Items on Ebay That Seem Too Good to be True ????
10 September 2003, 07:52 PM
#1
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I am reffering to the following item :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2431964548&category=18 449
Thing is, this is a saving of about 3k when buying one from the UK
My question is - if a deal on ebay seems too good to be true, is there usually a catch
Am I likely to have my leg lifted ?
What happens if the bike gets "lost" whilst in transit from sellers to mine Do I have any legal rights ?
I am very tempted to buy this but then again i don't want to lose £2200. Any advice gratefully recieved
Matt
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2431964548&category=18 449
Thing is, this is a saving of about 3k when buying one from the UK
My question is - if a deal on ebay seems too good to be true, is there usually a catch
Am I likely to have my leg lifted ?
What happens if the bike gets "lost" whilst in transit from sellers to mine
Do I have any legal rights ?I am very tempted to buy this but then again i don't want to lose £2200. Any advice gratefully recieved
Matt
10 September 2003, 08:02 PM
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Yep. If your spending that sort of money you wanna be going to check it out then pay and pick it up in person. I did this with a £350 air rifle let alone a £2200 bike.
There are so many dodgy people on ebay these days that you really have to be sure when spending serious money. Either that or make sure its on your credit card so you have some comeback.
Simon.
There are so many dodgy people on ebay these days that you really have to be sure when spending serious money. Either that or make sure its on your credit card so you have some comeback.
Simon.
10 September 2003, 08:18 PM
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How come a lot of his other transactions are from the states yet this is free delivery in the uk.
(free delivery for something this size????.I never offer free delivery on anything sold on ebay,you could at LEAST get an extra £50 out of it,without putting anyone off.....at least?)
(free delivery for something this size????.I never offer free delivery on anything sold on ebay,you could at LEAST get an extra £50 out of it,without putting anyone off.....at least?)
10 September 2003, 08:20 PM
#7
looks like a con to me. Check the feedback for similar items sold by the person.
Fraudsters can take over genuine ebay accounts and look legit, be very careful!. When you email the seller it goes to the fraudulant sellers email addy.
Another thing that points to fraud is the 'pre approved buyer' part, this is so you email the 'seller' first and then they can feed you bull about only taking wire transfer etc. Email them, if it's fraud you'll get things like, free shipping, VAT free, possibly further discount if you buy quicker, etc, etc.
I saw a new R1 for sale the other day, exactly the same. I think the fraudsters would do a lot better if they didn't make it look too good.
Fraud like this on ebay is getting more popular every day, mobile phones are a big one.
Fraudsters can take over genuine ebay accounts and look legit, be very careful!. When you email the seller it goes to the fraudulant sellers email addy.
Another thing that points to fraud is the 'pre approved buyer' part, this is so you email the 'seller' first and then they can feed you bull about only taking wire transfer etc. Email them, if it's fraud you'll get things like, free shipping, VAT free, possibly further discount if you buy quicker, etc, etc.
I saw a new R1 for sale the other day, exactly the same. I think the fraudsters would do a lot better if they didn't make it look too good.
Fraud like this on ebay is getting more popular every day, mobile phones are a big one.
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10 September 2003, 08:30 PM
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!!! BEWARE !!!
Several about this auction set alarm bells ringing.
- It's a 3-day auction only. Most people wouldn't be in such a hurry to sell such an expensive item. Short auctions are used by scam artists to ensure that an auction is completed before eBay officials have time to investigate complaints.
- It's limited to pre-approved bidders only. I'm not aware of any legitimate reason for doing this. Scammers use this facility to prevent kind-hearted people who know it's a scam from placing very high bids with no intention of paying up, and thereby preventing the sale from going ahead to an unsuspecting genuine buyer.
- Take a look at the seller's feedback profile, 370 with hardly any complaints. Looks good? Delve a bit deeper and see what the transactions actually were - buying clothes and golfing accessories. OK, nobody sells a quad bike every day, but it seems a bit odd to me. This sort of profile, with lots of low value transactions followed by one out-of-character, high value sale is typical of an account which has been hijacked by a scam artist looking to capitalise on someone else's positive feedback. All it takes is a password guessing program.
