Drab hit the nail on the head.

If it is a "kit" lens (18-55, 18-105, 18-135, 55-200) I wouldn't be surprised if someone is selling one. Many buy the kits and sell the lens to make 100 bucks or if they don't want it.

Even if it was refurbished it should be fine. I usually take B&H listed price, 85% for refurbished, 75% for ebay or CL. Otherwise it is worth just buying new from a store so you can get the warranty.

On the other side, if something for some reason makes me question the seller, I run away from it. For me, saving $100 it is not worth the hassle.

No. Refurbished lenses are just that, normal retail lenses which went back for one reason or another and were repaired to new condition and resold. They maintain their original serial number.

What is your apparent fear of refurbished based on?

(I would never pay even 90% of refurb price for used. That is actually the first check I make when shopping for used.)
(and if it is being sold by an individual it is used, and commands used prices - even if they haven't opened the box)

I'm looking at picking up a lens off CL. The seller represents that it is new, not refurbished, and the photos show the original Nikon box with the five year warranty printing.

I understand that refurbs come in plain white boxes. However, a box could be switched.

Is there any way to ID a lens as refurbished (using serial numbers or otherwise)?

I ask b/c I can buy a refurb lens for less than the price of this allegedly new non-refub lens.

Thanks in advance for any assistance in this matter -- I plan to pick up tomorrow so any info today would be great!