fraud?

[hornetzoo]

I've noticed a number of canon digital SLR cameras on amazon selling for way too cheap? i.e. $400 for the 1Ds Mark II !! Has anyone else seen these? Obviously they're fake. But, if I buy someone used through Amazon and it doesn't arrive, I'm protected, right? Not sure how this work. Please inform if you know. Also, if anyone knows where to find used digital SLRs, please let me know. I'm considering buying a body only and putting a relatively cheap lens on it. This would still be better than a point and shoot, no? Your opinions greatly appreciated. --bobby

[digger1914]

I've noticed a number of canon digital SLR cameras on amazon selling for way too cheap? i.e. $400 for the 1Ds Mark II !! Has anyone else seen these? Obviously they're fake. But, if I buy someone used through Amazon and it doesn't arrive, I'm protected, right? Not sure how this work. Please inform if you know. Also, if anyone knows where to find used digital SLRs, please let me know. I'm considering buying a body only and putting a relatively cheap lens on it. This would still be better than a point and shoot, no? Your opinions greatly appreciated. --bobby

I think you will find that they (especiallythe cheap 1Ds's) are not fake, they simply do not exist! If these auctions ask you to pay by Western Union then it is likely you will see nothing. There has been a lot of articles written about this particular scam.

I always work on the old saying - If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

[AzzKicker]

But he raises a good question though. Why would Amizon have them listed as Sellers ? You know. How can they allow those guys to sell if its a scam.

[Tom W]

Sounds like Amazon might be getting a little sloppy keeping track of their vendors. Or, they may be typos - it seems that people who's primary business isn't camera sales don't have a clue as to camera pricing.

[Persian-Rice]

Probably that or a typo..............you know..... $400, $4000.

[Harry Settle]

I've checked out a few of their "sales" in the past. Most of them are scarier than a lot of ebay deals. When it comes to camera deals, it seems like a lot of them are from one place in Texas, I think, sounds like a lady, doesn't have a real grasp of the english language, has only one of what you are looking for, really cheap, frightening pay and delivery options and so far it's always sold when you try to buy it.

[hornetzoo]

Sure enough, I emailed them and they're from third world countries and request money transfers or Western Union as the method of payment...

HI ,

I'm very glad you are interested in buying my product!
First of all I want to apologize for my English and for
my late answer, my mom was sick and I was out of town.
The item is brand new in the original box with all the
paper and accessories with 3 year transferable warranty.
It was a Xmass gift but i don`t need it.I open it only to test
it and its work perfectly.

- Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
- 16.7-megapixel sensor provides sufficient resolution to produce
files that convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24-bit colour depth
- Powered by Canon's second-generation DIGIC II image processor;
capable of firing at 4 frames per second for bursts of up to 32
frames in JPEG or 11 frames in RAW
- Features 2.0-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels
and 1.5 to 10x playback zoom
- Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots at 20 degrees C,
800 at 0 degrees C
- High-speed FireWire and video out interface offer complete
connectivity; optional wireless adaptor delivers high-speed image transfer

I will ship the product via UPS because my best friend
works there and will cost me nothing to ship it.
I need your full name and address so I can get your package
shipped. You will receive it in about 4-5 days.
I'm working only through my bank because a bank transfer
is a legal, safe and also easy to track method of payment.
The package will be shipped only after I will have received
from my bank a confirmation of payment.
To make the payment you just need to call your bank to order
the transfer to my account. If by any reason you're not
satisfaied, you have two weeks to return the product to me
and you'll get your money back.
The total price of the item is $1000. If you have any
additional question, do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
M. Tommaso

[Tom W]

this is through Amazon? It sounds like a typical e-bay scam.

[steven]

You said they are located in Texas??
There are alot of us Texans on this board maybe we should offer to just show up on their door and complete the transaction :twisted:
I just love Texas justice :lol:

[Tom W]

Oh, I see now. Just took a look. They have "used" resellers. I saw a couple of 20D's going for 350-400. Both sellers are members since "January, 2005". Hmmmmnnn.....

[hornetzoo]

ha ha, january 2005, so long...

[Patrick 10D]

How funny! My buddy in Seattle just sent me this last night:

Begin forwarded message:

From: motguletu <motguletu@yahoo.com>
Date: December 31, 2004 7:27:10 AM PST
To:
Subject: Re: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II


*HI ,
*
I'm very glad you are interested in buying my product!
First of all I want to apologize for my English and for
my late answer, my mom was sick and I was out of town.
The item is brand new in the original box with all the
paper and accessories with 3 year transferable warranty.
It was a Xmass gift but i don`t need it.I open it only to test
it and its work perfectly.
*
*- Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
*- 16.7-megapixel sensor provides sufficient resolution to produce
** files that convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24-bit colour depth
*- Powered by Canon's second-generation DIGIC II image processor;
** capable of firing at 4 frames per second for bursts of up to 32
** frames in JPEG or 11 frames in RAW
*- Features 2.0-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels
** and 1.5 to 10x playback zoom
*- Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots at 20 degrees C,
** 800 at 0 degrees C
*- High-speed FireWire and video out interface offer complete
** connectivity; optional wireless adaptor delivers high-speed image transfer
*
I live in Roma, Italy but don`t worry about that
I will ship the product via UPS because my best friend
works there and will cost me nothing to ship it. You will
receive it in about five* days.
As a payment method I choose Western Union because it is a small
amount and it will be easy for me to pick up the money.
So if you want to start the deal today please reply me asap with
your full name and address because I need it for shipping.*
For payment you can see olso www.westernunion.com* and you`ll find
there how it works. You cand pay with your credit card.
The total price of the item is $1600.
Best Regards,
Surugiu Marian Romeo

-

Sure enough, I emailed them and they're from third world countries and request money transfers or Western Union as the method of payment...

HI ,

I'm very glad you are interested in buying my product!
First of all I want to apologize for my English and for
my late answer, my mom was sick and I was out of town.
The item is brand new in the original box with all the
paper and accessories with 3 year transferable warranty.
It was a Xmass gift but i don`t need it.I open it only to test
it and its work perfectly.

- Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
- 16.7-megapixel sensor provides sufficient resolution to produce
files that convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24-bit colour depth
- Powered by Canon's second-generation DIGIC II image processor;
capable of firing at 4 frames per second for bursts of up to 32
frames in JPEG or 11 frames in RAW
- Features 2.0-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels
and 1.5 to 10x playback zoom
- Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots at 20 degrees C,
800 at 0 degrees C
- High-speed FireWire and video out interface offer complete
connectivity; optional wireless adaptor delivers high-speed image transfer

I will ship the product via UPS because my best friend
works there and will cost me nothing to ship it.
I need your full name and address so I can get your package
shipped. You will receive it in about 4-5 days.
I'm working only through my bank because a bank transfer
is a legal, safe and also easy to track method of payment.
The package will be shipped only after I will have received
from my bank a confirmation of payment.
To make the payment you just need to call your bank to order
the transfer to my account. If by any reason you're not
satisfaied, you have two weeks to return the product to me
and you'll get your money back.
The total price of the item is $1000. If you have any
additional question, do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
M. Tommaso

[Patrick 10D]

BTW, the price already dropped $600! What a deal! :D


-

[Jesper]

Probably that or a typo..............you know..... $400, $4000.But even $4000 is way too cheap for an 1Ds Mark II, so it's most likely still a scam.