- The seller is registered in the US but will only ship to the UK and Europe. Another clue that whoever placed the ad may not be the account's real owner.
- It's a 'buy it now' only, not an auction. Ask yourself why. Hint: remember why it's only a 3 day auction.
- They're offering free shipping. Why? A quad bike is big and heavy. If I were selling one I'd demand that buyers collect. Could be an attempt to entice the undecided but tempted bidder. Shipping nothing costs nothing!
- £2200 for something worth >£5000? Get real. No way.
I'm not saying that this ad definitely is a scam (most are more garish and accept only Western Union payment), but do tread carefully. There's a lesson here for legitimate sellers - don't make your ad look like a scam even if it isn't
Good luck,
Andy.
Several about this auction set alarm bells ringing.
- It's a 3-day auction only. Most people wouldn't be in such a hurry to sell such an expensive item. Short auctions are used by scam artists to ensure that an auction is completed before eBay officials have time to investigate complaints.
- It's limited to pre-approved bidders only. I'm not aware of any legitimate reason for doing this. Scammers use this facility to prevent kind-hearted people who know it's a scam from placing very high bids with no intention of paying up, and thereby preventing the sale from going ahead to an unsuspecting genuine buyer.
- Take a look at the seller's feedback profile, 370 with hardly any complaints. Looks good? Delve a bit deeper and see what the transactions actually were - buying clothes and golfing accessories. OK, nobody sells a quad bike every day, but it seems a bit odd to me. This sort of profile, with lots of low value transactions followed by one out-of-character, high value sale is typical of an account which has been hijacked by a scam artist looking to capitalise on someone else's positive feedback. All it takes is a password guessing program.
- The seller is registered in the US but will only ship to the UK and Europe. Another clue that whoever placed the ad may not be the account's real owner.
- It's a 'buy it now' only, not an auction. Ask yourself why. Hint: remember why it's only a 3 day auction.
- They're offering free shipping. Why? A quad bike is big and heavy. If I were selling one I'd demand that buyers collect. Could be an attempt to entice the undecided but tempted bidder. Shipping nothing costs nothing!
- £2200 for something worth >£5000? Get real. No way.
I'm not saying that this ad definitely is a scam (most are more garish and accept only Western Union payment), but do tread carefully. There's a lesson here for legitimate sellers - don't make your ad look like a scam even if it isn't
Good luck,
Andy.
10 September 2003, 08:49 PM
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just sent the seller this following email
hi im extremely interested in buying this quad but need one asap, can i come to you and collect with cash personally?
pls reply asap
Lee
lets see what he says
hi im extremely interested in buying this quad but need one asap, can i come to you and collect with cash personally?
pls reply asap
Lee
lets see what he says
10 September 2003, 08:56 PM
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Some very good points have been made and I thank you all for them. I e mailed the seller to ring me but hasn't (yet)
Its just so tempting...second hand quads are like rocking horse **** and this really is a *good* price. Not a good *deal* by the sounds of things though.
Any more views ?
Matt
Its just so tempting...second hand quads are like rocking horse **** and this really is a *good* price. Not a good *deal* by the sounds of things though.
Any more views ?
Matt
10 September 2003, 09:00 PM
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AndyC beat me to it - last thing he sold was an autograph from a hockey player in California - now he's selling high value items. Could be real, but I very much doubt it - would not pass over any money unless I was picking the thing up in person an he had receipts etc etc etc.
As far as Ebay is concerned - if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
[Edited by Kevin Mc - 9/10/2003 9:01:54 PM]
[Edited by Kevin Mc - 9/10/2003 9:03:28 PM]
As far as Ebay is concerned - if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
[Edited by Kevin Mc - 9/10/2003 9:01:54 PM]
[Edited by Kevin Mc - 9/10/2003 9:03:28 PM]
10 September 2003, 09:26 PM
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Dodgy, he only has 2 negative coments in his feedback on they're both in the last 7 days. One says he did not follow through and his reply is "I don't know what you're talking about". Looks like his account has been comprimised.
10 September 2003, 09:51 PM
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Western Union is a legitimate organisation which provides international wire transfer services. It's also the first choice means of payment for scam artists. Click for more info.
