Wednesday, Jul 05, 2006 at 22:41
What is Hotornot.com.au?
Hotornot.com.au is an internet site that allows consumers to search a list of items to check if the item they are buying is possibly stolen.
Why is Hotornot.com.au doing this?
We provide this service to you to make it difficult for criminals to resell your stolen items. If the items can't be re-sold, they won't be stolen in the first place. Prevention is always better than the cure.
Who will use this service?
This site is aimed to assist the public, police, insurance companies, pawnbrokers and second hand dealers to stop the trade in stolen goods.
Why is a search facility available?
The search facility is the main feature of our site and will be enhanced as the system grows. The more items that are registered, the more chance you have that a search will be effective.
How do I conduct a search?
There are 2 ways to conduct a search.Either: Enter a unique identification number such as a serial or registration number into any "Quick Search" box on any of the pages,and click on the "Quick Search" button. Or, Click on the "Search" tab at the top of any of the pages and you will be taken to the "Advanced Search" page. Here you can enter a unique identification number such as a serial or registration number as
well as a Brand, Model and/or colour. Simply enter as many details as you can about the item on the search page and then click on "search".
Why would I want to register my items?
Once you have registered your items with us, they become available for others to search. If a match is found, the person checking can report that the item is stolen to their local authorities.
What are the benefits if I register my items?
This service is available to store lists of items and serial numbers of your possessions in case of a theft. It makes providing your insurance company and the police with the details of the items stolen, a lot easier. By registering your items, an added advantage is that if your items are stolen while you're on holiday or away from home, your items will still be picked up in a search. No details are given out, except that a change of ownership is required. As you own this item, only you can change the ownership details.
How do I register my items?
To register items, you will need to enter some personal details, insurance details (optional), and descriptive information about the item and a payment. To do this,select the "Join" tab from any Hotornot.com.au page and fill in your details. After payment has been confirmed and your items added to the searchable database, an email will be sent to you that contains your password to access your information with the usename you supplied on registration.
Note!
These items have now been registered. If your items have been stolen, you will need to log into the members area to change the status of your items. To do this, simply log in using the usename you selected during registration and the password that has been sent to you by email, click on the item and you can then update the status.
What can I do in the Members area?
While in the member's area, you can view your registered items, personal and insurance details, add new items, change the status of an item or print a list of items.
What and where is my serial number?
Each item that is manufactured to standards and sold in Australia will usually have a serial number that identifies that individual item from all of the other items manufactured. As an example, turn your mouse or keyboard upside-down and have a look. Is there a group of numbers and/or letters 'S/N' under a barcode? This is the serial number of your item and no other mouse or keyboard will have the same serial number.
How safe is my information?
All information is held in confidence.We don't pass your information to any third parties unless you give us express permission to do so. we will send you a email asking your permission for us to pass your contact details to the police,but only if the police requests them.Otherwise your details will NOT be given out to anyone.
Security.
We use a security method called SSL(Secured Socket Layers) with 128bit encryption to secure your data. We hold no credit card information.When you make a payment with Hotornot.com.au,you are transferred to E-way(www.e-way.com.au) who supply a secure link directly to the bank for validating and debiting your credit card.
How much does it cost
The registration fee of $45.00 p.a. + GST enables you to register up to 100 items on the system. Items registered in excess of that number will be charged at a reduced rate of $20.00 + GST per each 100 items or part thereof.
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