EBay Warning – (Fake or Fraudulent Listings)

Sasha Froyland · July 22nd, 2003, 12:05 PM

Hello,

I was in the market for the hd10u and have been watching EBay for a week or so and have seen at least 3 or 4 different sellers list a JVC GR-HD1 camera, with a starting bid anywhere from $1.00 to $270.00, and no reserve. However, every time I made a bid, within 24 hours, EBay Administrators would removes the item being listed and send me an email informing me that the seller’s EBay permissions have been suspended.

There appears to be some reputable sellers listing the (grhd1), but no one is selling the pro version – (hd10u). I decided to forgo the trouble and worry of buying from EBay and waiting for a Pro model to be listed, and went with many of forum member’s recommendation and bought from B&H. I should also note that I am an armature video person, so buying from a company I can make a return to, out weighed the possible cost reduction of buying on EBay.

Thanks to the members of this forum for your support and guidance.

Sasha

Nathan Gifford · July 22nd, 2003, 12:13 PM

You should always be very careful when buying over the Internet. DVinfo has excellent article by Dylan Couper called How Not To Get Scammed on Ebay.

Many people have found it very helpful.

Chaim Bianco · July 22nd, 2003, 05:39 PM

actually, just yesterday, somebody picked up an hd10u for $760.

item # 2941479215

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2941479215

i wonder why a seller would let it go for so cheap. taking 25% of retail ?? he couldve easily gotten 2000+ for it if whoever was buying it knew what it was. -- i mean unless the buyer was shill-bidding and ended up flushing the auction by buying himself out, you can only wonder what the circumstances were.

Yang Wen · July 22nd, 2003, 06:25 PM

It could very well be the seller's friend or the seller him/herself that won that item.

Josh Bass · July 22nd, 2003, 06:43 PM

What good does that do anyone?

Heath McKnight · July 22nd, 2003, 07:50 PM

Could've been stolen.

heath

Nathan Gifford · July 22nd, 2003, 07:57 PM

Maybe all you witnessed was a buyer getting ripped...

Heath McKnight · July 22nd, 2003, 08:03 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Nathan Gifford : Maybe all you witnessed was a buyer getting ripped... -->>>

Maybe...Ouch...Set up a reserve!

heath

Barry Green · July 22nd, 2003, 08:27 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Josh Bass : What good does that do anyone? -->>>

It's a common tactic used by fraudulent sellers, to build up a large feedback profile full of "successful" transactions...

Heath McKnight · July 22nd, 2003, 11:12 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Barry Green : <<<-- Originally posted by Josh Bass : What good does that do anyone? -->>>

It's a common tactic used by fraudulent sellers, to build up a large feedback profile full of "successful" transactions... -->>>

Makes sense. Those guys cheese me off! I almost got ripped off once, but eBay killed the auction and sent me an email. That was when I was starting out on eBay, buying rare Marvel Comics stuff while editing my first film. (I had no life.)

heath

Sasha Froyland · July 23rd, 2003, 08:32 AM

The following is what I just received when asking the seller for their phone number. I explicitly told him that I wouldn't use Western Union, but the con-artist goes ahead and emails me some boilerplate form letter they have put together describing how and why to Western Union. Does anyone know how to contact the Fraud Department at EBay?

Can you believe this bull! Of course, always the same twist. The country the con-artist resides in has some bureaucratic or some other reason why the transaction cannot be performed out in the open, but has to involve some sneaking around. This is done so that the buyer feels sneaky and like it’s kind of illegal and so the buyer will hesitate to contact the authorities when the buyer gets taken) Ever hear of the ‘Nigerian 4-1-9’? It’s uses some similar techniques. Very dangerous.

