Thomas Lane, http://www.stealitback.com co-founder, says some agencies used to hold community auctions to clean out their property rooms. It’s an event that Lane says is very time consuming considering only a handful of people ever show up—and it’s usually professional dealers who resell at a great profit. 

This brings auctions to the general public nationwide. 

“Consumers can sit (and bid) in their living rooms, as opposed to going to an auction held on a holiday weekend” says Lane, whose site attracts more than 12 million visitors a month.

‘HEY THAT’S MINE—IT WAS STOLEN!’

So now the obvious question:  What if the rightful owner turns up to collect the item being auctioned? 

There’s a simple answer.  They get it back.

It’s happened 25 times so far.

“If we can,” says Lane, “we give it back.” Of course proof is required.

WE HAD TO GIVE IT A TEST

In researching this story, this reporter came across a Lion King lithograph from Disney.  It’s something that sells for well over $100 dollars retail.  It went for just over $30 on the auction site. 

I won it!

It’s just as it was advertised to be.  It arrived within days, packaged well.

What a steal.