Why blur serial numbers in photos?

[clay1680]

My apologies in advance if this is a stupid question ... but when people take pictures of the serial number between the lugs, why do they blur out the last few digits? Is there a reason why people don't want to share the entire number? Sellers of used cars provide the entire VIN number...

[MonBK]

China doesn't make a replica of your car with your VIN #.


BTW, no questions are stupid, only way to find out is to ask.

[Fearsome Puppy]

[QUOTE=MonBK;3015668]China doesn't make a replica of your car with your VIN #.

I wouldn't be so sure of that...

[Rjwareagle]

I could be wrong, but I've heard it's so someone can't claim the watch as theirs by having the entire serial. Someone could report it stolen and now they have the entire serial. I heard it's good to do it on ebay. I always do it

[snaggle]

What the above 2 posters said. Now, it is not going to be "dangerous" if somehow the serial is exposed, but people just hide it just incase, or just to be safe.. you know...

[Trouble15]

Someone could make a replica & copy the serial number. This could potentially create confusion when if two of the same watches with the same serial number turn up. I think it is also a precaution to not get some dealers in any trouble.

[Lion]

As stated, it's a safety concern...you never know what can happen!!!

[clay1680]

Makes sense, thanks guys! So the above instances are probably quite rare, but it's better to be safe than sorry...

[snaggle]

Originally Posted by clay1680

Makes sense, thanks guys! So the above instances are probably quite rare, but it's better to be safe than sorry...

exactly.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by clay1680

Makes sense, thanks guys! So the above instances are probably quite rare, but it's better to be safe than sorry...

Yep

[GradyPhilpott]

If someone has copied the serial numbers from any of my watches somehow and wants to report them as stolen, then more power to him.

He'll have to over come the little problem of boxes and papers, including receipts, not to mention my AD's records.

However, one can never be too careful on the internet and any identifying data should be obscured to the extent possible just to keep things from getting messy.

[(DMB)]

Hiding serial numbers is much to do about nothing. China is going to continue cranking out replicas regardless of whether or not they've got a database of serial numbers. The numbers are made up anyhow, so who's to say there aren't identical serial numbers out there that match a legitimate one. Guess what ... there are. As far as someone going to the trouble of reporting that a watch on EBAY, with a serial number visible, was stolen from them ... I don't think too many investigators are going to buy the idea that a guy in New York stole a watch from a complainant in California, who just happened to file a report AFTER the watch was put up for sale, and who cannot account for any history with the watch. But hey, if it helps you sleep better at night ....

[Rjwareagle]

Like I said, I could be wrong, but I think it's good practice. Could save a headache in the future!

[clay1680]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

[MoBe]

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windshield of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windsheild of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

I don't see a need to be insulting to a member for positing a possibility, regardless of how improbable it may be.

In a universe as big and as anonymous as the internet a lot of improbables can become highly possible.

I have read this reason for obscuring serial numbers on this and other boards many times and I can safely presume that not one 12 year old nor a battalion of 12 year olds sitting at computers are waiting for the opportunity to make this suggestion every time the subject pops up.

It probably has never happened, but what if you sent your Rolex to get it serviced and your serial number was in their data base or a police departments data base?

It would probably never happen, but it doesn't make one a fool to consider the possibility.

You might want to read the section on this site about VIN cloning. Sounds like an improbability dreamed up by a psychotic 12 year old, but who knows?

http://www.beyondidentitytheft.com/m...cle-theft.html

[dalip]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windshield of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

You know it's posts like this that cause others to become nervous about asking questions in the first place. Patronizing and unnecessary.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't see a need to be insulting to a member for positing a possibility, regardless of how improbable it may be.

In a universe as big and as anonymous as the internet a lot of improbables can become highly possible.

I have read this reason for obscuring serial numbers on this and other boards many times and I can safely presume that not one 12 year old nor a battalion of 12 year olds sitting at computers are waiting for the opportunity to make this suggestion.

