Won Auction but a few red flags - Help Identifying If This Bullion Listing Is Genuine or a Scam

[masosbeee]

Hi all, 

I recently won an auction for a 2011 Full Tube of 20x American Silver Eagle 1oz coins, but before completing payment I’ve noticed several things that seem unusual.

The same seller currently has multiple active listings using the exact same photos and titles, and it looks like older listings using these same images have appeared throughout the past year — something I confirmed by checking Google Images and the Wayback Machine.

The account also recently changed its username and has no previous feedback for bullion or coins, only small household items and games.

I’ve already messaged the seller asking for a photo of the actual coins and tube I would receive, ideally with today’s date, to confirm authenticity before I pay.

Do you think the seller and listing are genuine before I proceed with payment? Given the pattern of duplicate listings and recent account changes, I am a little concerned. Thanks very much for your help 🙂 

[**peaseblossom**]

No one can know for sure but it does seem risky with that amount of money.    It's a shame you didn't realise all this before you bid but If you're worried it's best not to proceed.    You will probably end up with a non-payment strike but one won't have any effect on your account as long as you don't get any more.

[red_magpie]

Do you think the seller and listing are genuine before I proceed with payment?

Never mind what we think, what do you think? If you or I were selling valuable bullion coins, I'm sure we would have taken photos of the actual coins or sale. 

It's your call, your decision. Keep in mind that eBay warned you in the user agreement that that they don't guarantee that descriptions will be truthful or accurate - or that items for sale will even exist. Personally, I would be lookinh for an established history of successful bullion sales before even thinking of bidding.

I'm sorry, but it was your deciaion to buy these coins from an unknown seller eBay and your responsibility now whether to accept the risks, or face an unpaid item strike for not honouring the purchase.

[masosbeee]

Erm, thanks I think! Appreciate your response, even if it is a little blunt! 

However, this community is designed for asking exactly these kinds of questions, is it not? I don’t really want to be made to feel bad for bidding on coins on eBay it’s actually quite a common practice.

For context, the seller has 100% positive feedback, but I noticed some unusual things (like identical photos used in several current listings and a recent name change), so I’m just being cautious and checking before paying.  The seller has now replied and said they’ll send me a receipt of purchase and some photos of the actual coins tomorrow, so I’ll wait to see. All the best 

[masosbeee]

Thanks  that’s fair advice. I completely agree it’s a bit of a risk, which is why I’m checking everything properly before sending payment. I don’t mind taking a single strike if it keeps me safe on a high-value item.

However, I’ve bought coins on eBay for years without any issues, it’s a pretty common practice so this is the first time I’ve ever had to double-check something like this. Just being careful this time given the red flags I’ve noticed. The seller has now replied and said they’ll send me a receipt of purchase and some photos of the actual coins tomorrow, so I’ll wait to see what they send before deciding whether to go ahead. Thanks 

[tressygirl]

It's always a risk buying online whether you're spending £10,  or a £1000, I agree.  Unless it's a collection item you're buying  and can examine the item,  purchases are made purely on trust.

There is good news,  even though eBay cannot bankroll and sell trust,  they do offer their 30 day MBG,  Money Back Guarantee policy ,this is written on every listing.  It basically describes that you would be fully refunded if your received an item not as described,  or if the item didn't arrive,  but you must open those cases within 30 days,  of the item's last estimated date for delivery.

Seems to be the seller was a tad ' lazy' not photographing the actual items they were selling and using the same photos. In my humble opinion that is silly, as it can open up cases for item not as described,  as photos play as an important part as the written description itself.

The seller is offering to send the actual photos, and receipt of purchase ,it's a good step.  

@masosbeee 

[tommystrezures]

Another tale tale is what price are these coins? THat would be a tell tale for me. Spot price on silver as of now is about £39 an ounce which is good, so 20 ounces of silver (assuming pure silver) is going to be around the £700 I would imagine, which would leave you room to flip them for a small profit.

[masosbeee]

Update to anyone interested: The seller seems a really sweet gentleman. He has confirmed ownership of the coins with more images, shown me the receipt of the original bulk purchase from back in 2011. And has sent images of the receipt of postage. Will give a final update when the coins arrive. 

It just shows that sometimes even if things look a little suspect, there can be genuine reasons for it. (although it is always good to be cautious!)  I am confident at this point that the coins will come as promised and in mint condition. Thank you all for your comments and input. Health and peace 🙂