Does this look too good to be true?

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dc81 · #1 Post by **dc81** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:28 pm

Follow the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-IBM-Think ... otohosting

He is claiming to be selling a brand new T43p for $800. It sounds really tempting, but a little fishy. I emailed the seller and asked him why so cheap?

His response was "hi ,
i recived the unit's as part of a contract and i do not use them and that is why i am selling it foir such a low price.
Thank you."

What are your thoughts?

A prompt response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Edward Mendelson · #2 Post by **Edward Mendelson** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:34 pm

Um, it may not mean anything, but the guy seems to go by a couple of names. Notice this cached auction entry with the same e-mail address and style of presentation (and once again, two units - really surprisingly similar to the one that tempted you):

http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:X33 ... .com&hl=en

And that auction seems to have disappeared from eBay. I reported the new one as probably fraudulent, and we'll see how long it lasts.

Michael1980 · #3 Post by **Michael1980** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:35 pm

DC81, this is a scam.

Surefire signs are the "email me at this address to buy it now for 800". The account is probably not his, but hijacked and he wants to bypass the ebay alltogether, so it is easier to escape with the money.

dc81 · #4 Post by **dc81** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:39 pm

I asked him how to set up a deal, his response was:

"For your protection and mine we will have the deal through ebay so if you wish to procede mail me your ebay id so I could send the ebay invoice.thank you and mail me asap."

Daniel

Michael1980 · #5 Post by **Michael1980** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:44 pm

Would not touch it with a bargepole to be honest.
Don't say you haven't been warned

dc81 · #6 Post by **dc81** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:49 pm

I have already been scared away, thanks a lot guys/gals(not being sarcastic). But just out of curiosity how do people get away with this kind of thing?

dc81 · #7 Post by **dc81** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:11 pm

One thing that I found to be pretty odd and a redflag, was that all of his listings are 24 hour listings. Also, there were a few people that were actually bidding on his items, it's too bad that people are going to be scammed.

Michael1980 · #8 Post by **Michael1980** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 4:13 pm

dc81 wrote:I have already been scared away, thanks a lot guys/gals(not being sarcastic). But just out of curiosity how do people get away with this kind of thing?

eBay does not really enforce that much on what is listed. Certainly I do, (when I have the time) my best to report all the dodgy sales (especially Powerbook) that go on. It is so easy to tell them apart.

Once the sale is made, it is pretty difficult to track them down.

If you want, you can pm me links on eBay to know my advice on whether it is legal or not. After all I have bought all sorts of expensive items and so far, touch wood, have not had to solve a dispute. Had a slightly dodgy seller report item lost in post, but the money was returned.

dc81 · #9 Post by **dc81** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 4:41 pm

Just a heads up Michael1980,
The link to the auction that I pasted above, that same seller has probably 20 items posted for auction, all 24 hour listings, all of them are 2 units available, and all items are WELL below msrp. All you have to do is look up more items for auction by the seller.

Although it is pretty easy to see that it is a scam, how can you prove it unless you actually make the purchase?

Edward Mendelson · #10 Post by **Edward Mendelson** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 9:58 pm

The auction is already gone - removed by eBay.

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