Why are people asking for Serial numbers?

I am selling a Tivo DVR on ebay. When people ask for the serial number, what information are they looking up, and what website would they use to look it up? Thanks!Why are people asking for Serial numbers?
When they are asking for the Serial Number the only thing they can do with it is call Tivo to see if it is an active account? Any money is owed on the account? Whether it is stolen? Whether it can be activated? Whether there is a lifetime subscription on it. Tivo may not give them any details but that is why you need it before purchasing a Tivo from someone.





My Experience was that I had purchased a DirecTV Tivo on Ebay, when it arrived I called DirecTV to purchase a new DirecTV Access Card for it and to have it connected to my account, they let me know they could not activate it for one of these three possibilites: Still an OPEN Account Status, Closed Account with Money owed on the account, Stolen Tivo. They would not let me know which one, I had to contact the seller from Ebay so I could get my money back, it took 6 weeks and alot of emails to him until I received my money back. So to clear up any hassles between you and the buers you can give them this information without worrying about the buyer getting any personal information. If it is a DirecTV Tivo make sure to keep the Access Card though, it is the only thing that may make it possible for a skilled hacker to use it on their DirecTV system and you get billed. Hope this answers your questions, if you need any more info please feel free to send me an email.Why are people asking for Serial numbers?
Possibly they are looking it up to see if it's stolen....=)