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Don't buy AppleCare on Ebay

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I bought AppleCare from my campus store and it registered fine and also already got the letter in the mail - so I have the box, receipt and the Apple guy knows me.

Now, if someone tries to register AC with the same registration number (which he/she got from ebay/key-gen) - do I also have to prove that I got a real one or only the other guy/girl? :confused:

I know the chances are slim that there is a fake AC with my exact number, but I was just wondering,...
 
Son of Matrix said:
This seller has 100% rating and he has sold other Apple products before. I have asked him more detail about the Applecare and he has replied me with this.

"hi there mate. you have NOTHING to worry about. i have sold an
applecare before, if it helps, check my profile feedback. Once
again to clarify, the box at the moment is NEW and SEALED. i
will have to slice the top and record down the actual enollment
number though, as i will get scammed. you could very easily
post on ebay that the enrolment number had already been
registered, and request a refund, in which as your proof you
supply your mates applecare number, which had been registered
before, and seeing as how the box is sealed i will never know to
prove otherwise. And you get a refund and an applecare free of
charge. However, if i record the number down, and an incident
like this occurs, i will have the registration date and details of
the person (which would be you or a spouce of) and you wont
get a refund and scam me in return ! Believe me this works. its a
security and safety measure for both me and you. No receipt will
be issued with this. Apple care number CAN NOT be faulty. Also,
there is a no refund policy with apple with applecare's anyway. A
receipt will be no good to you. If it is for tax purposes, you can
simply use your paypal invoice. I have done that before many
times. This was initially a gift to me from someone who knew i
had just recently bought a Macbook Pro, but i dont think i will
be needing it at all. Let me know if i have answered your
questions, any more queries please dont hesitate to ask."

However, at the end of the day, if there's any dispute, he will say I have already opened the box and cannot return it. (He doesn't accept returns according to his advertisements). If I insist that I haven't use the number in the box, I guess I won't be able to prove that. So I need to pass this purchase I guess. What a shame...

Don't get me wrong. I think he's a decent guy but there's certain amount of risk here.
Click to expand...

Just my gut feeling - don't buy this!
 
Music_Producer said:
Ebay will shut the auctions down only on notification from Apple. I emailed Apple a few months ago - sent emails to their legal team and fraud division. They're probably too involved in the tablet to look at this. :rolleyes: Till then, I'm assuming you have the seller's information? (usually the paypal receipt will show his name) - go to http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx and file a complaint regarding fraud. They take some time to follow up, but they always do so. If the fraud is on a bigger scale then they will pass it on to the FBI.

star-fish - good to have another Apple reseller out here. I agree that macman's reasons were so ridiculous, but you had to see how everyone here *still* went ahead and bought AC from him, even after I provided enough information and evidence that this AC was not legit. The best part was that his pricing from unauthorized sellers was better than that from authorized sellers :p

To the poster who mentioned that he/she received a sealed box for $81 from a seller who sold a few ACs and then stopped - that was probably from a store going bust. Sometimes people will buy closeouts and sell them for cheap - but they will be limited. Not an endless supply for sure.
Click to expand...

Negativ - Ebay will not do such thing.

I had a long, long discussion with a Customers Relations rep. from Apple, who was involved in my case. He personally phoned up Ebay and got a cold shoulder.

You can call Ebay yourself and all they tell you is that: if enough people complain, they just might investigate the case.
How many people does it needs if the seller has something like 10.000 positive feedbacks? Nobody knows.

My guess is: Ebay is protecting its PowerSeller-CashCows very well
 
Son of Matrix said:
I wonder why I can't go to page 23..hmm..keeps directing me back to page 22
Click to expand...

Hey me too! Btw, I'm having anxiety thinking I must have wasted a lot of money buying applecare from ebay? Although I did hear that buying applecare and along with other brand new apple products, Macman812 is a power seller? Do you guys think down the line, since I have faith in Macman812, I should purchase apple care for my sister's MBP (bought same time as mine July 2009), and apple cinema 24-inch display from either Amazon or thee applestore itself?:confused:
 
Detektiv-Pinky said:
Negativ - Ebay will not do such thing.

