sold them the stolen system.
They always ask for an ID at any chain store, and even if this is some independently run store, they still would probably have the person's info (if the system was broke or missing parts, it'd be the responsibility of the person who sold it to them).
Thus, they could track down the person who sold the stolen system originally...
but... people are stupid, very, very stupid.
I call BS on the whole thing.
My PS3 was stolen a couple months ago, I spent countless hours on the phone talking to Sony about doing this very thing, ie having them track it the next time my account or the machine logged on to PSN. According to at least 3 levels of tech support they can't do this, even if the police request it.
The only thing they can do is disable your account until you get a new machine and change the password.
That's right sue 'em and sue Microsoft for creating an inferior product!, Piece of crap!
That's scary but also cool at the same time!
My Ps3 was stolen as well. Any ideas on how to find it