| Historically, Sony has used excellent marketing tactics | | | | requiring sellers to provide a photograph of the console |
| to ensure massive demand for their consoles to great | | | | with the seller's screen name visible on the photo, as |
| profit and market share for this technology leader. | | | | well as a copy of the sales receipt. This should cut |
| Unfortunately, many unscrupulous people try to cash in | | | | down on the fraud somewhat, but people are still going |
| on the pre-Christmas demand by buying a console and | | | | to hunt up the best deals and demand for the PS3 is |
| then reselling it via Ebay or other online auction sites | | | | going to be very high. |
| for two to four times it's list price to get consumers to | | | | The best and really the only way to protect yourself is |
| part with their money and line their own pockets. | | | | to ensure the buyer you are bidding with has the best |
| In 2001, a Father and Son team managed to rack up | | | | possible rating and also they can provide you a current |
| nearly $144,000 in funds as they offered PS2's online | | | | datestamped picture of the unit along with the sales |
| though Ebay auctions and others for between $400 | | | | receipt. Otherwise, and if they delay in any way - |
| and $700. They never had any consoles to sell, but | | | | avoid that auction, because it is quite possibly fraud |
| netted the money. This team got caught and convicted | | | | and you will lose your money. Most of the fraud |
| on wire fraud. Also, many groups operating out of the | | | | occurs with overseas sellers and once you send the |
| former Soviet Union and other places where crime is | | | | money, it leaves the country and there is NO way to |
| rife with corruption will be climbing onto the bandwagon | | | | get it back, you are out of luck and out of pocket. |
| to try and fleece the consumer out of their | | | | In all cases, caveat emptor - let the buyer beware - be |
| hard-earned money for a promise that never will come | | | | warned, be cautious, and be guarded - there are plenty |
| to pass. | | | | out there who will steal you blind if you let them, so |
| Ebay has passed new rules to ensure to the best of | | | | don't let yourself be taken in by The Next great deal |
| their ability fraud will not happen, including only allowing | | | | or Cheap Playstation 3 if it's not sold by a reputable |
| console auctions if the seller's rating is over 98% and | | | | reseller, it's not worth it. |