I had a long, long discussion with a Customers Relations rep. from Apple, who was involved in my case. He personally phoned up Ebay and got a cold shoulder.

You can call Ebay yourself and all they tell you is that: if enough people complain, they just might investigate the case.
How many people does it needs if the seller has something like 10.000 positive feedbacks? Nobody knows.

My guess is: Ebay is protecting its PowerSeller-CashCows very well
Click to expand...

EBay WILL do something - they can't do something via phone. The manufacturer who's trademark is being infringed - or in this case, counterfeit products are being sold, can fax a Verified Rights Owner Program document to Ebay.

In this document they have to specify the listing numbers and the reason for the removal. Ebay acts within minutes of receiving this fax, trust me, that's how designer labels get fake purses, etc removed from ebay. Instead of blaming ebay, let's concentrate on Apple here.

Apple does NOTHING to warn consumers about potential fraud. Other manufacturers will usually put up a note on their web page or something like that, Apple does not bother acknowledging these issues. Like I said, I've mailed their legal and fraud department quite a few times - nothing. I even had a lawyer try to communicate with them - still nothing.
 
katyoshi said:
Hey me too! Btw, I'm having anxiety thinking I must have wasted a lot of money buying applecare from ebay? Although I did hear that buying applecare and along with other brand new apple products, Macman812 is a power seller? Do you guys think down the line, since I have faith in Macman812, I should purchase apple care for my sister's MBP (bought same time as mine July 2009), and apple cinema 24-inch display from either Amazon or thee applestore itself?:confused:
Click to expand...

easiest way to protect yourself; stay away from bay. PERIOD. Buying AC from places like Amazon.com, Apple.com, the Apple Store, The Mac Store (whatever is near your house)even best buy are safe. They are an AUTHORIZED reseller. Perfectly safe.
 
FieryFurnace said:
I bought AppleCare from my campus store and it registered fine and also already got the letter in the mail - so I have the box, receipt and the Apple guy knows me.

Now, if someone tries to register AC with the same registration number (which he/she got from ebay/key-gen) - do I also have to prove that I got a real one or only the other guy/girl? :confused:

I know the chances are slim that there is a fake AC with my exact number, but I was just wondering,...
Click to expand...

They will know who has the legitimate version via the serial number on the box. And/or they may ask for a receipt from an authorised seller, which the other person won't have.
 
Calling Apple

Let me ask something, was this a good idea?

I did the same thing yesterday and brought my AC from Ebay with the code. After reading some of this threads, I called Apple and told them my problem. I just plain out in told the truth because look I didn't want to wait until I got the email down the road where I couldn't dispute it. The apple care technician told me its not way for it to be taken off its to my computer for three years, blah, blah blah. So he said he can make a case for this and gave me the case number. I told him to put in there that he told me it couldn't be taken off and they can't ask me for a receipt. Do you think this would be my back up if this in fact happen? Or should I call paypal and things like that now.
 
miniamber said:
Let me ask something, was this a good idea?

I did the same thing yesterday and brought my AC from Ebay with the code. After reading some of this threads, I called Apple and told them my problem. I just plain out in told the truth because look I didn't want to wait until I got the email down the road where I couldn't dispute it. The apple care technician told me its not way for it to be taken off its to my computer for three years, blah, blah blah. So he said he can make a case for this and gave me the case number. I told him to put in there that he told me it couldn't be taken off and they can't ask me for a receipt. Do you think this would be my back up if this in fact happen? Or should I call paypal and things like that now.
Click to expand...

Well, I don't know. I mean it is Russian Roulette; buying AC on Ebay. You may NOT have problems with having repairs done. You also MIGHT have problems.

How much time do you have left on the 1 year warranty? If you have a few weeks left, hopefully Apple will get back to you asap. You called AppleCare and talked to someone? Or just 1-800-myapple? I also guess since you registered it, you are stuck with the "code' you bought...

I messaged some sellers on bay, selling only the code. I asked why no box, and that the box is needed for Apple. I also gave them the link to this thread. I am going to email Ebay, and see if I even get a response. If the sellers would simply supply the box and the contents inside.. I mean do they just toss these:rolleyes: They never had them...
 
