November 7, 2015

In Texas (and probably most other states) it is a criminal offense to make a false report to a peace officer. It’s not often prosecuted as far as I know but it should give someone fraudulently reporting a stolen gun something to think about. On the other hand, in my experience smart criminals are a show business myth. Some are undoubtedly stupid enough to file a false report. Having to deal with that could be a huge headache. One advantage of buying a gun from a licensed dealer with a brick & mortar store; many cities require them to place a hold on used guns purchased from individuals until the police have an opportunity to do a stolen check.
Mike
It is also against Federal Law and I’m sure its illegal in all 50 states.
From Wikipedia
Making false statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001) is the common name for the United States federal crime laid out in Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which generally prohibits knowingly and willfully making false or fraudulentstatements, or concealing information, in “any matter within the jurisdiction” of the federal government of the United States,[1] even by merely denying guilt when asked by a federal agent.[2] A number of notable people have been convicted under the section, including Martha Stewart,[3] Rod Blagojevich,[4] Michael T. Flynn,[5] Rick Gates,[6] Scooter Libby,[7] Bernard Madoff,[8] and Jeffrey Skilling.[9]
This statute is used in many contexts. Most commonly, prosecutors use this statute to reach cover-up crimes such as perjury, false declarations, and obstruction of justice and government fraud cases.[10]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Making_false_statements
Sincerely,
Maverick
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TXGunNut said
In Texas (and probably most other states) it is a criminal offense to make a false report to a peace officer. It’s not often prosecuted as far as I know but it should give someone fraudulently reporting a stolen gun something to think about. On the other hand, in my experience smart criminals are a show business myth. Some are undoubtedly stupid enough to file a false report. Having to deal with that could be a huge headache. One advantage of buying a gun from a licensed dealer with a brick & mortar store; many cities require them to place a hold on used guns purchased from individuals until the police have an opportunity to do a stolen check.
Mike
I was a FFL for a while and never heard of a federal requirement like that but like you said it could be a local ordinance. I know Pawn shops are required to hold all items for a certain amount of time so they can be check for being stolen.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
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November 7, 2015

1873man said
I was a FFL for a while and never heard of a federal requirement like that but like you said it could be a local ordinance. I know Pawn shops are required to hold all items for a certain amount of time so they can be check for being stolen.
Bob
Yes, it is a common local ordinance around here. Should have made that clearer. Generally referred to as a pawn shop ordinance.
Mike
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