Scams Against Buyers
Part 1:
Intro - Scams against Buyers
Part 2: The Empty Box Shipping
Scam
Part 3: The "Expensive
Phone Book Scam" or "Reach Out & Rob Someone"
Part 4: Shill Bidding
Part 5:
Wrong Descriptions: The Old Bait and
Switch routine
Part 6: Bid Siphoning
Part 7:
The
Overpriced Shipping Scam
The Empty Box Scam
So... You find that one of a kind item in an online auction.
You beat all the other bidders, eagerly send off a check as per the seller's
instructions, and wait patiently. You wait, and wait. Weeks go by,
and still no item- So, you contact the seller, who says they sent it (if they
reply at all). So, you wait some more.
Finally, a box arrives in the mail, looking slightly damaged
and ruffled. But no matter- you eagerly grab it, and- wait... hmmm...
kinda light for that vintage treasure. You thought it'd be heavier. A
slight ripple of worry flutters through you as you remember that $380 check you
mailed. Well, whatever. You excitedly tear it open, to find...
Nothing. The box is empty, filled with just a bunch of crumpled old
newspaper.
You look carefully at the outside, and now notice it looks
like the package has been opened and resealed at some point. You contact
the seller, and he swears he sent the item. You give them the benefit of
the doubt- I mean, after all, maybe someone DID take the item out during
shipping.
You check the seller's feedback and it's only then that you
notice it is full of recent negatives, all with similar complaints- You are
furious, and threaten legal action (which you should). But, regardless-
it's too late. You've been had by what we refer to as: 'The Empty Box
Scam'.
Back
to Part 1:
Intro - Scams
against Buyers
Read Auction
Fraud Part 3:
The "Expensive
Phone Book Scam"
Click here
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