Don't buy AppleCare on Ebay

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I have had good luck calling Paypal, and have had the 45 day limit waived, even for a transaction that was way over the 45 day limit. You need to speak to them directly.

Thanks, I will try this.

Funnily, today they asked me to participate in a survey that they conduct to find out how satisfied I am with their service...

 

[hldomster]

Phoned Applecare today. Their response is a bit worrying to be honest.

On the face of it everything seems fine and they contacted the warranties department and they said no problems were apparent. They were keen to add though, that if any problems arose they warranty would not be honoured without proof of purchase from a reseller; the ebay receipt would not suffice.

It is strange though that their system currently determines that the extended cover is legit, but that in a month time I could get an email saying this is not the case. If anything, it is Apple's system that is facilitating this if indeed it is a scam.

 

[aristobrat]

It is strange though that their system currently determines that the extended cover is legit, but that in a month time I could get an email saying this is not the case. If anything, it is Apple's system that is facilitating this if indeed it is a scam.

What is so strange about that?

There are millions of AppleCare boxes sitting shelves around in the world, waiting to be purchased, each with a serial number inside.

If somebody comes along and figures out how generate bogus serial numbers, then it seems like the only obvious way Apple is going to know if a serial number is bogus or not is when TWO people try to activate the same serial number.

So if you get a bogus serial number, and it hasn't been registered, then you're not going to have any problems registering it. The problem comes later when someone buys a box that has the same serial number you used and has problems activating it. In the case, Apple goes back to you and asks you to prove that your serial number isn't bogus.

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

What is so strange about that?

There are millions of AppleCare boxes sitting shelves around in the world, waiting to be purchased, each with a serial number inside.

If somebody comes along and figures out how generate bogus serial numbers, then it seems like the only obvious way Apple is going to know if a serial number is bogus or not is when TWO people try to activate the same serial number.

So if you get a bogus serial number, and it hasn't been registered, then you're not going to have any problems registering it. The problem comes later when someone buys a box that has the same serial number you used and has problems activating it. In the case, Apple goes back to you and asks you to prove that your serial number isn't bogus.

Well, I think you are right, however Apple could do a few simple things to make this a non-issue:

1. Use a sound random-number generator to produce the serial-numbers (this would stop the people making up codes)
2. Go actively after people that sell these fake Apple products on eBay in quantities (the seller that I bought from had >10,000 reviews, mostly from AppleCare contracts)

It hurts their customers and therefore also hurts Apple - they should act.

 

[DesignerOnMac]

Well, I think you are right, however Apple could do a few simple things to make this a non-issue:

1. Use a sound random-number generator to produce the serial-numbers
2. Go actively after people that sell these fake Apple products on eBay in quantities (the seller that I bought from had >10,000 reviews, mostly from AppleCare contracts)

It hurts their customers and therefore also hurts Apple - they should act.

I have NEVER bought AppleCare on eBay, I found the pricing + shipping to be to close to Apple's pricing. Because I was afraid of buying Apple Care on eBay, I did a google search or went to dealmac.com and got the best deal with lacomputers.com. Since your in Germany this would not help you, sorry.

I emailed the info to AppleCare with no issues. I had a problem with my Alum iMac a month later and Apple had the info so no issues. Problem was taken care of over the phone.

I Have not however received any certificate of any kind in the mail from Apple in regards to any AppleCare I have ever purchased.

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I have NEVER bought AppleCare on eBay, I found the pricing + shipping to be to close to Apple's pricing. Because I was afraid of buying Apple Care on eBay, I did a google search or went to dealmac.com and got the best deal with lacomputers.com. Since your in Germany this would not help you, sorry.

I emailed the info to AppleCare with no issues. I had a problem with my Alum iMac a month later and Apple had the info so no issues. Problem was taken care of over the phone.

I Have not however received any certificate of any kind in the mail from Apple in regards to any AppleCare I have ever purchased.

I was kind of wary when I launched on this.

However I had searched through this forums before I bought and as you will notice, there were a lot of people that testified it had worked for them.

I also believed, that I was covered via PayPal if things would go wrong...

What really put me on this track was comparing prices of AppleCare between the US and Germany. AppleCare is just so expensive over here (179 Euro for an iMac) that I decided to take my chances.

Well, I got scammed - ok, I will live through it.

What I do not like is the way Ebay, PayPal and Apple have handled the matter. The seller is still active on Ebay and everybody else seems to be in denial-mode - so be careful!