HBOC said:
Well, I don't know. I mean it is Russian Roulette; buying AC on Ebay. You may NOT have problems with having repairs done. You also MIGHT have problems.

How much time do you have left on the 1 year warranty? If you have a few weeks left, hopefully Apple will get back to you asap. You called AppleCare and talked to someone? Or just 1-800-myapple? I also guess since you registered it, you are stuck with the "code' you bought...

I messaged some sellers on bay, selling only the code. I asked why no box, and that the box is needed for Apple. I also gave them the link to this thread. I am going to email Ebay, and see if I even get a response. If the sellers would simply supply the box and the contents inside.. I mean do they just toss these:rolleyes: They never had them...
Click to expand...



I just got the macbook pro a couple of months ago. So I still have almost a year. But by them giving me a case number with my concerns and by them putting in the case number that they can not come back asking for a receipt. Wouldn't I be able to fight apple?
 
ofcourse NOT. Apple didn't dupe you. The guy who you bought it from may have duped you. Now if Apple can confirm if that s/n has been used or not (and if it is a fake code, hopefully it is redeemed before your 1 year is up).

What Apple should do is go to Ebay, and have EBAY remove all the listings of the pirated Applecare. Of course Ebay gets money from this, and this just goes to show how much integrity they have as a company. Would be funny is Apple buys Ebay and then we won't have this problem.

I hope this turns out well for you, and that Apple can give you some kind of resolution. I am sure you cannot simply buy another AC plan, as a back-up? maybe ask them that? Way better to spend another $239 to have a back-up plan. But I would only do that after talking to someone from APPLE CARE!
 
MarkMissoula said:
Interesting thread! So do any Ebay sellers sell AC with the sealed box?
Click to expand...

Not many. There are a few, but most of the people selling AC that HAS a box are people that may have bought AC, and ended up buying the wrong one. Also, I have seen people who have bought several for a small business, only they ended up going with Mac Pros (or whatever). They are always in small numbers, i.e.; like the last instance I used, they may have 2 or 3 at the most. They have pictures of each one, and they ARE INDEED sealed.

I am hoping that if we can show more and more people this thread, it will help in lowering the fraud and bringing awareness to people. I was one of those people that wanted to save a few bucks. In my case, I saved $20 for AC on my iPhone. I didn't know the extent of how shady AC on Ebay is. Maybe when people type in AppleCare Ebay in the google search box, this thread will be at the top of the list, then the Ebay links:)


******EDIT********

Found this link, very interesting. It touches on what some people have said. Really shady. That is why there are NO boxes with Ebay sellers (most of them, anyways)..http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-APPLECARE-APPLE-CARE-A-warning-to-buyers_W0QQugidZ10000000011731235
 
I have just purchased Applecare from amazon. Sure its not as cheap as some of the ones on ebay but i know its legit and it was £50 cheaper than getting it from Apple so im still making a big saving.
 
I've tried bringing this thread to people's attention and they've treated me like the "little boy that cried wolf". Until they get burned by these sellers, most won't listen. They say they've done it before (some multiple times) and since they've been lucky they haven't lost anything.

About 5-years ago I bought AppleCare for this iMac from a seller with an eBay Auction (not a Buy-It-Now) for $98.03 (+ shipping), it was new-in-box, but the seller had opened the box to make sure everything was there before listing it. It registered and I even used it for a logic board replacement. If any issues had turned up I had the box with the serial number so I'm sure I'd be covered. The seller only had the one copy and I don't think there was any deceit involved.

AppleCare is basically insurance, and it doesn't make any sense to buy insurance that may or may not cover you when the time comes. If you're willing to gamble, why not just skip the AppleCare and see what happens. End results are likely to be pretty much the same.

After reading this thread, the only way I'd buy AppleCare on eBay was if it was from a Seller with a new sealed in box copy and even then I'd probably just get it from Amazon or another authorized Reseller. Better safe than sorry.
 
I spent hours reading this thread.
:p

OK, buying from Amazon, Apple...probably it is a better idea!

BUT...reading all these posts...how many had problems with Apple buying from eBay? One or two? So many alerts for a very small number of problem, no?

PS) I am not saying eBay is a safe way...just a curiosity about the thread.
 
