Does this look like a scam?

[oscarr111111]

I've been looking to get an Axiom controller, I saw this at about 30 secs and just threw down a bid without really thinking much, afterwards I realized that the auction looked a little dodgy (bad english, little text, googled picture, 0 feedback).

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200107023279&rd=1&rd=1

 

What do you think? I'm not that experienced with ebay so I'm not sure, perhaps I'm just paranoid because I always see 'EBAY SCAMMER' threads all over the place. I mailed him about postage and apart from the bad English he seemed friendly enough, said he'd post it when he can get town in a few days to check his bank (I payed by paypal by the way, he didn't accept payment yet). He also asked nicely for me not to forget to give him positive rep when I get the item since he needs some, perhaps he is just a honest guy and this is the first item hes sold.

 

If worst comes to worst, what are the chances of getting my money back?

 

Thanks.

[Prague]

Congratulations on your purchase.

[magic8ball]

I would say buyer beware, he has no feedback and your dealing with another country which makes the transaction difficult to deal with should something go wrong. If you decide to go forward you should pay with your credit card. Before you do makes ure they will refund you purchase price should the buyer screw you so you have some form of recourse.

[oscarr111111]

I would say buyer beware, he has no feedback and your dealing with another country which makes the transaction difficult to deal with should something go wrong. If you decide to go forward you should pay with your credit card. Before you do makes ure they will refund you purchase price should the buyer screw you so you have some form of recourse.

 

Ok, how do I find if they will refund me? I checked the buyer protection thing and I'd be eligible to go through their process, if I have a valid case am I guaranteed my cash back?

 

Oh and I ckecked the location, it says 'Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom', so its not abroad.

 

What does paying with a credit card give me that paypal doesn't? I'm not challenging you on this, I just thought paypal was supposed to have a good protection policy in regard to ebay.

 

Finally, is there any way to get out of a stupid trade like this, or do I have to risk being scammed or get my ebay account dragged through the non-payer procedings?

 

*Stupid Impulse buying*

 

Thanks.

[Sven Golly]

Ok, how do I find if they will refund me? I checked the buyer protection thing and I'd be eligible to go through their process, if I have a valid case am I guaranteed my cash back?

 

No guarantees, but it's better than nothing.

 

Oh and I ckecked the location, it says 'Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom', so its not abroad.

 

Since you have no information as to your location in your profile, it's easy for folks to assume you're in the U.S. (it's an Amerkun thing ).

 

What does paying with a credit card give me that paypal doesn't? I'm not challenging you on this, I just thought paypal was supposed to have a good protection policy in regard to ebay.

 

Finally, is there any way to get out of a stupid trade like this, or do I have to risk being scammed or get my ebay account dragged through the non-payer procedings?

 

You made the bid, thereby entering into a legally binding contract. If you get screwed, you have numerous options through eBay and Paypal. Spend some time reading the user agreements for both organizations (sounds like you didn't before you registered, as most of your questions are answered in their FAQ's).

 

Hopefully you won't need to worry, and there's an Axiom on it's way to you. Good luck

 

[jook]

For what it's worth, I think it looks reasonable enough and my hunch is that the guy is legit. (I can't imagine a scammer saying that it's advertised elsewhere and will stop the auction if it gets sold first... there's absolutely no reason to do that if he's scamming). I've seen plenty of legitimate ads with Googled pictures, some people are just lazy or don't have access to digital cameras (or know how to get pictures out of them) and dont' realize how dodgy their ads look.

 

But of course, DO look into what protection you can get in case it does all go bad. I would generally consider the price along with the user's feedback seriously before buying something impulsively...

[SilverDragonSoun]

I would say buyer beware, he has no feedback and your dealing with another country which makes the transaction difficult to deal with should something go wrong. If you decide to go forward you should pay with your credit card. Before you do makes ure they will refund you purchase price should the buyer screw you so you have some form of recourse.

 

Ok, how do I find if they will refund me? I checked the buyer protection thing and I'd be eligible to go through their process, if I have a valid case am I guaranteed my cash back?

 

Oh and I ckecked the location, it says 'Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom', so its not abroad.

 

What does paying with a credit card give me that paypal doesn't? I'm not challenging you on this, I just thought paypal was supposed to have a good protection policy in regard to ebay.

 

Finally, is there any way to get out of a stupid trade like this, or do I have to risk being scammed or get my ebay account dragged through the non-payer procedings?

 

*Stupid Impulse buying*

 

Thanks.

 

 

Call your credit card company and ask what happens if you purchase something and you do not receive the merchandise. They should tell you how they will handle the matter. Most credit card companies will credit your statement if they determine your claim is legit.

 

The difference between just using Paypal and using paypal with your credit card is significant. Paypal will only cover $175 worth of merchandise where your credit card company will cover the entire amount. The paypal guarantee is very misleading.

[oscarr111111]

Yeah, thinking about it it does seem like an elaborate effort for a scam, heh.

 

Only options for payment were paypal or person cheque so I've not really got much choice there, paypal would cover about 90% of my money at least though.

[NoahZark]

FWIW, I wouldn't have bid on it because of the zero feedback rating and the bad wording of the post. That said, I view it as a good sign that the seller has been communicating with you (I doubt a scammer would do that). I'll keep my fingers crossed that you receive the controller.

 

Noah

[Rod S]

I never bid on anything that has generic/catalogue/manufacturer's website pictures. If the guy can't take the time to take pictures of the gear, I don't bother. Granted, he can always steal the pics from another auction (I've seen it before) but it gives me more reassurance.

 

[Sven Golly]

While we're citing reasons why we wouldn't have bid on this auction, I wouldn't bid on this because for something as inexpensive (both in cost and in apparent construction quality) as the Axiom, I'd be damned sure I was buying from someplace that would honour a warranty and/or a return policy. Saving $100 but losing any recourse if something goes wrong with the unit just reeks of poor judgement to me. YMMV, of course.

 

[Bobadohshe]

FWIW, I wouldn't have bid on it because of the zero feedback rating...

Noah

 

Yep. And the pictures. No need to take the gamble. I would have contacted BEFORE placing the bid to be sure.

[oscarr111111]

I wouldn't have bid normally, its just that it had a very short time to the end and I didn't really think until afterwards.

 

If its not in good condition then I'll just get my money back through ebay, he advertises it as 'in new condition'.

[SilverDragonSoun]

I wish you luck and hope everything turms out positive for you. I've had good luck on Ebay with my purchases except for one experience. It did teach a valuable lesson which has helped me to be smarter and a better buyer on Ebay.