It probably has never happened, but what if you sent your Rolex to get it serviced and your serial number was in their data base or a police departments data base?

It would probably never happen, but it doesn't make one a fool to consider the possibility.

Well said Grady

[MoBe]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't see a need to be insulting to a member for positing a possibility, regardless of how improbable it may be.

In a universe as big and as anonymous as the internet a lot of improbables can become highly possible.

I have read this reason for obscuring serial numbers on this and other boards many times and I can safely presume that not one 12 year old nor a battalion of 12 year olds sitting at computers are waiting for the opportunity to make this suggestion every time the subject pops up.

It probably has never happened, but what if you sent your Rolex to get it serviced and your serial number was in their data base or a police departments data base?

It would probably never happen, but it doesn't make one a fool to consider the possibility.

You might want to read the section on this site about VIN cloning. Sounds like an improbability dreamed up by a psychotic 12 year old, but who knows?

http://www.beyondidentitytheft.com/m...cle-theft.html

No one has been insulted,unless their name is anyone.

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by MoBe

No one has been insulted,unless their name is anyone.

By your response above, I am thinking that perhaps you are missing the point.......were I a new member who had originally brought up that someone might be able to "claim" your watch if they knew the entire serial number, I would have thought you were absolutely addressing me (along with anyone else who might have the same idea), and would have felt insulted, and might refrain from offering any more opinions, in the future.....and that would be a shame, for the beauty of this forum is the participation of the members. Therefore, acting in a way that potentially shuts people down when they are legitimately trying to participate is contrary to what TRF is all about, in my opinion.

A simple "I'm sorry" would have been a nice reply.....for certainly, at times, we can all have a lapse of judgement (I know I have had such), and it's nice to have folks around who can bring them to our attention, as Grady did, for you, so that we may correct them.

Hope I made sense, here.......

[Rjwareagle]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windshield of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

There was no need for that. I've read it along with other members, that it's never good to show the serial. If some don't want to that's fine! If they do that's fine! He just asked a good question! Heck, I had the same question years ago!

[donas]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windshield of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

Just for the record, most police departments take minor reports over the phone. The only information needed to enter an item into the National Crime Information Center (N.C.I.C.) is make, model, serial number. Therefore, YES, it is very possible to report a watch stolen if you have these items available. As far as the car example goes, that can be checked in various databases and ownership confirmed, most other serialized items can not have ownership verified.

Does this mean someone is going to knock on the legit owner's door and take the watch, of course not.....it just prevents a potential heachache.

Why does it seem as though a small percentage of this forum has turned into such "A holes" lately.....if you don't want to provide valuable input, just go onto another thread -- stop all the nasty comments.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The notion that a serial number alone would be enough to make a claim of ownership against the owner of record is absurd in the extreme.Anyone that could consider this scenario as a real possibilty must have an IQ equal to their shoesize.This argument makes as much sense as being able to claim legal ownership of a motor vehicle because you can read the VIN through the windshield of a car.

Where did this idea come from,some 12 year old that just got his first computer?

Unless you bought your watch new and retained the receipt, what do you actually have to show you ever owned it if it was stolen from you? The serial number if you thought to write it down but, more often than not, usually photos of the watch. Indeed, for jewellery, photos is probably all people will have to evidence ownership should they ever need to make an insurance claim.

Watches are one of the few heavily traded items you may own. For example, I have quite a few high value pieces which I bought pre-owned (some vintage pieces probably owned by up to 10 or more people in the past). Many of these were bought for cash and I have no other proof of ownership other than the fact I have documented the serial number and have photos of the watch.

But these are still included on my home insurance policy as itemised high value objects.

So are you saying, I cannot claim for these should I be burgled? Of course I can..... they are itemised valuables on my insurance policy and I will be able to provide photo evidence of the watches in question when I make my stolen report.

So where is this different from someone who joins a forum like TRF, notes down the watch model, serial number if shown..... returns over a few weeks and months and copies photos of your watch on your wrist to his hard drive and gets them printed for their insurance file. Even better, if you provide photos of wrist shots on holiday for a few more convincing shots.