In Australia - the price for Applecare MacBook Pro is AUD579 but ebay seller is selling at AUD303 with box... so that's a huge difference!

I think I am going to get it from eBay..haha wish me luck...
 
^
you can buy from where ever you want. But just ask yourself what is cheaper, $500 for AC, or $1300 for a logic board?
 
iKlein said:
I spent hours reading this thread.
:p

OK, buying from Amazon, Apple...probably it is a better idea!

BUT...reading all these posts...how many had problems with Apple buying from eBay? One or two? So many alerts for a very small number of problem, no?

PS) I am not saying eBay is a safe way...just a curiosity about the thread.
Click to expand...

Most people are satisfied by the Applecare they buy on Ebay. But most people never have to use AppleCare(insurance) in the first place. :)

The question is are you buying Snake Oil or not?

It turns out that when you have problems you need documentation to prove coverage in most cases and when you buy off Ebay you aren't getting this documentation. Some have received this documentation after asking for it. Some have not.
 
My ending results which makes me really think it was fraud. It was to easy.

From Buyer -
10/14/2009 09:51 PDT
I was told this is fraudalent. I am going above and beyond right now to have you kick off of ebay. Before I do anything I would like for my money back. You will never have to worry about me again, but if you don't believe me, it will be alot of things going on from this day forward.

From Seller -
10/14/2009 11:32 PDT
I dont sell bogus code and you seem actually used my product. if you want the serial of the box i can request my supplier to provide that information . but first please let me know how the registration gone or please tell me your serial number. if you really have a problem i will consider to refund or if you just want a serial from box i will provide that information. repeat again i sell genuine registration code . 100 customers registered without a problem with Apple Server how it scam??. i really dont get your point. but however i want to sort the problem out so first please let me know about your registration Thank you P.S please feel free to talk to me.Actually i dont avoid to refund you. just need more information.or you can call apple to cancel agreement number after it's deactivated and check by me i will return registration number to my supplier and issue a refund

hope you understand

Regards

From Buyer -
10/14/2009 11:37 PDT
That would be fine you can send me the serial number off of box. I would then contact apple back. I'm glad that you have responded immediately after I emailed. Sorry I was alittle upset about this.

From Seller -
10/14/2009 11:42 PDT
or i can give you a refund now if you feel nervous , but you have to promise me you will deactivate my applecare

. if you want serial number on the box i have to request from my supplier which takes a time. you can choose a full refund from me now

From Buyer -
10/14/2009 12:32 PDT
Which every one you think is best and I will do. So you think it will take to much time to request the serial number.

From Seller -
10/14/2009 12:36 PDT
yes it will take some time.

From Buyer
10/14/2009 12:50 PDT
Well that's fine i will call Apple now to deactive. You can process the refund.

From Seller
10/14/2009 18:58 PDT
buyer return item, so I issue a refund

A Refund was issued.
10/14/2009 18:58 PDT
 
trip1ex said:
...
It turns out that when you have problems you need documentation to prove coverage...
Click to expand...

OK, I agree.

BUT...who had problems? That's my question! Who didn't have the services covered by Apple? One or two (in all posts of the thread)?

Again...I am not saying eBay is a safe way...just a curiosity about the thread.
 
iKlein said:
OK, I agree.

BUT...who had problems? That's my question! Who didn't have the services covered by Apple? One or two (in all posts of the thread)?

Again...I am not saying eBay is a safe way...just a curiosity about the thread.
Click to expand...

I am curious too. Who has actually bought AppleCare from Ebay and been denied coverage?
 
teerexx52 said:
I am curious too. Who has actually bought AppleCare from Ebay and been denied coverage?
Click to expand...

Me. My Applecare plan was pulled from under me when the seller (fromtheheartllc) (or one of her cronies) managed to get a refund on the plan from Apple and get their money back just after the Paypal claim period ended.

I wouldn't have know had I not been checking on another plan and noticed that my Macbook's plan was gone. Apple did not call me or notify me in ANY way. When I called to check it out they told me that someone provided them a copy of the serial and receipt and they refunded the plan. All I ever got was a code. The seller proceeded to tell me they sold it on consignment and I could go **** myself.
 
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