Have you seen mystery box auctions promising $1000 dollar gift certificate to an online retailer and think, how can that be true?  Well, most of these gift certificates are to an online retailer, but not one like Walmart or Target or whatever other retailer the title suggests the gift certificate may be good for.  So, what's the big deal if it is good for an online retailer?  The problem is these online operations are bogus in their selling tactics and claims. 

Why?  First they markup their prices and the actual suggested retail prices of most of its items to make you feel as if you are getting a great bargain when you really are not.  Additionally, you are responsible for all shipping charges, which you will not know until after you place order and give your credit information for these charges.  The shipping costs charged by these retailers are VERY high and again, you have no idea of knowing what these charges will be before placing your order.

Another problem is that many of these retailers often bait and switch their customers, meaning you buy one product and they contact you to say you will have to buy another because the product is sold out or something.  They will not however, refund your money. 

These gift certificates are similar to ones that car dealers use to get people their lots and they are almost not worth the paper they are printed on.  Additionally, you can purchase a book of these certificates for $10 or less. 

So, if a seller is promising a $1000 or $1000s in gift certificates for an online retailer, you may want to ask if it is for a retailer that has physical stores or if it is only for an online retailer, then you may want to pass, unless they tell which one.   However, the guise is that it is a mystery auction, so it is a seller's right not to specify but it is probably wise to follow the adage, if it is too good to be true, well, then it probably is.