All I need to do is change the month portion of the serial number and then fiddle actual unit number.

You probably wouldn't even have to do that. I suspect that a large percentage of people who buy used stereo equipment at bargain basement (i.e., thieves') prices know full well that it is stolen and could care less what serial number is on it.

I also suspect that a large percentage (nearly 100%) of people who purchase used stereo equipment legitimately would be totally unaware of this serial number registry and would not know to look at it.

I think that a cost/benefit analysis would show the amount of work exceeded the return.

tanstaafl.