PlayStation 5 scalpers in the UK were able to grab all of the recent stock from Argos by using a literal loophole which allowed them access to the products one whole day before the announcement.
Yesterday, Argos and a handful of other retailers had stock (though limited) of the PlayStation 5 on their online stores, and gamers swiftly descended upon the website for one more chance to buy the console before the next stock drop. This time, things were different. The stock appeared to evaporate before customers' very eyes, the website was beleaguered with bugs, and the Argos app suffered under the strain of the situation. It is now confirmed that a scalping group had been assisted by an exploit on the retailer's website, which gave them the means to buy all of the consoles before the official announcement.
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The flaw in the website had been shared widely in the scalpers' Discord server, which they must monetarily subscribe to for this inside knowledge on how to snap up consoles ahead of the masses. Argos attempted to stop the scalpers and cancel these orders, yet unfortunately, a lot had slipped through the cracks. The people arrived at Argos to collect their PS5s, and to add insult to injury, gloated on social media of their achievements. One person had ordered seven consoles from four different stores with ease: "A PS5 for every room in the house, even the bog."
Argos has acknowledged the reports, and explained that it had "identified a technical issue which allowed a small proportion of customers to place orders early." It continued to state that "it's clear our customers are excited for the new PlayStation," and that Argos "released a small amount of additional stock and have seen huge numbers of customers trying to place their orders with us and we have now sold out."
With issues arising from Brexit, which came into effect on January 1st, it's been difficult to keep up with stock drops in the UK. Most of the larger retailers have had their PS5 allocations all bought up by now, but let's not dwell on the negatives. GAME may be getting more stock on February 5th, and Smyth's confirmed that their next lot is being delivered some time in February.
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BT advises that gamers check My BT, its social channels, and its official website for updates on PS5 stocks. Notably absent from these bulletins is EE, but it could be staying shtum to avoid scalpers' attention. Smaller stores are likely to be your best bet right now, and you can sign up for email and phone messages on new stock from EE here.
Featured Image Credit: SonyTopics: News, PlayStation