Is this a scam?

unnddd · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:00

A seller going by the name of 'pollapak' on the famous auction site seems to be trying to scam unsuspecting buyers. I was about to bid on one of his PSUs when I found that the pictures that he has used are available on Google Images, although they look like those taken by a seller, rather than stock photos. In addition, the seller's feedback shows that he registered just one month ago, and has purchased a few low priced items to get feedback. Suddenly, he has four PSUs up for sale, three ending at the same time. Also interesting to note is that the item location in Thailand.

Is this definitely a scam, or am I just being paranoid? You can check out what I'm talking about by going on the auction site (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to use its name or link to it) and searching by username in advanced search options. I think if the general consensus is that the seller is likely to be a scammer, I might try to somehow stop him from scamming people by reporting his suspicious actions to the auction site.

If it is a scam, I'm not sure what kind of a scam it could be. Can anyone shed some light on this? My guess is that he'll either not send the PSU at all, or he might be selling fake PSUs or those with the internals swapped out.

-unnddd

MiNxYyY · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:02

Whats his feedback like?

Are they feedback from high rated sellers?

LeJosh · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:03

Buy from a respected reseller/shop, I wouldn't trust him just yet. If you have to ask and all that!

doiks14 · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:03

From my experience... I'd say don't risk it if you're doubtful.

unnddd · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:05

MiNxYyY said:
Whats his feedback like?

Are they feedback from high rated sellers?

The feedbacks are all from high rated sellers, but I don't think that would mean much, as all of the feedbacks are for $0.99 items and the like with free delivery.

JBuk · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:12

It's not a scam, buy his items with confidence!

honest

Destination · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:14

If you are asking the question.......................

DON'T

PapaLazaru · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:18

lol 4 different PSU's. just seen them.

PhillyDee · 13 Jul 2010 at 21:37

A lot of sellers use stock photos, eBay actually get you to re-use other sellers photos unless you opt out. So thats no measure at all!

However, like you say, thailand, no proper feedback, price too good to be true? Could be a hijacked account, or a scammer.

unnddd · 13 Jul 2010 at 22:02

PhillyDee said:
A lot of sellers use stock photos, eBay actually get you to re-use other sellers photos unless you opt out. So thats no measure at all!

However, like you say, thailand, no proper feedback, price too good to be true? Could be a hijacked account, or a scammer.

They're not stock photos, and when I searched one of the PSUs on Google Images it came up with a link to a Thai language forum thread, containing the pictures to all of the PSUs he has on sale I believe.

I've decided I'll avoid this seller and either buy new or used when one comes along from a reputable seller. The items that the seller has feedback on are random cheap ones like battery holders and a keypad for a ten-year-old phone, so I guess that's another reason...