I'm with Todd. Being prepared to buy well is important. But, "not knowing what you are looking at" as a buyer does not excuse fraud by seller.
Agree 1000% here. "Buyer beware" is not an excuse for fraudulent behavior on the part of the seller. As part of my profession, I deal with the issue of fraud, waste & abuse in the medical billing world all the time. The difference between "abuse" and "fraud"? Criminal intent. Case in point right here in the thread:
I can take this one step further. I watched a well known ebay pen seller purchase reproduction parts at a pen show. Those parts becaome 'experimental' and 'prototype' pens about 2 months later.
Todd's example is clear criminal fraud. There's nothing "squishy" about it. Todd could have reported this person to the authorities, and possibly should have.
Bottom line: Being an old widow (if she really was) doesn't excuse being a scammer.
I am in agreement with you all as for misrepresentation.. And was only making the point that at least I was informed of the truth before purchase.. I mean if the seller really was scamming or committing fraud as you all say, do you think the seller would of told me of the reproduction before I made purchase?
Also It was not in Auction, it was listed in a BIN or Best Offer...
Edited by Reaper, 17 October 2015 - 11:56 AM.