Exposing Shady MacBook Sellers on eBay

The Problem

• eBay is a popular place for buying used Macs.
• However, some sellers engage in deceptive practices.
• Users can end up paying hundreds of dollars for subpar products.

Noticing the Trends

• Top listings often feature:
  • Staged photos
  • All-caps titles with emojis
  • Dubious warranties
  • Words like “turbo”
• Prices that seem off compared to market value.
• Patterns suggest a large-scale, coordinated effort by sellers.
• Sellers have near-universal positive feedback.

Investigation Starts

• Investigation reveals a Nationwide operation endorsed by eBay.
• Sellers are labeled as “trusted sellers” and part of eBay's refurbished program.
• Nation-wide operation involves deceptive practices and manipulating eBay's system.

The Operation's Tactics

• Bulk Listing Manipulation: Listing cheap items like chargers first, then changing them to MacBooks.
• Warranty Deception: Warranties cover labor costs but not parts or shipping.
• Multiple Storefronts: Different names but operated by the same companies.

Key Players

1. Aforac LLC

   • Involves several storefronts like Bit-by-bit Electronics, First Tech Systems, etc.
   • Allegations of changing names to evade bad reviews.
   • Practices involve warranty deceptions, using iFixit for learning, scraping off anti-reflective coatings for free repairs.

2. Rosco and Associates (formerly Welly Group)

   • Similar tactics as Aforac LLC.
   • Rebrands stores to avoid scrutiny.
   • Locations of different stores are geographically close.

Potential Buyers Beware

• Misleading Listings:
  • Use terms like ‘pre-retina’ to show up in retina search results.
  • Avoid specifying whether storage is SSD or HDD.
  • Use turbo in titles to mislead specifications.

Case Study: Buying from Both Sellers

1. Rosco and Associates: 15-inch Pre-Retina Model

   • Tactics: Uses pre-retina term, turbo, dubious warranty information.
   • Specs: 2011 model, hard drive instead of SSD, includes fan control software requirement.

2. Aforac LLC: 13-inch Retina eBay Refurbished Seal

   • Tactics: Claims to have Apple certified technicians.
   • Specs: States incorrect processor information, uses third-party parts for repair.
   • Issues: Screen speckles likely due to cheap components.

The Realities

• Investigations revealed mixed results, where some parts were correct but many were deceptive.
• Warranty details often hide shipping and extra charges.
• Refurbished doesn't necessarily mean using genuine or new parts.

Conclusion

• Be Cautious: Listings can be misleading with staged info and dubious warranties.
• Spread Awareness: Share findings to help others avoid deceptive listings.
• Checking Everything: Always check specs, warranty details, and seller reputations.

Final Advice: Don't engage with the sellers negatively; instead, focus on spreading awareness to prevent others from being deceived.