The fraudster then adds the said watch to their insurance policy and maybe a year or so later makes a claim, usually abroad, usually on a holiday insurance policy and usually on a beach or by the hotel pool to get a nice Police report without having to have had their home burgled. The fact they can also evidence the watch was already listed as an itemised valuable on their home insurance policy is usually all they need.....

In most cases we are probably looking at watches over 5 years old so there is a good excuse for not having kept boxes or receipts or remembering who you actually bought it from.... One of my watches came from an antique market in Rome for cash...... How would I possibly prove I owned that watch other than retaining the serial number and having photos in my insurance file. Because of this I now take photos of the watch with something personal or a picture with the watch held up to my face but that isn't actually needed for an insurance claim.

But if you want to splash your watches serial number all over the internet, be my guest....... Oh and by the way..... my IQ is a little bit higher than my shoe size

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Unless you bought your watch new and retained the receipt, what do you actually have to show you ever owned it if it was stolen from you? The serial number if you thought to write it down but, more often than not, usually photos of the watch. Indeed, for jewellery, photos is probably all people will have to evidence ownership should they ever need to make an insurance claim.

Watches are one of the few heavily traded items you may own. For example, I have quite a few high value pieces which I bought pre-owned (some vintage pieces probably owned by up to 10 or more people in the past). Many of these were bought for cash and I have no other proof of ownership other than the fact I have documented the serial number and have photos of the watch.

But these are still included on my home insurance policy as itemised high value objects.

So are you saying, I cannot claim for these should I be burgled? Of course I can..... they are itemised valuables on my insurance policy and I will be able to provide photo evidence of the watches in question when I make my stolen report.

So where is this different from someone who joins a forum like TRF, notes down the watch model, serial number if shown..... returns over a few weeks and months and copies photos of your watch on your wrist to his hard drive and gets them printed for their insurance file. Even better, if you provide photos of wrist shots on holiday for a few more convincing shots.

The fraudster then adds the said watch to their insurance policy and maybe a year or so later makes a claim, usually abroad, usually on a holiday insurance policy and usually on a beach or by the hotel pool to get a nice Police report without having to have had their home burgled. The fact they can also evidence the watch was already listed as an itemised valuable on their home insurance policy is usually all they need.....

In most cases we are probably looking at watches over 5 years old so there is a good excuse for not having kept boxes or receipts or remembering who you actually bought it from.... One of my watches came from an antique market in Rome for cash...... How would I possibly prove I owned that watch other than retaining the serial number and having photos in my insurance file. Because of this I now take photos of the watch with something personal or a picture with the watch held up to my face but that isn't actually needed for an insurance claim.

But if you want to splash your watches serial number all over the internet, be my guest....... Oh and by the way..... my IQ is a little bit higher than my shoe size

I thought it was prudent before, but I KNOW it's prudent now. Great post.

[MoBe]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Unless you bought your watch new and retained the receipt, what do you actually have to show you ever owned it if it was stolen from you? The serial number if you thought to write it down but, more often than not, usually photos of the watch. Indeed, for jewellery, photos is probably all people will have to evidence ownership should they ever need to make an insurance claim.

Watches are one of the few heavily traded items you may own. For example, I have quite a few high value pieces which I bought pre-owned (some vintage pieces probably owned by up to 10 or more people in the past). Many of these were bought for cash and I have no other proof of ownership other than the fact I have documented the serial number and have photos of the watch.

But these are still included on my home insurance policy as itemised high value objects.

So are you saying, I cannot claim for these should I be burgled? Of course I can..... they are itemised valuables on my insurance policy and I will be able to provide photo evidence of the watches in question when I make my stolen report.

So where is this different from someone who joins a forum like TRF, notes down the watch model, serial number if shown..... returns over a few weeks and months and copies photos of your watch on your wrist to his hard drive and gets them printed for their insurance file. Even better, if you provide photos of wrist shots on holiday for a few more convincing shots.

