Reverb listing question

[rsm]

I have a guitar listed, it's from the '80s, and worth a few thousand $. I just had someone contact me on Reverb asking for the serial number. I purchased this back in the late '80s / early '90s and no longer have the receipt.

I've heard of scams where people get the serial number make a fake sales receipt and report it stolen.

Do you share serial numbers online to potential buyers or not? Why or why not?

Thanks.

 

[Racerxrated]

I would tell them a partial serial#; don't give the full one. If he's looking for a legit neck plate, for instance proving it's a legit USA Charvel/Jackson then I'd take a pic of it BUT block the last 2 digits....either with your phone's edit feature or just cover with tape.
If they want more than that, it's possibly a scam.

 

[klarran]

I agree don’t show the last two .

 

[Ben Waylin]

I've heard of scams where people get the serial number make a fake sales receipt and report it stolen.

Unfortunately, this is a real thing that happens.

Do not give out the serial number.

 

[Chubbs]

I don’t really have a problem sharing serial numbers and definitely need one if I’m going to buy something. If you have proof of it being in your possession over time I don’t think you have a lot to worry about.

 

[TotallyRadGuitars]

I'm on the other side, I buy a lot of 80s guitars and stuff, and I find it to be really sketchy if someone blocks out the serial number. It makes me worried that I'm buying stolen gear. Especially outside of reverb, where someone might be hiding a key part of the serial number that dictates whether the guitar is original etc (ex. someone blocking out a Kramer serial number and claiming it's an "american" model when it's actually a MIJ focus etc)

 

[sthall]

I'm on the other side, I buy a lot of 80s guitars and stuff, and I find it to be really sketchy if someone blocks out the serial number. It makes me worried that I'm buying stolen gear. Especially outside of reverb, where someone might be hiding a key part of the serial number that dictates whether the guitar is original etc (ex. someone blocking out a Kramer serial number and claiming it's an "american" model when it's actually a MIJ focus etc)

I agree. But usually gettinf a partial serial is enough to verify the guitar. Especially when it comes to old charvels/jacksons.