Why do people cover their serial #'s in pics?

[mutt]

As I've been admiring people's builds on this and other sights, I've noticed pics where people cover or deface the serial number. Why? Is there some power to having the serial number? It's not like a SSN or something. And unless you bought your weapon from a private party, the govt already has the serial # linked to you. They're not supposed to keep a registration of owner to weapon, but we know they do. So is there a good reason to hide your serial nunber?

[The1andOnlyKC]

there have been times that the ATF was unable to trace the serial number back to a buyer because the FFL went out of business and they could not locate the 447.

[MrPrena]

Good question. I usually cover my Serial # as well. I just do, because people cover their serial #, so I thought it was just for privacy issue.

[cysoto]

With this info, any unscrupulous person could easily report this weapon as stolen. Many rightful owners wouldn't be able to find the guns paperwork if the po-po came knocking on their door asking to see it. Now you are out of a gun and in deep doo-doo for being found in possession of a stolen item.

This may sound a little far-fetched but, in this case, better safe than sorry...

[Jer]

Agreed. Better safe than sorry. When I post pics I blurr serial numbers, license plate numbers, street addresses, street signs.... anything that could tie them back to me. Just safer that way.

I'm too tired to type how badly I pwnd some stupid internet scammer many years ago. It was pretty good though and all stemmed from simple searches using information he was stupid to post online.

Moral: just don't do it and you have nothing to worry about.

[mutt]

Never thought of the 'stolen gun' angle. Good info.

[Irving]

The person saying the gun was stolen would have to prove it as well, and they, without a doubt could NOT prove it. I wouldn't worry about that too much.

[cysoto]

The person saying the gun was stolen would have to prove it as well, and they, without a doubt could NOT prove it. I wouldn't worry about that too much.

In this age of digital printing, making a fake barcode (for an empty pistol case) or sales receipt is easy. Like I said, this may be a far-fetched scenario but, if all you need to do to avoid unnecessary headaches is to cover the serial number for the internet photo, why not do it.

[Irving]

Oh I'm not saying not to. It's the same thing with the import boards I'm on, where everyone flips out if you don't cover your plates. You can't find where someone's car is registered to by the plates unless you know someone though. People still take the precaution and it isn't difficult so why not right?

[cysoto]

People still take the precaution and it isn't difficult so why not right?

Yeap!!