'Buy & Switch' Scam

What Knowing Serial Numbers Can Do For You

Once again, I am going to let you in on another eBay scam that does not require a great deal of creativity on the part of the scammer/buyer. The easier it is to perpetrate a scam on eBay, the more often you are likely to see it done. Not unlike the 'smash and grab' form of theft, this scam is simple, and effective, if the seller does not take a couple simple steps to protect themselves.

The Scam

Although most shipping companies are good about keeping merchandise in one piece, on occasion, as we all know, items do get damaged in shipping. This fact is what the scammer uses as their platform to perpetrate the scam, which is gaining in popularity. Since feedback is the cornerstone to success on eBay, the scammer once again uses the threat of derogatory feedback as their leverage against the unsuspecting seller.

Here's the scam. The scammer has a broken or damaged item that is no good to them, and they want it replaced, but they don't want to pay for it. They look to eBay, find the exact same item, bid on and win the item. Once the item arrives, the buyer switches the undamaged item with their damaged item, and starts the process of claiming the item they won was damaged during shipping, or that the seller sent damaged goods - all the while threatening negative feedback if the seller doesn't replace the item, or refund the money. In either case, the seller loses. The seller now either gives their money back, or replaces the item.

Protect Yourself

How do you protect yourself against this scam? If the item has a serial number, clearly state that [serial] number in the auction - they see that you know the serial number, and they move on. If the item does not have a serial number, and it does not take away from the overall look of the item, try to 'brand' the item with your initials somewhere on the item that is not in plain sight. If the scammer tries to return the damaged item, and you do not see these unique identifiers on the item, then you know the scam has just been perpetrated, and you can then call their bluff.
Although the insurance claim process with the shipping companies can be tedious, it is wise to get insurance on the item, for the amount of the auction's final price. The bottom line is, now that you know what the scam is, you can take the proper steps to protect yourself against it.

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Safe Bidding Everyone.

Mark