iPhone XR Legit or Scam?

[McRumour]

Here's part of a photo of bottom of box - iPhone XR model A1984.
Its being sold on Swappa as "......Sealed in retail box. Purchased from Apple. Factory unlocked......."

If it's legit....then why are the numbers above bar codes missing?
If purchased directly from Apple it would be shrink wrapped - and numbers should all be there....

I think Swappa offers protection if it turns out to be a scam.
Seller only has 1 feedback/has sold 5 items
If it's legit - specs and price are perfect.

Opinions (ASAP)...Should I risk it?

 

[maxjohnson2]

From my experience and what I read from others, Swappa doesn't give any protection. Any issues they basically direct you to PayPal to sort it out.

 

[chabig]

Agree with the above. That label looks fake. First, the digits aren't shown. Second, every iPhone box label I have is arranged different than that one.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Stay away from that. Definitely fake.

 

[noobinator]

It looks like they concealed the numbers since you aren't supposed to give out any of those numbers to anyone directly on swappa (other than swappa themselves). Sealed on swappa is a very loose term. They allow you to choose this even if you open it up to remove the sim or what not.

I can't comment on the arrangement of the numbers etc... Move on if you have a bad feeling.

 

[chabig]

It looks like they concealed the numbers since you aren't supposed to give out any of those numbers...

I thought the same thing, but then again the bar codes are exposed--so the numbers aren't really concealed.

 

[lavrishevo]

Swappa tends to be the best way to safely buy used phones. Does the seller have a rep? The numbers are obviously hidden. It's very easy to hide these without covering up the barcode with a little bit of photo editing or whatever was used. The white discoloration after the exposed numbers or letters is easy to see. Swappa requires the seller to enter the imei info to confirm the phone is not stolen and if it is unlocked. Personally, I have never had any issues buying from them.

https://swappa.com/protections

 

[TheIntruder]

The layout and appearance of the label in consistent with legitimate examples from current iPhone models, only the numbers have been mostly concealed.

But that's the only conclusion that can be drawn, and it's only one factor to consider.

 

[Minorite]

Swappa claims that they check all devices at least by photos before seller can post the offer + IMEI check, but if you have ANY doubts just find another offer. Better to miss 10 good offers than pay to a scammer once...

 

[McRumour]

I took the bait......
American Express have just reassured me I'm completely protected by them (I called fraud department) - if it turns out to be a scam. They said I do not have to deal with PayPal
The guy says it was purchased YESTERDAY (which is even more cause for alarm, I know....why is he selling it at a loss?)

so....did lots of sleuthing
Seller posted top of sales receipt w. name of Apple store, date and time of sale, serial number and IMEI
Called Apple store - they verified and confirmed everything, item by item, while they had me on hold
All is perfect - all seller said is true!
so....thanks all - for the warnings....better safe than sorry, but better yet: safe and happy to replace my 5s with looks like an incredible deal on a great phone
YAY Swappa!

 

[TheIntruder]

I'm surprised the Apple store would help with that kind of thing, given how busy they already are, and the desire not to have to perform that service for every potential secondary market buyer.

And since you mentioned shrink-wrap, it's interesting to note that Apple doesn't use shrink wrap for its packaging.

The clear outer wrap is tailored specifically for each box shape, with the pull tab seal that holds the origami together.

Any store or individual can buy a conventional shrink wrap machine, and that is what some do to repackage returns.

Apple's method would be harder and most costly, if not impossible to replicate.

 

[Cladster]

I got my XR off gumtree here, was new never been activated, box was opened though so can't be returned here unless bought direct from Apple. Guy said he bought from his sister and she didn't want it. Checked serial before all good. Saved $529Aud off retail.
Works like a charm.

 

[McRumour]

I'm surprised the Apple store would help with that kind of thing, given how busy they already are, and the desire not to have to perform that service for every potential secondary market buyer.

And since you mentioned shrink-wrap, it's interesting to note that Apple doesn't use shrink wrap for its packaging.

The clear outer wrap is tailored specifically for each box shape, with the pull tab seal that holds the origami together.

Any store or individual can buy a conventional shrink wrap machine, and that is what some do to repackage returns.

Apple's method would be harder and most costly, if not impossible to replicate.

Yes, I was surprised as well - but the Apple store guy was terrifically helpful...really went out of his way.
He did reassure me when he was able to locate copy of sales receipt on his system and then confirm the accuracy of the details Seller had posted.
Will soon know for sure what's what as I've already received USPS tracking notice update advising of Friday delivery.

BTW I first learned of Swappa through this forum. So - shout out to Macrumors (especially if all turns out as I'm now hoping/expecting). Saved $$$...lots.

