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"