Will keep you posted.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir,
I will try to respond to your questions and possible
future questions.
I have three units available right now and you can buy
from me without winning my auction.
I work for the Spanish branch of an US fashion agency
and these units were received for a special festivity on the 8th of March to be used as demos.I was asked by the agency to sell them due to my good feedback on
ebay.They are still sealed in the original boxes with
all the accesories.They have three years warranty parts and labour and there will be no problem for you to use it(I will send you the receipt from the authorized dealer).
The buy it now price is 1100USD (for one unit).
SHIPMENT ---this is a thing about you shouldn't worry
about because i believe that it is my responsibility to deliver it to your home.We can do in 2 way in each of them i am going to pay for all charges:
-UPS 2 days
-Fed ex 2 days
It will take 2 days for the package to arrive to you.The shipping! costs will be payed by me and i will also pay for the
insurance in case of any damage happens during the handling and shipping,so i will be protected in case off damages and you too.
THE WAY TO PAY -----For payment I prefer a western
union wire transfer because due to the birocracy from Spain if I will involve my bank in my deals i won't be able to pick up my money in lees then two weeks in stead of 2 days. It is very simple to make the transfer, you will have to go personal to an office and send the money from your name and
address to my name and address.I will put the unit(s)
as a gift for my best friend and I hope you will do the same thing when you´ll make the transfer because this way we will not have to pay any other taxes.
After you will make the transfer you will email me the
details:
-the sender name
-the sender address
-the amount
-the confirmation #-MTCN (money transfer control number)
-the receiver name
With all this informations! i will be able to check the
payment and after i will see that it is OK i will send the package right away and you´ll receive it in two days at your door.
Here is my name and my address where you must send the
money:
First name: Terry
Last name: Hyde
Address: Union 182
Zip code: 29008
City: BARCELONA
Country: SPAIN
I look forward hearing from you!
Warm Regards,
TH

-------------------
May I have your phone number as I have many questions?
I will not use Western Union and will only use some form of Escrow account. Okay?

--------------------

Question from: sashafroyland
Title of item: JVC GRHD1 High Definition Digital Camera !!!
Seller: tnt505
Starts: Jul-22-03 13:48:49 PDT
Ends: Jul-25-03 13:48:49 PDT
Price: Starts at $1.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2942153800

Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com

Heath McKnight · July 23rd, 2003, 11:22 AM

Watch out for Europe sellers!

heath

Nathan Gifford · July 23rd, 2003, 12:16 PM

They may also use banks almost anywhere. Once the money has been moved into their bank account, they will move it another country where your chances of recovery are nil.

Betsy Moore · August 5th, 2003, 05:24 PM

If they allow you to do Pay Pal with Credit Cards is that safe? Is $2645 too good to be true?

Sasha Froyland · September 25th, 2003, 03:46 PM

http://www.msnbc.com/news/957191.asp?0cl=cR

July 22nd, 2003, 12:05 PM	#1
Sasha Froyland Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 67	EBay Warning – (Fake or Fraudulent Listings) - Buyers Beware Hello, I was in the market for the hd10u and have been watching EBay for a week or so and have seen at least 3 or 4 different sellers list a JVC GR-HD1 camera, with a starting bid anywhere from $1.00 to $270.00, and no reserve. However, every time I made a bid, within 24 hours, EBay Administrators would removes the item being listed and send me an email informing me that the seller’s EBay permissions have been suspended. There appears to be some reputable sellers listing the (grhd1), but no one is selling the pro version – (hd10u). I decided to forgo the trouble and worry of buying from EBay and waiting for a Pro model to be listed, and went with many of forum member’s recommendation and bought from B&H. I should also note that I am an armature video person, so buying from a company I can make a return to, out weighed the possible cost reduction of buying on EBay. Thanks to the members of this forum for your support and guidance. Sasha

July 22nd, 2003, 12:13 PM	#2
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	You should always be very careful when buying over the Internet. DVinfo has excellent article by Dylan Couper called How Not To Get Scammed on Ebay. Many people have found it very helpful. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

July 22nd, 2003, 06:43 PM	#5
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	What good does that do anyone? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

July 22nd, 2003, 07:50 PM	#6
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Could've been stolen. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 22nd, 2003, 07:57 PM	#7
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Maybe all you witnessed was a buyer getting ripped... __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

July 22nd, 2003, 05:39 PM	#3
Chaim Bianco Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Philadelphia , PA Posts: 39	actually, just yesterday, somebody picked up an hd10u for $760. item # 2941479215 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2941479215 i wonder why a seller would let it go for so cheap. taking 25% of retail ?? he couldve easily gotten 2000+ for it if whoever was buying it knew what it was. -- i mean unless the buyer was shill-bidding and ended up flushing the auction by buying himself out, you can only wonder what the circumstances were.

July 22nd, 2003, 06:25 PM	#4
Yang Wen Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 991	It could very well be the seller's friend or the seller him/herself that won that item.