11 September 2003, 12:22 AM
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All the signs are pointing towards it being dodgy!
Put yourself in the sellers shoes:
If I had a quad that was worth £5000 would I only accept £2200 for it? I think not.
It has a claimed 7 miles on it. It is brand new. Even if I wanted or needed the money very quickly (3 day auction) I would still put it on for an auction with a resevre price of £2200 or a starting price of £2200.
If it was genuine, then it would sell, and sell for more than £2200.
And "FREE" delivery! Nothing is free in this world, apart from the air we breath. (Dont tell labour or they might try and tax us!)
Steer well clear mate, it sounds VERY dodgy to me...
Put yourself in the sellers shoes:
If I had a quad that was worth £5000 would I only accept £2200 for it? I think not.
It has a claimed 7 miles on it. It is brand new. Even if I wanted or needed the money very quickly (3 day auction) I would still put it on for an auction with a resevre price of £2200 or a starting price of £2200.
If it was genuine, then it would sell, and sell for more than £2200.
And "FREE" delivery! Nothing is free in this world, apart from the air we breath. (Dont tell labour or they might try and tax us!)
Steer well clear mate, it sounds VERY dodgy to me...
11 September 2003, 12:39 AM
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One other thing. The guy is deffinatly based in the states. How is he arranging the shipping FOC?
I'm concerned spending a couple of hundred squids on ebay, let alone couple of thou!
If I ever spent that kind of money, theres no way in the world I'd part with it till I had the goods!
I'm concerned spending a couple of hundred squids on ebay, let alone couple of thou!
If I ever spent that kind of money, theres no way in the world I'd part with it till I had the goods!
11 September 2003, 07:11 AM
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Bit of an update, this is th e mail I recieved last night...
Hello there,
I am glad you are interested on my 2003 HONDA RUBICON 500 4X4 4WHEELER.
Before we start talking about any transaction regarding my ATV, I just want
to let you know the ATV will be shipped from Spain and I will support all
the taxes (shipping, insurance, handling and involved customs taxes).
The ATV is in a perfect condition and it comes exactly it is described on
the auction.
The Buy It Now Price is 3120€ (2200GBP). I offer you 15 days of inspection.
In case the ATV is not as it is described on the auction and you are not
satisfied I will just sent you the money back and you will ship the ATV back
on my expences. But, once you received it you will convince yourself this is
a beauty.
I prefer to receive the payment through money order or bank transfer and as
soon as I have the payment confirmation, the ATV will be shipped with
International FedEx Freight Service and you will receive the bike within 3
days.
You will receive all the documents you need to register the ATV.
Let me know if you agree with these terms so we can talk the details. I will
apreciate a faster answer because i have many ebayers very interested and i
have to take a decision.
Regards,
Naciu
Now, look at an e mail he sent me regarding another quad i enquired about, only a week ago...
Hello,
This is a YAMAHA RAPTOR 660R - 2003 model, only 20 hours on it, perfect condition.
Before we start to complete any transaction, I just want to let you know the ATV will be shipped from Spain and I will support all the taxes (shipping, insurance, handling and customs taxes).
The Yamaha is in a perfect condition and it comes exactly it is described on the auction.
The Buy It Now Price is 2100GBP. I offer you 5 days of inspection. In case the ATV is not as it is described on the auction and you are not satisfied I will just sent you the money back and you will ship the ATV back on my expences. But, once you received you will convince yourself this is a beauty.
The ATV will be shipped with FedEx International Priority Freight Service, you will receive the ATV within 3 days tops. I accept bank transfer or money order payment. You will receive all the documents you need to register the ATV.
Let me know if you agree with these terms so we can talk the details. I will apreciate a faster answer because I have many ebayers very interested and I have to take a decision.
Regards,
Cazan
He's changed a few words around
Does this bloke want reporting to ebay ?
Matt
Hello there,
I am glad you are interested on my 2003 HONDA RUBICON 500 4X4 4WHEELER.
Before we start talking about any transaction regarding my ATV, I just want
to let you know the ATV will be shipped from Spain and I will support all
the taxes (shipping, insurance, handling and involved customs taxes).