 

[nhcowboy1]

Okay, here's my two cents worth -

I'd put the burden on Apple. It shouldn't matter where you buy your Applecare - from a retailer, from eBay, or from the next door neighbor's kid who picked up a bunch of Applecare packages cheap when the local home electronics store went out of business. If Apple wants to ensure that you purchase only from an authorized retailer, then then they have the option of insisting - at the outset - that you send in a copy of your receipt in order to register your Applecare.

If Apple does not demand a copy of your receipt at the outset, the question then arises whether they can demand it later - after they've already accepted your registration. I'd say no. Here's why: you relied on the confirmation email you received from Apple in concluding your eBay transaction. Based on that email, you (presumably) left good feedback for the seller (which you can't later rescind), and you declined to open a case with PayPal. Your reliance on Apple's confirmation email should be enough to protect you.

In other words, you were damaged not because you were scammed by the seller (if, in fact, that's the case and there wasn't simply an honest mistake) - but because you relied on Apple's confirmation email which told you that you had purchased and registered a valid Applecare registration number.

If Apple has a problem two months down the line when someone else tries to register the same number, that's Apple's problem. They can, at that point, demand further documentation from the new registrant. If the new registrant is able to provide it, then too bad for Apple - they'll need to honor both. They can't come back to you two months after the fact and say "oops" and expect you to suffer because of their mistake. And if they accepted your erroneous or fraudulent registration, it is their mistake, not yours!

Sure, if they can prove that you deliberately defrauded them, then they can come after you. Otherwise, they're on their own. They either set up stricter standards for registering Applecare in the first place, or they accept the consequences when something like this happens.

Go back to Apple, and when they blow you off, just keep going up the chain until you find someone who will listen. And, keep this in mind, you're doing them a favor - Apple can use any information it can get about unscrupulous sellers of Apple products. You provide Apple with information about your transaction, you are helping Apple to prevent future fraud. They do have a fraud prevention unit and they do care . . . so see if you can't make this a win-win situation for you and Apple!

 

[AdeFowler]

I plan on buying apple care off ebay in the future since its so much cheaper but i will only buy one that is shrinkwrapped in its original box.

I bought a boxed version on ebay from a guy in the states last week for my sister's iMac. It arrived sealed on Monday; I enrolled it but Apple's site says, Registration in progress. I'm a bit worried.

I think this might be be the seller because there are a couple of negative comments a few pages in and he has the 10,000+ feedback count. I could be wrong though, the OP can confirm.

I am concerned because I bought Applecare from this guy. Guess the only way to resolve this is to email Applecare?

I bought AppleCare from memorymate last week for my mum's MacBook. She enrolled it and received Apple's AppleCare Protection Plan Certificate by email. If in 2 years time she has a problem, how would she be expected to find a receipt for something that she didn't even buy?

I think I'll stick to Apple retail in the future

Edit: how do you email AppleCare?

 

[seedster2]

Okay, here's my two cents worth -

I'd put the burden on Apple. It shouldn't matter where you buy your Applecare - from a retailer, from eBay, or from the next door neighbor's kid who picked up a bunch of Applecare packages cheap when the local home electronics store went out of business. If Apple wants to ensure that you purchase only from an authorized retailer, then then they have the option of insisting - at the outset - that you send in a copy of your receipt in order to register your Applecare.

If Apple does not demand a copy of your receipt at the outset, the question then arises whether they can demand it later - after they've already accepted your registration. I'd say no. Here's why: you relied on the confirmation email you received from Apple in concluding your eBay transaction. Based on that email, you (presumably) left good feedback for the seller (which you can't later rescind), and you declined to open a case with PayPal. Your reliance on Apple's confirmation email should be enough to protect you.

In other words, you were damaged not because you were scammed by the seller (if, in fact, that's the case and there wasn't simply an honest mistake) - but because you relied on Apple's confirmation email which told you that you had purchased and registered a valid Applecare registration number.

If Apple has a problem two months down the line when someone else tries to register the same number, that's Apple's problem. They can, at that point, demand further documentation from the new registrant. If the new registrant is able to provide it, then too bad for Apple - they'll need to honor both. They can't come back to you two months after the fact and say "oops" and expect you to suffer because of their mistake. And if they accepted your erroneous or fraudulent registration, it is their mistake, not yours!

