Bogus auction?

apollo11 · Post by **apollo11** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:27 pm

One good indication of a 0 feedback seller who may have had a previous account with ebay is to look at his other auctions. Almost nobody new to ebay starts off and has many auctions running at one time, like this seller. A new seller typically starts slowly, one or two auctions to test the water and get a feel. This guy starts off with a bang. He also has a lot of low-feedback bidders, which is often an indication of bogus bidders, and as mentioned earlier, his pictures are lifted.

Buyer beware---I wouldn't place a bid with this guy!

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:47 pm

Hey Phillip, what is "homer" ? That is some british slang I have never heard before.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:56 pm

I'm British & I don't know what it means either. While we're on the subject, what does 'lol' mean?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:03 pm

lol = "lots of laughs"

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:32 pm

Thanks Jeff, that's that one cleared up!

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:40 pm

LOL actually means Laughing out Loud. And that's what I am doing at this seller. I emailed him on one of his other auctions, since I live close by, could I stop by and have a look, since he used the stock picture? No response yet, although Jeff said he was denied on his request. That's a lot of gear to be moving all at once from a newbie.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 5:00 pm

Sometimes even non-stock pictures can be deceptive. I think I related this in a previous thread, but here goes again: I was researching prices for a specific brand and model of stereo speakers on eBay, when I noticed that a picture in one ad, showing the speakers next to boxes in a warehouse-type setting, looked identical to one I saw in a previously viewed auction (I have semi-photographic memory, so it was obvious to me that the picxtures were the same even before going back to check). Further viewing of current and complted auctions showed about ten such ads, including a group all using a different picture, all by different low-feedback sellers, all in different locations.

I notified eBay, and they later replied that their investigation showed that the activity was apparently a group of crooks working in collusion (bidding up each other's auctions against valid bidders, etc.) Their memberships were revoked and they were permanently barred from eBay (well, at least according to eBay).

jmh · Post by **jmh** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:12 pm

(speaking of Ebay, and OT)
If you haven't seen this, you're in for a good laugh.

http://j-walk.com/other/todd/ebayparody.htm

philipharris · Post by **philipharris** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:30 pm

"Homer" = Homer Simpson; currently the word of the moment in our office to mean not very bright.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:45 pm

Here's the respone I got this evening, earlier today the seller said he didn't have a camera, now it's broke !!! The request for the serial number was ignored.

Dear thx1955,

You asked:
"Hi, I've a couple of questions about the Ric. How old is it, and can you telll me the serial number please. Do you have any actual pics of it What is the general condition of the finish and of the fretboard"

Brand new, sorry for lack of photos,camera broke.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:42 pm

Hey Jack, I ran across that webpage dome time back - I think it is one of the best eBay satires I have ever seen! I also recommend going to the home page (link provided on that page) - it's a hoot, too!

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:55 am

What do you think of item no. 3765962758. It was originally listed as a 'short scale 360'.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:02 am

the picture on the auction is not a brand new one ... with that headstock shape and body wing style that picture is a '96 or earlier ric bass ...

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 1:50 pm

Jim, at least you GOT a response! I have been flat-out ignored thus far.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:09 am

16 of his 18 bids are from zero feedback buyers!!!!