Picture Only Scam

[Gazer]

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but is it worth a thousand dollars?
This scam is fairly easy to explain and though it may sound like it's too stupid to work, it unfortunately still catches the random ebay victim off guard.

Basically the scam takes place as follows:

• The scammer takes a beautiful picture of an often expensive item, such as a computer, TV, DVD, etc.
• The scammer then compiles a list of all the wonderful features the item comes equipped with, arranging them into a rather deceptive item desciption.
• The scammer then puts their beautiful picture along with the description of the item on a nicely layed out auction listing.

• The scammer then slips in a statement like "you are bidding on the picture only, not the actual item!" somewhere in the auction listing (usually in a very small, hard to notice font).
• The interested buyer doesn't see the "picture only" statement, thinks he's bidding on the actual product (computer, TV, DVD, etc.), then places a bid, and pays for the auction.
• A little while later he receives the picture in the mail instead of any actual product.

One such example of how this scam could be organized, is illustrated below.

• This awesome computer has been equipped with the following specs:
  Inventory Sku = 57625C
  Catalog Id = 02/11/2006-0020026129
  Manfacturer = GATEWAY
  Model Name = DX100
  HD = 80.0GB
  RAM = 512MB
  CDROM Type = 48x/32x/48x CD-RW/DVD combo drive
  Processor Type = Intel® Celeron® D Processor 336
  Processor Speed = 2.80GHz, 533MHz FSB, 256K L2 cache
  Screen Size = 17" Flat Panel
  Screen Type = SyncMaster 710T
  NIC = 10/100MBPS ETH
  COMPUTER TYPE = MIDTOWER
  MODEL NUMBER = PRO DX100
  FLOPPY = 1.44 FLOPPY
  PORT = RJ-45
  PORT = PARALLEL
  PORT = 1 SERIAL
  PORT = 4 USB
  AUDIO = YES
  OPERATING SYSTEM = Window's XP
  SERIAL NUMBER = 0021568677
  MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER = CND
  AUDIT RESULTS = P
  AUDIT DESCRIPTION = G
  CDROM SPEED = 48.00
  VIDEO = 16.00
  NUMBER OF PROCESSORS = 1.00
  SHARED VIDEO RAM = NO
  CD ROM INTERFACE = IDE
  HARD DRIVE INTERFACE = IDE
  # OF VIDEO CARDS = 2.00
  SPEAKERS = NO
  MONITOR PORT CONNECTION TYPE = DVI
  P.S. VOLTAGE = 110 and 220V Note: you are bidding on the picture of the item onlyTake advantage of this great offer and bid now!

Notice how small and obscure the words "you are bidding on the picture of the item only" are?
You can now understand how some rushed bidders may miss this little note, and mistake the listing for an actual valuable item.
The only way you can avoid becoming a victim of this scam is through common sense.
Always make sure to read every important detail about the item (especially the small print) before bidding.
You wouldn't run into a store as fast as you can, grab an item without knowing exactly what it is, and then pay for it without any careful examination would you?
Then why would you rush into an auction listing and bid before you've read the whole description?
Avoid quick impulse buys, an you'll easily be safe from this type of scam.