Sure, if they can prove that you deliberately defrauded them, then they can come after you. Otherwise, they're on their own. They either set up stricter standards for registering Applecare in the first place, or they accept the consequences when something like this happens.

Go back to Apple, and when they blow you off, just keep going up the chain until you find someone who will listen. And, keep this in mind, you're doing them a favor - Apple can use any information it can get about unscrupulous sellers of Apple products. You provide Apple with information about your transaction, you are helping Apple to prevent future fraud. They do have a fraud prevention unit and they do care . . . so see if you can't make this a win-win situation for you and Apple!

I agree 100%

Apple had several opportunities to notify you of discrepency and instead told you it was valid 2x. The OP shouldnt have to suffer for Apple's ineptitude.

 

[ravenvii]

Okay, here's my two cents worth -

I'd put the burden on Apple. It shouldn't matter where you buy your Applecare - from a retailer, from eBay, or from the next door neighbor's kid who picked up a bunch of Applecare packages cheap when the local home electronics store went out of business. If Apple wants to ensure that you purchase only from an authorized retailer, then then they have the option of insisting - at the outset - that you send in a copy of your receipt in order to register your Applecare.

If Apple does not demand a copy of your receipt at the outset, the question then arises whether they can demand it later - after they've already accepted your registration. I'd say no. Here's why: you relied on the confirmation email you received from Apple in concluding your eBay transaction. Based on that email, you (presumably) left good feedback for the seller (which you can't later rescind), and you declined to open a case with PayPal. Your reliance on Apple's confirmation email should be enough to protect you.

In other words, you were damaged not because you were scammed by the seller (if, in fact, that's the case and there wasn't simply an honest mistake) - but because you relied on Apple's confirmation email which told you that you had purchased and registered a valid Applecare registration number.

If Apple has a problem two months down the line when someone else tries to register the same number, that's Apple's problem. They can, at that point, demand further documentation from the new registrant. If the new registrant is able to provide it, then too bad for Apple - they'll need to honor both. They can't come back to you two months after the fact and say "oops" and expect you to suffer because of their mistake. And if they accepted your erroneous or fraudulent registration, it is their mistake, not yours!

Sure, if they can prove that you deliberately defrauded them, then they can come after you. Otherwise, they're on their own. They either set up stricter standards for registering Applecare in the first place, or they accept the consequences when something like this happens.

Go back to Apple, and when they blow you off, just keep going up the chain until you find someone who will listen. And, keep this in mind, you're doing them a favor - Apple can use any information it can get about unscrupulous sellers of Apple products. You provide Apple with information about your transaction, you are helping Apple to prevent future fraud. They do have a fraud prevention unit and they do care . . . so see if you can't make this a win-win situation for you and Apple!

Written like a lawyer, and I 100% agree.

I bought AppleCare for the iMac on eBay because it's a very good deal. After reading this thread, I'm thinking I probably won't do this again. But hopefully I won't have any problems with the one I bought for the iMac.

 

[natebookpro]

Okay, here's my two cents worth -

I'd put the burden on Apple. It shouldn't matter where you buy your Applecare - from a retailer, from eBay, or from the next door neighbor's kid who picked up a bunch of Applecare packages cheap when the local home electronics store went out of business. If Apple wants to ensure that you purchase only from an authorized retailer, then then they have the option of insisting - at the outset - that you send in a copy of your receipt in order to register your Applecare.

If Apple does not demand a copy of your receipt at the outset, the question then arises whether they can demand it later - after they've already accepted your registration. I'd say no. Here's why: you relied on the confirmation email you received from Apple in concluding your eBay transaction. Based on that email, you (presumably) left good feedback for the seller (which you can't later rescind), and you declined to open a case with PayPal. Your reliance on Apple's confirmation email should be enough to protect you.

In other words, you were damaged not because you were scammed by the seller (if, in fact, that's the case and there wasn't simply an honest mistake) - but because you relied on Apple's confirmation email which told you that you had purchased and registered a valid Applecare registration number.

If Apple has a problem two months down the line when someone else tries to register the same number, that's Apple's problem. They can, at that point, demand further documentation from the new registrant. If the new registrant is able to provide it, then too bad for Apple - they'll need to honor both. They can't come back to you two months after the fact and say "oops" and expect you to suffer because of their mistake. And if they accepted your erroneous or fraudulent registration, it is their mistake, not yours!

Sure, if they can prove that you deliberately defrauded them, then they can come after you. Otherwise, they're on their own. They either set up stricter standards for registering Applecare in the first place, or they accept the consequences when something like this happens.

