Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

Caveat Emptor! Buyers beware of the Albedo issue #2 currently being offered on Ebay by seller "scotysas." This same seller tried to list two copies of this rare issue last week, and their auctions were shut down by Ebay!
RED FLAGS:
-unregistered user, zero transactions, zero feedback.
-bidders must submit their email and be "approved" to bid !?!
-bids are hidden, you can't see who else is bidding (so it could be jacked up by anyone).
-check the list of "seller's other items," it is *very suspicious.*

I contacted the seller last week privately via email, and was offered a "buy it now" of $600.00. The seller would not provide a mailing address or name!!

So, you've been warned.
JVF

Hello JVF,

Looks like the auction you were refering to was pulled also. In fact, scotysas is no longer a registered eBay user (which is telling, isn't it).

Three more red flags:
-a new seller has a lot of positive feedback, but it's because they have bought a lot of $1.00 items (or less) in the very near past (building up their positive feedback to scam someone into thinking they have a lot of meaningful positive feedback).

-You ask for a phone number and they won't give it to you. If they give you a phone number, often you can just plug it into google. The name and address tends to come up unless they block it. Almost nobody blocks their address on google. People don't even think about it.

-Finally, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

I think if you are going to spend over $500 on an eBay item, it's worth it to talk to the person ahead of time and to use some kind of escrow service (ebay offer their own: http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/es ... =My%20eBay) The security is worth the extra cost.

And if possible, always use your credit card. Most credit cards will allow you to reverse charges if you don't receive the promised item. It just requires a phone call and a written letter. Paypal is fine for low price items, but if you are spend big bucks, protect yourself by using your credit card.

Over all, most sellers on eBay can be trusted. But it's your money, so make the extra effort to protect yourself from fraud.

Peace,

maka