What are signs that a flea market vendor might be selling stolen goods?

Be cautious if a vendor has large quantities of new items still in packaging, especially tools, electronics, or cosmetics, priced far below retail. Unusually low prices on high-value goods, unwillingness to answer simple questions about where items came from, and a booth that appears one weekend and disappears the next can all be warning signs.

Items with serial numbers scratched off, engraved names from other owners, or store security tags still attached deserve extra scrutiny. None of these alone proves anything, but together they should make you think twice.

Buying stolen property can lead to losing the item without a refund, and in some situations legal trouble. If something seems off, walk away and let the market management know. Reputable markets usually want to keep that kind of vendor out, and local police can advise you on reporting.