Go back to Apple, and when they blow you off, just keep going up the chain until you find someone who will listen. And, keep this in mind, you're doing them a favor - Apple can use any information it can get about unscrupulous sellers of Apple products. You provide Apple with information about your transaction, you are helping Apple to prevent future fraud. They do have a fraud prevention unit and they do care . . . so see if you can't make this a win-win situation for you and Apple!

Im bookmarking this, hope you don't mind if I use it if my ebay Applecare comes back.

 

[andiwm2003]

umpf, this sounds like trouble. my applecare for my MBP was 170 instead of 349 dollar. thousands of positive ratings convinced me. i don't know if it was memorymate or another reseller at ebay where i bought it. i will check as soon as i'm home. well, no risk no fun............

edit: i bought from macman812 i don't know if the guy still exists and is legit or has retreated to a tropical island. will check and report back. if it's a scam it's a good one because it takes month or years till somebody else buys applecare with my number and i find out.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

Doesn't it depend on what the seller is selling you?

Although I must admit that I have found ebay less than helpful when it comes to resolving problems. They just washed their hands of the whole situation.

Very dissappointed with ebay

 

[Macky-Mac]

Okay, here's my two cents worth -

I'd put the burden on Apple. It shouldn't matter where you buy your Applecare - from a retailer, from eBay, or from the next door neighbor's kid who picked up a bunch of Applecare packages cheap when the local home electronics store went out of business. If Apple wants to ensure that you purchase only from an authorized retailer, then then they have the option of insisting - at the outset - that you send in a copy of your receipt in order to register your Applecare.

If Apple does not demand a copy of your receipt at the outset, the question then arises whether they can demand it later - after they've already accepted your registration. I'd say no. Here's why: you relied on the confirmation email you received from Apple in concluding your eBay transaction. Based on that email, you (presumably) left good feedback for the seller (which you can't later rescind), and you declined to open a case with PayPal. Your reliance on Apple's confirmation email should be enough to protect you.

In other words, you were damaged not because you were scammed by the seller (if, in fact, that's the case and there wasn't simply an honest mistake) - but because you relied on Apple's confirmation email which told you that you had purchased and registered a valid Applecare registration number.

If Apple has a problem two months down the line when someone else tries to register the same number, that's Apple's problem. They can, at that point, demand further documentation from the new registrant. If the new registrant is able to provide it, then too bad for Apple - they'll need to honor both. They can't come back to you two months after the fact and say "oops" and expect you to suffer because of their mistake. And if they accepted your erroneous or fraudulent registration, it is their mistake, not yours!

Sure, if they can prove that you deliberately defrauded them, then they can come after you. Otherwise, they're on their own. They either set up stricter standards for registering Applecare in the first place, or they accept the consequences when something like this happens.

Go back to Apple, and when they blow you off, just keep going up the chain until you find someone who will listen. And, keep this in mind, you're doing them a favor - Apple can use any information it can get about unscrupulous sellers of Apple products. You provide Apple with information about your transaction, you are helping Apple to prevent future fraud. They do have a fraud prevention unit and they do care . . . so see if you can't make this a win-win situation for you and Apple!

But why should Apple be obligated to provide warranty services when they didn't receive any payment for the Applecare?

If you gave Apple money, then they're obligated to you, but if you gave it to some dude scamming on the internet, some guy who isn't connected to Apple in anyway, then it's hard to see why that's Apple's fault or why they should suddenly become burdened with providing you something for nothing.

 

[phatcat]

I don't feel like reading 3 pages of posts, but here's my recommendation:
1) Hopefully you paid via CC on paypal. Call the CC company and reverse your payment.

2) Leave seller negative feedback. You can withdraw it later.

I'm not sure why Apple took so long to respond to you. Here in the US, my applecare was activated within a week. I purchased the boxed version on fleabay. Saved almost 50% from retail.

 

[sushi]

I bought mine from ebay, no problems.

Likewise.

Seller provided a receipt with AppleCare number.

In my case, I purchased a US version, so Apple in Japan would not enter me into the system. However, they acted as my agent. I sent them my MBP15 and AppleCare receipts via e-mail. They coordinated with Apple US. And in a couple of weeks I received my AppleCare coverage certificate (letter) from Apple. Worked well for me.

So I'm curious. For those who got screwed by this, did you receive the AppleCare certificate in the mail from Apple?

