Got scammed purchasing a "new" Apple TV 4K?

[timidhermit]

I got a BNIB (Brand New In Box) first-generation Apple TV 4K (MP7P2CL/A) from a FB Marketplace seller for a good deal (don't want the current gen).

This unit is brand new. Still "sealed" in plastic (back then, Apple is still shrink wrapping its product) at pickup.

When I unboxed the unit at home, I notice that the stock Lightning-to-USB cable (used to charge the remote) is missing. There is no sign otherwise that the box has been tampered. The Apple TV and the remote look new and still have the protective films on them.

I watched a number of unboxing videos, all of which shows that the cable is supposed to be included. On the other hand, I notice that the current Apple TV 4K Apple sells does not include the charging cable to charge the remote.

Also, does this Apple TV include an Apple sticker? I don't have one in my unit.

For anyone with this model, did I get scammed by a seller who "resealed" the Apple TV to sell and forgot to put the Lightning-to-USB cable back in? Is it possible that a later release of this first-generation Apple TV 4K is no longer bundling the Lightning-to-USB cable? I can't find any info online on this. Please help.

 

[-Gonzo-]

Tells you what’s included on the bottom of the box.

Personally as long as it’s definitely an atv4K and not the atv4/HD version and it works then I really wouldn’t worry about the lack of a sticker and a lightning cable.
It’s an 8 year old device which you got for a good price so just enjoy it.

 

[timidhermit]

Tells you what’s included on the bottom of the box.

Personally as long as it’s definitely an atv4K and not the atv4/HD version and it works then I really wouldn’t worry about the lack of a sticker and a lightning cable.
It’s an 8 year old device which you got for a good price so just enjoy it.

I thought about this a lot before posting here. You are right to an extent. But for such an old device, why would a seller go to such an extraordinary length to do this? For vintage iPhone, I am aware that there are resealed phones sold as collector's items which are basically scams. On the other hand, if this is indeed resealed, there may be hardware problems with the unit itself that are not immediately obvious. I bought a sealed unit in part to avoid such issues. In this case, it obviously backfired, so I want to understand why. Or perhaps this unit was not resealed and indeed that there are later releases which did not include the Lightning cable like the current Apple TV.

 

[-Gonzo-]

I thought about this a lot before posting here. You are right to an extent. But for such an old device, why would a seller go to such an extraordinary length to do this? For vintage iPhone, I am aware that there are resealed phones sold as collector's items which are basically scams. On the other hand, if this is indeed resealed, there may be hardware problems with the unit itself that are not immediately obvious. I bought a sealed unit in part to avoid such issues. In this case, it obviously backfired, so I want to understand why. Or perhaps this unit was not resealed and indeed that there are later releases which did not include the Lightning cable like the current Apple TV.

Wouldn’t the simple solution be to ask these questions to person you bought it from 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[timidhermit]

Wouldn’t the simple solution be to ask these questions to person you bought it from 🤷🏻‍♂️

Of course. As expected, the seller said the item was sealed and denied anything is missing because it was sealed.

 

[erihp]

does the appletv work? you're missing a charge cable you arent sure is even included, and thats a scam? be grateful you didnt find a rock inside

What does your box say is included the back on this sticker?

 

[MacCheetah3]

Is it possible that a later release of this first-generation Apple TV 4K is no longer bundling the Lightning-to-USB cable? I can't find any info online on this.

I couldn’t find any evidence there was anything but model A1842.

In the Box​

• Apple TV 4K
• Siri Remote
• Power cord
• Lightning to USB cable
• Documentation

Apple TV 4K (1st generation) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support

Learn how to identify your Apple TV by its model number and other details.

support.apple.com

An image from an eBay listing:

Includes Siri Remote and Lightning cable. HDMI cable sold separately.

did I get scammed by a seller who "resealed" the Apple TV to sell and forgot to put the Lightning-to-USB cable back in?

Perhaps, but...

does the appletv work?

Beyond that and a possible lesson, there’s little logical action to be taken.

Facebook Purchase Protection is only valid for items purchased via their checkout system and shipped to you.
And if you really got a “good” deal, it’s likely not worthwhile to berate the seller until maybe the refund or discount your purchase.

So, basically, either it works… Yay! And you still take it as a cautionary tale. Or you take it as a harsh lesson. IMO, you should accept it as a win, the “good deal” you already noted.

 

[-Gonzo-]

Of course. As expected, the seller said the item was sealed and denied anything is missing because it was sealed.

So maybe he genuinely didn’t know.
It also depends how it came to be in his person, maybe he was ‘scammed’ into thinking he’d got a complete unit and this is the first he’s known about it.
So how much of a good deal are we talking here anyway?
Realistically though (providing of course it’s all in good working order) is it worth kicking up a fuss over something you can pick up pretty cheaply just to charge the remote.
Mind you as you’ve been a member here for quite some time now I’d hazard a guess it’s possibly likely you already have a spare lightning cable anyway.

 

[chadamorrill]

Did the AppleTV unit itself have a black sticker covering all the sides and back of the device?

 

[timidhermit]

does the appletv work? you're missing a charge cable you arent sure is even included, and thats a scam? be grateful you didnt find a rock inside

What does your box say is included the back on this sticker?

Thank you for the photo. That was very helpful. I just checked my box. The label looks slightly different because of additional languages are included. But indeed, it says Lightning cable is included. This confirmed that my unit is a resealed product.

 

[timidhermit]

Thank you kindly to everyone all posted their advice there. Appreciate it. I have decided to keep the unit. The Lightning cable can be easily replaced. The unit works (so far). I agree with many of the opinions there that it may not be worthwhile to fuzz about it further. I got a deal (not great but decent) comparable to prices typical sold for units in excellent cosmetic condition.

 

[bozzykid]

Other than the remote, there is very little that can fail with an Apple TV so even being a refurbished or an open box is still worth it for most people if you save some money.