 

[AbSoluTc]

Buys new iPhone from Apple, sends receipts, shows pics of box. Sells on Swappa, gets money, and bails. Returns phone unopened to Apple for refund. Profit!

Hope it all works out for you. Too many shady people these days. It's sad.

 

[44267547]

Sort of unrelated –

I don’t sell or buy anything used online anymore. Way too risky, the amount of diverse scams out there is incredible, what people try to get away with and the measures that they actually go to make it seem like something is legitimate, when it’s not. Too many honest buyers are not defensive enough to make sure that what they’re purchasing is actually what the listing says it is. Some of the stories that I have heard and read, are baffling how sellers can get away with what they do online.

I would rather pay the extra money for a new product, versus trying to save something, when in theory, you’re not saving anything when you’re dealing with those who are trying to steal your money, product and time.

 

[slippery-pete]

Fake...fake...fake...fake

 

[McRumour]

Fake...fake...fake...fake

Why?....Why?....Why?....Why?

 

[Minimalist00]

Odds are that he took advantage of a trade in promo, got the phone at a large discount, and sold for a quick profit.

The numbers are obscured because Swappa will remove photos or listings entirely if they’re revealed, because the staff there are garbage and try to interfere in sales, only to wash their hands of them if things go south.

 

[Crichton333]

The numbers, IMEI and Serial are just cropped out, not missing from the label.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Swappa was my go to, but lately it seems like the vast majority of used phones are all from the same resellers. I only buy from individuals.

 

[slippery-pete]

Why?....Why?....Why?....Why?

Label looks fake to me. Fabricated

 

[Donnation]

Does the seller have a past history of sales? If he does and they are all good then you have nothing to worry about. If he is a new seller and has no history on Swappa I still think you are good but there's always a chance that it could be a scam.

 

[Phone Junky]

Label looks fake to me. Fabricated

Label looks identical to the one on the back of my iPhone XR box minus the blanked out numbers.

 

[McRumour]

And since you mentioned shrink-wrap, it's interesting to note that Apple doesn't use shrink wrap for its packaging.
The clear outer wrap is tailored specifically for each box shape, with the pull tab seal that holds the origami together.

Thanks for clarification..."Shrink-wrap" was just my name for the original, whatever-you-call-it packaging material

Buys new iPhone from Apple, sends receipts, shows pics of box. Sells on Swappa, gets money, and bails. Returns phone unopened to Apple for refund. Profit!

Ha ha.....Great caper film plot.
Can even imagine a wacky romance evolving between swindler seller and gullible buyer when, quite by happenstance, they encounter each other on a ski slope a few months later.....and tables are turned....take it from there..........

Odds are that he took advantage of a trade in promo, got the phone at a large discount, and sold for a quick profit.

Exactly what Apple store salesperson said when we spoke (see post #13, above) on phone, after he'd located sales receipt in his system!

The numbers, IMEI and Serial are just cropped out, not missing from the label.

Correct. As soon as I bought it and received Swappa confirmation e-mail, I opened a private chat with Seller together with a Swappa rep (so I'd have written documentation with BOTH, should it turn out to be a scam).
In it I also included a link to this thread so that both Seller and Swappa were aware of my concerns.
And - since, as a precaution, I'd already contacted AmEx fraud dept. and had them note my account - I felt the written documentation would serve to protect me if this turns out to be a swindle.

Swappa was my go to, but lately it seems like the vast majority of used phones are all from the same resellers. I only buy from individuals.

Yes! Seems to be the case.
This seller with his NEW phone doesn't fall into that category.
I thought the fact he'd only been a Swappa member for about a year, only sold 5 items, and just had 1 feedback - was cause for concern...but hey....If (?) my purchase turns out to be A-OK, I might try to sell my old phone on Swappa.
And any potential Buyer would see a "Seller" (me) who had only been a member for 2 months, sold nothing before and bought 1 item. When I consider my purchase in that light - I'm actually reassured.

Anyway....me telenovela continues:
Yesterday I bought a case and then - glass screen protectors on Amazon. They arrive today.
So - if I've been scammed:
Amazon will be receiving 2 Returns,
I'll have wasted a ton of time....
But I won't regret the excercise. My hunch is I've done the "right" thing for me and will have learned some interesting lessons......Que será, será

 

[Phone Junky]

How many GB? How much $?
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Seller only has 1 feedback/has sold 5 items

That's one of the problems on Swappa. I've sold 8 items but only have 5 feedback. People buy stuff and forget about the sale after they get the item. I've had to tell people to complete the sale and leave feedback.