Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › Bought Something That Turned Out to Be Stolen
Bought Something That Turned Out to Be Stolen
If you think something you bought is stolen, call the police on 101 or take it to a police station; they will try to return it to its owner. Do not keep it or give it back to the seller yourself. You have the legal right to a full refund from the seller.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
What to Do
Your Rights
As soon as you think it is stolen, call the police on 101 or take the item to your local police station. They will try to return it to its original owner. Don't keep it or return it to the seller yourself. You have the legal right to a full refund from the seller: show the police crime reference number, property log number and proof of purchase. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayContact the policeOn 101
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Call the police on 101.
Step 2 of 5
Get the crime reference and property log numbers.
Step 3 of 5
Ask the seller for a full refund with your proof of purchase. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If you paid by card, ask about chargeback or Section 75.
Step 5 of 5
If you bought on a marketplace, use its protection scheme too.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Retailer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and say which remedy you want.
Your Card or Credit Provider
If you paid by credit card or regulated buy now pay later and the shop will not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Check serial numbers and logbooks when buying second-hand.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/if-you-think-youve-bought-stolen-goods Checked 13 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 8 October 2026