Bike theft is a scourge.
What happens if your newly purchased bike is actually stolen?
Are you aware of the theft?
Buying a bike knowing it has been stolen is not a good idea. It is even punishable whether you know about the theft or sometimes even if you don’t know. If the circumstances of the sale are suspicious and you don’t ask about the origin of the bike, it’s safe to assume you ignored the theft.
Even if you didn’t notice the theft, you don’t become the owner of the stolen bike you buy. Whoever owned it before you can therefore ask for it to be returned. Of course she has to show you that it’s her bike. This is also possible with the various recording systems of the police and other organizations.
refund
If the person who actually owns the bike picks it up from you, for example after it has been spotted on the street or after a police investigation, you are generally entitled to a refund of the amount you paid.
But there can be some leeway between principle and reality. If you bought someone else’s bike, which you can do online, for example, it actually belongs to the person who had it stolen from. So she doesn’t have to pay you anything back to get her bike back.
If you want your money back you should contact the person who sold it to you. It’s still important that you find her and that she responds positively to your request. Therefore, it is important to confirm your identity before purchasing.
On the other hand, if you bought the bike from a store, you have the choice to request a refund, either directly from the dealer or from the person who actually owns it and wants it back.
Informative Text – This text does not constitute legal advice; It is recommended to consult a lawyer or notary for such advice. Éducaloi is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inform Quebec residents, in clear language, about their rights and responsibilities.