NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok...I just purchased some software on ebay. It retails for 300 bucks, but I got it for 30.99 (including shipping). Only now I'm having second thoughts. I mean that does sound very cheap when you consider the retail price.

Did I get screwed? Please say no...ok...just tell me what you think.

If you got screwed, call Ebay, they have been very good with that sort of stuff (scams and such) with my friends.

yeah, good point! Thanks!

Depends on how you feel about buying pirated software, because that's probably what you just got, assuming you get it.

Or it might be a sting set up by a software company. My brother-in-law's brother (a little confusing, granted) got busted for selling pirated dvds on Ebay. had to pay a fine and sign a consent decree that said he'd pay a much larger fine if they busted him again.

Anyone ever buy chemicals, lab supplies or radio equipment off e-bay? I'm considering it, but haven't ever tried it.

Depends on how you feel about buying pirated software, because that's probably what you just got, assuming you get it.

Or it might be a sting set up by a software company. My brother-in-law's brother (a little confusing, granted) got busted for selling pirated dvds on Ebay. had to pay a fine and sign a consent decree that said he'd pay a much larger fine if they busted him again.

it said it was new sealed and came with the serial number (for registering)

Depending on the chemicals or lab supplies, you'd better be careful. Some of them will raise a red flag and you'll get a phone call asking why you want them--if the people on the other end don't like your answer, you won't get the chemicals and I imagine some law enforcement types will have you on their radar.

I hope I'm not coming off as paranoid here--I know a guy who had this happen to him. He was trying to buy ether to make acid (I think), which is dumb because anyone with any sort of chem background knows how tight that stuff is controlled, but he tried anyway. Dumbass.

Depends on how you feel about buying pirated software, because that's probably what you just got, assuming you get it.

Or it might be a sting set up by a software company. My brother-in-law's brother (a little confusing, granted) got busted for selling pirated dvds on Ebay. had to pay a fine and sign a consent decree that said he'd pay a much larger fine if they busted him again.

it said it was new sealed and came with the serial number (for registering)Oh i don't doubt it, but if you're even a reasonable size organization, it's not hard to duplicate shipping materials and shrinkwrap it with a cracked serial number. My guess is that your first hunch is a good one--the old cliche is that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cliches don't get to be old by being wrong most of the time.

Anyone ever buy chemicals, lab supplies or radio equipment off e-bay? I'm considering it, but haven't ever tried it. :shock: :?: :!: :shock:

Depending on the chemicals or lab supplies, you'd better be careful. Some of them will raise a red flag and you'll get a phone call asking why you want them--if the people on the other end don't like your answer, you won't get the chemicals and I imagine some law enforcement types will have you on their radar.

I hope I'm not coming off as paranoid here--I know a guy who had this happen to him. He was trying to buy ether to make acid (I think), which is dumb because anyone with any sort of chem background knows how tight that stuff is controlled, but he tried anyway. Dumbass.

Shit. This poses a serious setback to my plans to take over the world by June. :evil:

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Depends on how you feel about buying pirated software, because that's probably what you just got, assuming you get it.

Or it might be a sting set up by a software company. My brother-in-law's brother (a little confusing, granted) got busted for selling pirated dvds on Ebay. had to pay a fine and sign a consent decree that said he'd pay a much larger fine if they busted him again.

it said it was new sealed and came with the serial number (for registering)Oh i don't doubt it, but if you're even a reasonable size organization, it's not hard to duplicate shipping materials and shrinkwrap it with a cracked serial number. My guess is that your first hunch is a good one--the old cliche is that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cliches don't get to be old by being wrong most of the time.

don't tell me that...

Depending on the chemicals or lab supplies, you'd better be careful. Some of them will raise a red flag and you'll get a phone call asking why you want them--if the people on the other end don't like your answer, you won't get the chemicals and I imagine some law enforcement types will have you on their radar.

I hope I'm not coming off as paranoid here--I know a guy who had this happen to him. He was trying to buy ether to make acid (I think), which is dumb because anyone with any sort of chem background knows how tight that stuff is controlled, but he tried anyway. Dumbass.

Actually, this is the main benefit of E-bay. No questions asked. This month's Popular Science has a section dedicated to it. I've browsed the auctions and have a few purchases I'd like to make, but even the article says that mishaps are inevitable. I was just wondering if anyone's tried it. Either way, Ebay isn't responsible in the least and doesn't monitor the auctions, other than keeping explosives or ridiculous quantites off the site. Most hobbyists buy their lab supplies at public or university auctions unmonitored anyway, so I don't think anyone would consider it a problem.

yeah, good point! Thanks!

Carefull though, I knew a teacher who's son (who is artistic and can't talk very well so he uses a computer to communicate) laptop (for what he communicates with) got stolen by a couple of sickos and the teacher 2 weeks later saw her sons laptop on Ebay. Just goes to show that Ebay does scam alot. :?

Ebay scams, or people who sell stuff on Ebay scam?

E-Bay is clean--but they've had problems in the past with people using it to scam customers, and since they're essentially a gatekeeper, they don't have a whole lot of control over catching the scammer or guaranteeing the sale. They've introduced some protections, but nothing is foolproof.