This guide exposes the new JUNK LAPTOP SCAM that is currently  victimizing many ebayers.  This guide will show you how to avoid being ripped off by the con men that are running it.

HOW THE SCAM WORKS:

The question is how to get buyers to buy worthless junk?  The problem is solved by using a revised version of the old BAIT AND SWITCH scam.

First, these scammers set up auctions that advertise "SURPRISE LAPTOPS" or some other such nonsense.  In these auctions, the seller claims to have a "HUGE PILE OF LAPTOPS" that he needs to get rid of.

The seller then tries to get you to believe that the pile contains good working late model units that are in working condition as well as worthless trash that even the landfill will not accept.

Usually the seller puts a photo in the gallery of a late model p4 unit in great condition.  (This is the BAIT part of the scam).

Then the seller tries to get you to believe that for some reason they are unwilling or unable to go through the pile and get the good stuff that would make them profit.

Then the seller tries to get you to believe that he will honestly give you the "NEXT ONE OFF THE PILE" without looking at it.  (even though it might be a late model p4 machine worth hundreds of dollars) ;c)-

Then the seller inserts disclaimer in the auction:  It COULD be a great deal for you OR it COULD BE NOTHING MORE THAN A DOORSTOP. (ha ha)

Then the seller sends the buyer a worthless piece of junk. (this is the SWITCH part of the scam).

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!!!! 

IT IS EASY TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THESE CON MEN BY ALWAYS FOLLING A FEW SIMPLE RULES:

1.) Always make sure that the seller gives a FULL DETAILED description of the laptop you are about to buy. Do not be afraid to ask the seller as many questions as it takes for you to fully understand what you are buying.

2.) Always make sure that your seller offers a warranty with the item or some kind of other assurance that you will recieve a great deal.

3.) Do not always rely on the seller's feedback as it is easy to the seller to have his friends post glowing reports like:

" I got a great deal" or "It works great"

4.) IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS!!!!

5.)  ALWAYS PAY WITH PAYPAL AS YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED FROM BEING RIPPED OFF.

6.) PAY WITH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY IF YOU ARE FULLY COMFORTABLE WITH THE SELLER

7.) NEVER PAY BY ANY KIND OF WIRE TRANSFER SUCH AS WESTERN UNION. 

8.) NEVER PAY BY RECHARGING SOMEONE'S PREPAID CREDIT CARD.

My advice is simple. DO NOT BUY A LAPTOP ON EBAY UNLESS IT HAS BEEN FULLY DESCRIBED TO YOU BY THE SELLER