The ATV is in a perfect condition and it comes exactly it is described on
the auction.
The Buy It Now Price is 3120€ (2200GBP). I offer you 15 days of inspection.
In case the ATV is not as it is described on the auction and you are not
satisfied I will just sent you the money back and you will ship the ATV back
on my expences. But, once you received it you will convince yourself this is
a beauty.
I prefer to receive the payment through money order or bank transfer and as
soon as I have the payment confirmation, the ATV will be shipped with
International FedEx Freight Service and you will receive the bike within 3
days.
You will receive all the documents you need to register the ATV.
Let me know if you agree with these terms so we can talk the details. I will
apreciate a faster answer because i have many ebayers very interested and i
have to take a decision.
Regards,
Naciu
Now, look at an e mail he sent me regarding another quad i enquired about, only a week ago...
Hello,
This is a YAMAHA RAPTOR 660R - 2003 model, only 20 hours on it, perfect condition.
Before we start to complete any transaction, I just want to let you know the ATV will be shipped from Spain and I will support all the taxes (shipping, insurance, handling and customs taxes).
The Yamaha is in a perfect condition and it comes exactly it is described on the auction.
The Buy It Now Price is 2100GBP. I offer you 5 days of inspection. In case the ATV is not as it is described on the auction and you are not satisfied I will just sent you the money back and you will ship the ATV back on my expences. But, once you received you will convince yourself this is a beauty.
The ATV will be shipped with FedEx International Priority Freight Service, you will receive the ATV within 3 days tops. I accept bank transfer or money order payment. You will receive all the documents you need to register the ATV.
Let me know if you agree with these terms so we can talk the details. I will apreciate a faster answer because I have many ebayers very interested and I have to take a decision.
Regards,
Cazan
He's changed a few words around
Does this bloke want reporting to ebay ?
Matt
11 September 2003, 08:35 AM
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Came across one of these last night. Exactly the same MO.
Nokia 7250i, 22 of them, usually retail for about £275, going for £180. Western Union only, ship from Spain and the seller's account lists previous sales and purchases of Mustang parts in the USA....
Must admit I nearly fell for it but did a quick search for eBay scams on Scoobynet!
SN saves the day once again
Nokia 7250i, 22 of them, usually retail for about £275, going for £180. Western Union only, ship from Spain and the seller's account lists previous sales and purchases of Mustang parts in the USA....
Must admit I nearly fell for it but did a quick search for eBay scams on Scoobynet!
SN saves the day once again
11 September 2003, 09:09 AM
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Apples, LOL , whats the bet that he does not reply??!!
Luke, I had a look at reporting the auction, clicked on help.
Read endless stuff, thinking to myself, I just want a link that says "Report Scams Here"!! Could not find it, gave up!
, whats the bet that he does not reply??!!Luke, I had a look at reporting the auction, clicked on help.
Read endless stuff, thinking to myself, I just want a link that says "Report Scams Here"!! Could not find it, gave up!
11 September 2003, 09:33 AM
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Good point.......... But what are we expecting...
"Sure pop around and have a test drive... ps let me know when you want to land so I can clear the garden...."
And as a copter is costing around £300.00 minimum an hour.....I dont think he will fall for it..just an excuse etc will be offered
"Sure pop around and have a test drive... ps let me know when you want to land so I can clear the garden...."
And as a copter is costing around £300.00 minimum an hour.....I dont think he will fall for it..just an excuse etc will be offered
Yeah but it would have been interesting to see how this panned out. Just be a little patient maybe.
11 September 2003, 09:38 AM
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The only time I have heard of a story lke this been true involded US service men. They get stuff cheap from the states etc and cna "Arrange" for it to be shipped around europe. Clues are the places they sy the goods are in are US bases. Guy was selling some expensive car parts fom Sicily and they arrived into Uk via US airbase. to be picked up.
11 September 2003, 11:32 AM
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What you say about Ebay is right Luke. I got scammed a little while ago and Ebay just keep sending emails to me wriggling out of responsibility with no thought about the seller being totally dishonest. They just don't want to know. They don't want to do anything to help an honest customer.
Les
Les