July 22nd, 2003, 08:03 PM	#8
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	<<<-- Originally posted by Nathan Gifford : Maybe all you witnessed was a buyer getting ripped... -->>> Maybe...Ouch...Set up a reserve! heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 22nd, 2003, 08:27 PM	#9
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	<<<-- Originally posted by Josh Bass : What good does that do anyone? -->>> It's a common tactic used by fraudulent sellers, to build up a large feedback profile full of "successful" transactions...

July 22nd, 2003, 11:12 PM	#10
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	<<<-- Originally posted by Barry Green : <<<-- Originally posted by Josh Bass : What good does that do anyone? -->>> It's a common tactic used by fraudulent sellers, to build up a large feedback profile full of "successful" transactions... -->>> Makes sense. Those guys cheese me off! I almost got ripped off once, but eBay killed the auction and sent me an email. That was when I was starting out on eBay, buying rare Marvel Comics stuff while editing my first film. (I had no life.) heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 23rd, 2003, 08:32 AM	#11
Sasha Froyland Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 67	EBay Item: Item #2942153800 The following is what I just received when asking the seller for their phone number. I explicitly told him that I wouldn't use Western Union, but the con-artist goes ahead and emails me some boilerplate form letter they have put together describing how and why to Western Union. Does anyone know how to contact the Fraud Department at EBay? Can you believe this bull! Of course, always the same twist. The country the con-artist resides in has some bureaucratic or some other reason why the transaction cannot be performed out in the open, but has to involve some sneaking around. This is done so that the buyer feels sneaky and like it’s kind of illegal and so the buyer will hesitate to contact the authorities when the buyer gets taken) Ever hear of the ‘Nigerian 4-1-9’? It’s uses some similar techniques. Very dangerous. Will keep you posted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Sir, I will try to respond to your questions and possible future questions. I have three units available right now and you can buy from me without winning my auction. I work for the Spanish branch of an US fashion agency and these units were received for a special festivity on the 8th of March to be used as demos.I was asked by the agency to sell them due to my good feedback on ebay.They are still sealed in the original boxes with all the accesories.They have three years warranty parts and labour and there will be no problem for you to use it(I will send you the receipt from the authorized dealer). The buy it now price is 1100USD (for one unit). SHIPMENT ---this is a thing about you shouldn't worry about because i believe that it is my responsibility to deliver it to your home.We can do in 2 way in each of them i am going to pay for all charges: -UPS 2 days -Fed ex 2 days It will take 2 days for the package to arrive to you.The shipping! costs will be payed by me and i will also pay for the insurance in case of any damage happens during the handling and shipping,so i will be protected in case off damages and you too. THE WAY TO PAY -----For payment I prefer a western union wire transfer because due to the birocracy from Spain if I will involve my bank in my deals i won't be able to pick up my money in lees then two weeks in stead of 2 days. It is very simple to make the transfer, you will have to go personal to an office and send the money from your name and address to my name and address.I will put the unit(s) as a gift for my best friend and I hope you will do the same thing when you´ll make the transfer because this way we will not have to pay any other taxes. After you will make the transfer you will email me the details: -the sender name -the sender address -the amount -the confirmation #-MTCN (money transfer control number) -the receiver name With all this informations! i will be able to check the payment and after i will see that it is OK i will send the package right away and you´ll receive it in two days at your door. Here is my name and my address where you must send the money: First name: Terry Last name: Hyde Address: Union 182 Zip code: 29008 City: BARCELONA Country: SPAIN I look forward hearing from you! Warm Regards, TH ------------------- May I have your phone number as I have many questions? I will not use Western Union and will only use some form of Escrow account. Okay? -------------------- Question from: sashafroyland Title of item: JVC GRHD1 High Definition Digital Camera !!! Seller: tnt505 Starts: Jul-22-03 13:48:49 PDT Ends: Jul-25-03 13:48:49 PDT Price: Starts at $1.00 To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2942153800 Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com

July 23rd, 2003, 11:22 AM	#12
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Watch out for Europe sellers! heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 23rd, 2003, 12:16 PM	#13
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	They may also use banks almost anywhere. Once the money has been moved into their bank account, they will move it another country where your chances of recovery are nil. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

August 5th, 2003, 05:24 PM	#14
Betsy Moore Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 444	If they allow you to do Pay Pal with Credit Cards is that safe? Is $2645 too good to be true?

September 25th, 2003, 03:46 PM	#15
Sasha Froyland Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 67	EBay theif reveals tricks of the trade http://www.msnbc.com/news/957191.asp?0cl=cR