If it's too good to believe, it's probably NOT TRUE!

The pitch is always the same...Seems like a "Buy-It-Now" auction for a very popular e-bay item, at an unbelievably low price.  You may be curious about an "auction" for, say, a Garmin 396 GPS at 500 USD (these things go for $2300 and up legitimately, and are available from any avionics shop for $2500 plus tax).  $500 is an unbelievably low price for a Garmin 396!

The seller usually has just a few feedback reports (or none at all!).  The bidders to date are "private" and unlisted.  The e-bay "auction" copy is always very well done, nice fonts, from an "authorized dealer", the unit--brand new, in the box, warrantee included.  All the right stuff!

The CATCH is that you have to send a personal e-mail to a separate address included in the text of the e-bay auction to obtain this special price, or for purchase details. or shipping instructions.  The text says that before bidding, "be sure you e-mail directly for details" on this special deal.

IF YOU DO, YOU MAY START TO RECEIVE E-MAIL SPAM THE NEXT DAY.  This scam is entirely about "harvesting" your e-mail address and selling it to folks who will then be sure you receive ALL the latest spam schemes hot off the press.  If you're lucky, you will hear nothing about "buying" your "special deal".  (If instead someone wants you to "send money quick"...well, that's a more serious scam).

It happened to a friend of mine, and it will happen to you if you respond to these unbelievable offers.  Don't be gullible...just move on to a legitimate auction and enjoy the real e-bay experience.

Put this scheme up there with phishing and pharming.  Don't fall for it...your e-mail address is too valuable to be obtained so easily in this fraudulent way.

See you on e-bay!