The fraudster then adds the said watch to their insurance policy and maybe a year or so later makes a claim, usually abroad, usually on a holiday insurance policy and usually on a beach or by the hotel pool to get a nice Police report without having to have had their home burgled. The fact they can also evidence the watch was already listed as an itemised valuable on their home insurance policy is usually all they need.....

In most cases we are probably looking at watches over 5 years old so there is a good excuse for not having kept boxes or receipts or remembering who you actually bought it from.... One of my watches came from an antique market in Rome for cash...... How would I possibly prove I owned that watch other than retaining the serial number and having photos in my insurance file. Because of this I now take photos of the watch with something personal or a picture with the watch held up to my face but that isn't actually needed for an insurance claim.

But if you want to splash your watches serial number all over the internet, be my guest....... Oh and by the way..... my IQ is a little bit higher than my shoe size

A very inventive scenario indeed and indicative of a certain IQ,I might add,but has anything like it happenned to you or anyone you know?

The amount of effort you describe to perpetrate such a fraud is enormous and beyond reason for such a relatively small return.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by MoBe

A very inventive scenario indeed and indicative of a certain IQ,I might add,but has anything like it happenned to you or anyone you know?

The amount of effort you describe to perpetrate such a fraud is enormous and beyond reason for such a relatively small return.

I am certainly aware of this happening and have a friend who works for an insurance company that has stories that will just amaze you...... I think you need to think a little bigger in terms of scale. Fraud is a multi million dollar industry and this will be done on a pretty large scale operation with willing participants who get paid a percentage of the claim to put the watch on their home insurance policy and make the claim for a syndicated approach.

Most of us will never get our watch stolen and therefore will never make a claim ourselves so you will never know if this has happened to us. RSC Bexley in the UK used to run a stolen Rolex register and I have checked a couple of watches in the past but not sure if this service is still available and think it was only ever a UK register.

But people are very inventive when it comes to "free money". One story this friend told me was a guy who had a sister working for a hospital in Greece. When found out, he had apparently made annual claims for 9 appendix operations on different holiday insurance policies..... Another guy claimed for new carpets throughout his 5 bedroom house because "he was looking for his wife whilst carrying a leaking car battery......."

[Anthony.S]

Originally Posted by clay1680

My apologies in advance if this is a stupid question ... but when people take pictures of the serial number between the lugs, why do they blur out the last few digits? Is there a reason why people don't want to share the entire number? Sellers of used cars provide the entire VIN number...

I always wondered about this.

Thanks for bringing it up.

[Omega 1120]

Why blur serial numbers?

1. For the piece of mind of the owner of the watch.
2. To prevent a crook from using the serial number to file a false insurance claim.
3. To prevent a counterfeiter from using the number.
4. To prevent a false claim of ownership.
5. For the piece of mind of the new owner, if the watch is ever stolen.
6. To prevent a crook from using the pic in a fraudulent online sale.
7. To prevent a crook from using the serial number in a crooked scheme as yet to be determined.

[Omega 1120]

Originally Posted by Omega 1120

Why blur serial numbers?

1. For the piece of mind of the owner of the watch.
2. To prevent a crook from using the serial number to file a false insurance claim.
3. To prevent a counterfeiter from using the number.
4. To prevent a false claim of ownership.
5. For the piece of mind of the new owner, if the watch is ever stolen.
6. To prevent a crook from using the pic in a fraudulent online sale.
7. To prevent a crook from using the serial number in a crooked scheme as yet to be determined.

After posting the above 3 hours ago, I noticed that I made an error. Number 6 should read "For the piece of mind of the new owner, if the watch is ever sold."

I tried to edit it but I was not allowed to.

What kind of watch forum does not let you edit something 3 hours after you have posted it. That is VERY LAME.

No wonder why I don't post here that often anymore!

[Rjwareagle]

^ agree!

[omegabenz]

I do it for all of the above, plus it is your watch and your serial number - like a connection between the watch and wearer/owner.