Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

Which action could be an example of receiving stolen property?

1. Buying a new bike from a garage sale

2. Purchasing a laptop without verifying its origin

3. Receiving a gift without knowing its source

4. Borrowing a friend's item

The correct answer is: Purchasing a laptop without verifying its origin

Choosing to purchase a laptop without verifying its origin exemplifies the action of receiving stolen property because it involves acquiring an item where the buyer does not confirm that the seller has legal ownership or the right to sell the item. In many jurisdictions, knowingly or recklessly buying something that is stolen can lead to legal consequences, even if the buyer claims they didn't know it was stolen. This action demonstrates a lack of due diligence, as it is essential to establish that the item being purchased is not stolen. The responsibility falls on the buyer to ensure that the transaction is legitimate, as ignorance of the item's status does not absolve one from potential legal liability should it be determined that the item was stolen. In contrast, buying a bike from a garage sale, receiving a gift, or borrowing an item from a friend may not have the same implication of knowingly receiving stolen property, particularly if there are reasonable assumptions about the ownership and legality of the items involved.