can this be a Gumtree scam?

Ltwk518 on 22/10/2013 - 13:17
Last edited 22/10/2013 - 21:18 by 1 other user

Hi all,
Recently I had messaged a guy on gumtree who was selling a brand new sealed Macbook Air 13(unwanted gift) for a decent price (around $300 off apple's RRP). We had spoken on the phone and agreed that we will meet up 2 days later in a nearby Maccas.
Here's the case, he sent me a photo with a sealed box and its serial number. I've checked it on the apple site and it displays 'Please verify the purchase of date'. So it appears to me that it is really a new unused Macbook.
However, this seems to be too good to be true, I'm just wondering is there any way that he can scam me? Can he like make a charge back from his credit card company and make apple ban/blacklists the Macbook?
P.S. Sorry for the english!

Thanks all!

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  SydChrome on 22/10/2013 - 13:20

  If you want a no risk option, buy one from a real shop. I would stay clear of anyone who wants to meet at the local Maccas to sell something!

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    Kkuba on 23/10/2013 - 11:05

    Captain Obvious is obvious.

    Didn't really answer his question.

    I would say Re: blacklisting the macbook, since it seems that no-one below has answered your question, I think giving an Apple store a call would be the best idea in this case.

    You should ask them what exactly it means "Please verify purchase of date". Ask them what it means to you if you are buying second hand computer with this "status"

    And don't worry about buying from a McDonald's car part. Lots of people want to sell this way to avoid random people at their house.

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  isthisreally_me on 22/10/2013 - 13:25

  +1

  Could be stolen, he could give you legit serial but the item he gives you could be the shell only. Number of ways that you could get shafted. Id want to go to persons house and see it works and specs are as stated, then if really expensive copy of drivers licence.

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  victorwilson on 22/10/2013 - 14:15

  +1

  You could arrange to meet at the local cop shop, just for security

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  cameldownunder on 22/10/2013 - 15:03

  +1

  I sold 2 laptops, both at public places. Maxxas have power outlet, which is good for testing the laptop. I do not see a problem here. Startup the machine, download if not existing a Hardware info program, run few benchmarks, compare to what you have found on the internet. And dont let yoursef get rushed. If it is not what was advertised, walk away.

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  fryandlaurie on 22/10/2013 - 16:10

  Ask for an invoice/receipt. If he/she can't provide one then wait for a sale and buy it from a retail shop.

  Another options is to buy a refurb from the official apple store if you want to save money and get a pretty much brand new product.

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    ozAzn on 22/10/2013 - 17:49

    seller might not have invoice/receipt because it "was a gift"

    • 

      joni on 22/10/2013 - 18:49

      +1

      If I give someone an expensive gift, I always attach the receipt for warranty purpose.

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  peter000 on 23/10/2013 - 07:28

  All of the above, but also tell him you will need a photocopy of his drivers licence

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  msmhw on 23/10/2013 - 11:45

  When you buy anything from gumtree there is chance that will be scam.
  It's your choice to have pice of mind and pay more from stores or take the risks and get it cheaper.

  I bought a MacBook Air brand new sealed with $400 off of the apple RRP and did not find any problem (yet). And got the recipet too. To be in the save said try to keep anything proof you bought it from him. Like SMS email or even ask him to write a paper saying he sold it to you with the amount price and ask him to write his name and ID there with the date and the signature.
  I usually prefer to contact the seller by SMS so I have proof for every word he said. With calls you cannot proof anything except if you record the calls which I think it's illagel in Australia if you do it with giving them a notice that you are recording.

  Wish you the best ;)

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  goosegog on 23/10/2013 - 16:08

  Sounds legit. to me. Don't procrastinate or you will lose it to somebody else.However-as others have said-do gain his/hers details so you have a come back. Hope it works out well for you.