how do you protect yourself from potential consequences of getting stolen goods?

That's a touchy subject there fella. With as many scenarios as you used, some might twist it to the point of thinking you're wondering how to get by with it. The main point in any case is make sure not to get involved with shady deals or shady people. I doubt anyone would steal computers just to give them away. In most cases, with due diligence, one can begin to discern whether a potential customer is being honest

Originally Posted by Bear

some might twist it to the point of thinking you're wondering how to get by with it.

Hmm, that's an interesting angle, I did not think of that...

specially when it gets to the i & ii. If you'll look at the ii a bit closer you might wanna try and rephase that somehow