I am curious about this as well.

I have NEVER bought AppleCare on eBay, I found the pricing + shipping to be to close to Apple's pricing.

In my case, I save about $170.

But why should Apple be obligated to provide warranty services when they didn't receive any payment for the Applecare?

If you gave Apple money, then they're obligated to you, but if you gave it to some dude scamming on the internet, some guy who isn't connected to Apple in anyway, then it's hard to see why that's Apple's fault or why they should suddenly become burdened with providing you something for nothing.

Very good point.

I don't feel like reading 3 pages of posts

Then why should we consider your post?

Just saying.

 

[hldomster]

Well I'm disputing this via PayPal at the moment. I'm saying that the goods were significantly not as described as although the seller says the auction is only for the registration code, Apple has made it clear that to be properly covered you need the registration code AND the serial number or proof of postage, and as memorymate won't supply either of those latter two things, he's not really selling the Applecare cover because the cover is not guaranteed without those. It's like selling someone an insurance policy and saying 'this is just the reference number, you dont need the actual documents' but when you come to claim you actually do need the paperwork.

Anyway, memorymate has not replied to the dispute, nor to my messages on ebay, unsuprisingly. I can escalate it to a claim on May 14th, so stay posted to see what happens.

Ebay and Apple should really be doing something about this though, because at the end of the day this guy sells 700 of these a month, and that's 700 ebayers and Apple customers that are potentially being scammed.

 

[ab2650]

But why should Apple be obligated to provide warranty services when they didn't receive any payment for the Applecare?

If you gave Apple money, then they're obligated to you, but if you gave it to some dude scamming on the internet, some guy who isn't connected to Apple in anyway, then it's hard to see why that's Apple's fault or why they should suddenly become burdened with providing you something for nothing.

I believe one point nhcowboy1 was making was that this entire debacle could be avoided if Apple requested the serial number, as well as the registration code, right from the outset. This prevents anyone generating codes, or at the very least makes it much more difficult.

It becomes Apple's culpability when you submit what they request (registration code) and they return to you a note that you are effectively enrolled in AppleCare. That's Apple's fault. Your actions thereafter (leaving feedback, completing transactions, not filing disputes) are entirely contingent on Apple's response. I'm sure somewhere in their fine print they state their policy on unauthorized codes, or sale by unauthorized merchants, but they need to step up and make a more preventative measure than they are.

Edit: For what it's worth, I bought AppleCare for my MBP over 2 years ago on eBay. No problems and I saved at least $100 from retail. If I purchased again, I would go with an Apple Authorized Retailer and get a sealed box; Amazon looks like they have decent discounts off retail price on AppleCare.

 

[weckart]

Also is your PayPal account linked to your credit card or directly to your bank account? Because if its your Credit Card then you will be protected.

No, you are not protected. The problem with using your cc with PP is that your contract for any such purchase is with PP and not with any other party that PayPal has itself contracted with. Your cc company will ask that you go through the standard complaints procedure with your supplier (i.e. PayPal) and then only when that is exhausted come back to it. Since PayPal's terms explicitly only provide for a 45 day complaints window, your cc issuer will deem the matter closed.

Your only option is to try to get the payment reversed, but you will have to provide valid reasons for that, and an exhausted complaints procedure may not be enough. While the ebay seller may or may not have acted fraudulently, that in the view of your cc issuer is a problem for PayPal, not it.

 

[Music_Producer]

umpf, this sounds like trouble. my applecare for my MBP was 170 instead of 349 dollar. thousands of positive ratings convinced me. i don't know if it was memorymate or another reseller at ebay where i bought it. i will check as soon as i'm home. well, no risk no fun............

I'm a reseller and I used to purchase applecare packages in volume from Apple ($225 was my price for the MBP AppleCare) - I used to sell them for $280 online. After ebay, paypal fees, etc I would make about $30 per package - which was ok.

Soon enough, all these sellers proliferated with 'magic' prices - like the one you stated - $170. I was terribly confused because I couldn't fathom how these guys could get applecare for less than my cost ($170 was the sale price, so their cost was probably $120 or so) It all obviously makes sense now.

Frustrating for honest sellers - I had zero sales and stopped buying applecare from Apple after this crap came out

To the person who posted that they received a sealed box - believe me, it's VERY easy for anyone to custom print the apple graphic/text on a generic software packaging box, stick the serial # in there, and then seal the entire thing using a shrink wrap sealer. If you do this on a volume basis it could cost about $5 per package.

