Yesterday, we reported on ebay users listing photographs of new PlayStation 5 consoles, and pricing them as if buyers would be getting the actual console. You might think: so what, have a go, if people are that stupid, and so forth... But looking at the comments we received from you on the activity, it seems we mostly agree that this is a Very Bad Thing, Indeed.
A few choice selections from the thousand-plus comments we received on the story, on our Facebook page: "Scum bags, karma will get you." "The scalpers can get themselves to f*ck." And a simple, clear one, to really hit the nail on the head: "This is scamming people!" Yes, yes it is.
But now ebay has responded - which is for the best, given that we couldn't see a way to actually report these listings because, in a way, they were genuine. The intent, of course, is to deceive - but the listings did say that you're bidding on a photo, not the console itself.
Advert
A statement from an ebay spokesperson reads as follows:
"We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users.
"We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers.
"For any purchase, but especially highly priced or in-demand items, buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the listing description.
Advert
"Buyers who receive an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform."
The email we received from ebay's UK press office adds that the PS5 photograph listings "do not comply with our No Item Policy", and that anyone who did genuinely buy a photo thinking they were getting a console should be entitled to a refund.
Scammers are always gonna scam, but it's good that ebay is taking action here, as we were worried that the sellers' openness of their items being just a photo would put them in the clear. After all, something's only ever worth what you'll pay for it, and I know people have paid more than the price of a PlayStation 5 for a photograph before... Albeit pretty special ones.
Hopefully this puts the PS5 photos issue to bed, and we won't see such ludicrous listings, with bids running into the thousands of pounds, again. Or at least not until the inevitable revision of the PS5, arriving in three years' time or so. Meantime, actual PS5 consoles are currently selling for wild prices on ebay. If you can wait to get one at RRP, please, do - more stock is on the way.Featured Image Credit: EbayTopics: PlayStation 5