EDIT: See post #15 for pictures.
So I was perusing the Facebook Marketplace when something caught my eye:
A 15" Macbook Pro, 4GB RAM for $500.
The girl claims it was purchased in July '09 and is selling it to fund an iMac.
Now. The price is an immediate red flag for me. Why in the HELL would someone sell it for this price? Are they just that dense or are they just like every other scammer? I've been in conversation with them today. Let me know what you think. The last message is what kind of tips me off, I think. The following conversation is after I posted a comment on the listing saying that I would take it. This was a few days ago. I've exchanged these messages this morning.
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Seller:
Jon,
You can reach me at ***-***-*** ask for (*name*) and can i get your address were the laptop would be delivered and what is your mode of payment?Hoping to hear from you today.
Me:
I would likely use Paypal for payment...you can check my track record on Ebay (*my Ebay name*) so you know that I'm not going to scam you. Believe me, it's been done to me before and I know the feeling.
How much are you willing to sell it for? It's been a few weeks since I replied and I'm now only able to offer about $400.00. I can throw in a *little* extra for shipping costs, but unfortunately I spent a little this past Black Friday.
Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Jon
Seller:
Hi Jon
The price is $500 you can check out the link: (*link to listing*)
I can take 400+25 (shipping cost).
This is my paypal: (*their paypal address*)
As soon as i confirm your payment,I will ship the laptop then give you tracking number for shipment.
Me:
I am definitely willing to do it for $400 + $25 shipping. I guess I am still a little skeptical about the price...how can you assure me that this isn't a scam? I hate to assume that it is, but you can never be too careful these days. Can you guarantee me that you own the laptop and will be shipping it when I pay? Could you provide a picture of you with the laptop or something similar so I know you have it? I saw the pictures from the listing, but I've seen cases before where people pull images from Google and use those.
Like I said, please don't think I'm accusing you - I just want to be absolutely sure.
Thanks,
Jon
Seller:
Jon,
I hate embarrasement,I want to get rid of it because i have overdraft in my bank,I can assure you that i will ship the laptop as soon as i confirm your payment and concerning the picture you request,i can't do that because i don't appreciate someone wasting my time.
--------
Now I guess what seems to be throwing me off is that the girl gave me contact information (a phone number) and what appeared to be a legitimate Paypal address.
Let's say I do go through with this. What kind of protection does Paypal offer for something like this and if it did end up being a scam, what are the chances that I get reimbursed?
As I said, I'm about 98% sure this isn't legit, but I figured I'd get your opinions.
So I was perusing the Facebook Marketplace when something caught my eye:
A 15" Macbook Pro, 4GB RAM for $500.
The girl claims it was purchased in July '09 and is selling it to fund an iMac.
Now. The price is an immediate red flag for me. Why in the HELL would someone sell it for this price? Are they just that dense or are they just like every other scammer? I've been in conversation with them today. Let me know what you think. The last message is what kind of tips me off, I think. The following conversation is after I posted a comment on the listing saying that I would take it. This was a few days ago. I've exchanged these messages this morning.
--------
Seller:
Jon,
You can reach me at ***-***-*** ask for (*name*) and can i get your address were the laptop would be delivered and what is your mode of payment?Hoping to hear from you today.
Me:
I would likely use Paypal for payment...you can check my track record on Ebay (*my Ebay name*) so you know that I'm not going to scam you. Believe me, it's been done to me before and I know the feeling.
How much are you willing to sell it for? It's been a few weeks since I replied and I'm now only able to offer about $400.00. I can throw in a *little* extra for shipping costs, but unfortunately I spent a little this past Black Friday.
Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Jon
Seller:
Hi Jon
The price is $500 you can check out the link: (*link to listing*)
I can take 400+25 (shipping cost).
This is my paypal: (*their paypal address*)
As soon as i confirm your payment,I will ship the laptop then give you tracking number for shipment.
Me:
I am definitely willing to do it for $400 + $25 shipping. I guess I am still a little skeptical about the price...how can you assure me that this isn't a scam? I hate to assume that it is, but you can never be too careful these days. Can you guarantee me that you own the laptop and will be shipping it when I pay? Could you provide a picture of you with the laptop or something similar so I know you have it? I saw the pictures from the listing, but I've seen cases before where people pull images from Google and use those.
Like I said, please don't think I'm accusing you - I just want to be absolutely sure.
Thanks,
Jon
Seller:
Jon,
I hate embarrasement,I want to get rid of it because i have overdraft in my bank,I can assure you that i will ship the laptop as soon as i confirm your payment and concerning the picture you request,i can't do that because i don't appreciate someone wasting my time.
--------
Now I guess what seems to be throwing me off is that the girl gave me contact information (a phone number) and what appeared to be a legitimate Paypal address.
Let's say I do go through with this. What kind of protection does Paypal offer for something like this and if it did end up being a scam, what are the chances that I get reimbursed?
As I said, I'm about 98% sure this isn't legit, but I figured I'd get your opinions.