 

[sushi]

I'm a reseller and I used to purchase applecare packages in volume from Apple ($225 was my price for the MBP AppleCare) - I used to sell them for $280 online. After ebay, paypal fees, etc I would make about $30 per package - which was ok. <snip good info>

Thanks for the info.

I purchased my MBP AppleCare plan for $180.

So far it's working. Registered and received the certificate of coverage.

My guess is that there may be some legitimate folks out there who are liquidators and sell for cheaper. The problem is deciding who is legit and who isn't.

 

[Music_Producer]

Thanks for the info.

I purchased my MBP AppleCare plan for $180.

So far it's working. Registered and received the certificate of coverage.

My guess is that there may be some legitimate folks out there who are liquidators and sell for cheaper. The problem is deciding who is legit and who isn't.

That's true, but from now on people should (if they are going to purchase online) ask the seller if they will receive the serial # of the AppleCare with the registration code or not. If the seller states that only the code will be emailed, then that should be a red flag.

What if your applecare gets revoked in a few months though sushi? The biggest and most obvious sign that this is a fraud is that these sellers are not able to provide the retail boxes for this product. The same with iTunes cards - if a seller will not be shipping the actual card (he/she can email you the code after scratching it out, but confirm that they will ship it to you after emailing you the code)

It's not like Apple gives resellers some kind of discount if we purchase OEM AppleCare codes (and there is no such thing)

 

[Hal1980]

I posted this in another forum but I would like everyone to know what is happening before they lose money and lose the ability to register their Mac!

Okay, here it goes. I bought two of these from MemoryMate. They only send emails with the registration code, not the serial number. I've been back and forth with Apple on this. Just got off the phone again. The problem with these codes and seller-

1) The registration number is flagged. You need a serial number (which is on the box) or a receipt from an Apple Authorized dealer/reseller. MemoryMate does not provide these.
2) MemoryMate, although originally admitting the code was no good, refuses all communication. Meanwhile, your chance of registering lapses.
3) You need either the AppleCare box or legit receipt, PERIOD. Otherwise, Apple will reject.
4) Your warranty can be pulled at any time. i.e. Apple sees a pattern of suspicious registrations, asks for the documentation MONTHS later, it is too late to file a PayPal dispute or change feedback in email.

That's probably why the feedback ratings are so good. The codes haven't had a chance to bounce! This can happen at ANY time.

Moral- buy factory sealed box ONLY! MemoryMate is running a big time scam!

Much easier fix:

Don't rely on paypal's crappy protection. Only purchase such things using a credit card when on paypal. That way you get the double layer of protection and the credit card companies don't have the BS 45 day limitation. You can dispute the charge at any time.

 

[Hal1980]

No, you are not protected. The problem with using your cc with PP is that your contract for any such purchase is with PP and not with any other party that PayPal has itself contracted with. Your cc company will ask that you go through the standard complaints procedure with your supplier (i.e. PayPal) and then only when that is exhausted come back to it. Since PayPal's terms explicitly only provide for a 45 day complaints window, your cc issuer will deem the matter closed.

Your only option is to try to get the payment reversed, but you will have to provide valid reasons for that, and an exhausted complaints procedure may not be enough. While the ebay seller may or may not have acted fraudulently, that in the view of your cc issuer is a problem for PayPal, not it.

Not sure where you got your info but the credit card agreements don't have a subordination clause. They still have a contractual obligation to protect purchases. I've had to dispute two different charges that went through paypal but were purchased using a credit card. I didn't even try paypal. Went straight to the credit card company and had no problem (one was about two months late - after 45 days).

 

[sushi]

That's true, but from now on people should (if they are going to purchase online) ask the seller if they will receive the serial # of the AppleCare with the registration code or not. If the seller states that only the code will be emailed, then that should be a red flag.

When I purchased my AppleCare, I received a receipt with my serial number from the seller.

What is the registration code that you are referring to?

What if your applecare gets revoked in a few months though sushi? The biggest and most obvious sign that this is a fraud is that these sellers are not able to provide the retail boxes for this product. The same with iTunes cards - if a seller will not be shipping the actual card (he/she can email you the code after scratching it out, but confirm that they will ship it to you after emailing you the code)

I am not worried since I have received certification paperwork from Apple.

As you said in an earlier post, it's easy to create a box and shrink wrap it. So receiving a box would not necessarily mean that it is legit.