How to Spot Romanian Laptop Scams on eBay

Romanian laptop scams are scams aimed at eBay members who want to purchase a laptop at a great price and are willing to take risks to save money. Romanian laptop scams usually leave buyers with a loss of thousands of dollars and no way to track the international scammer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the auction listing on eBay for a laptop computer. Notice if the seller of the laptop is a new user. Some scammers post auctions within minutes of setting up seller accounts.

2. Read the laptop's description. The laptop will be described as top-of-the-line, however the scammer will overuse sales tactics to convince you to purchase the item. Incentives may include free shipping, accessories, a factory seal and a very competitive price.

3. View shipping terms. Scammers normally offer a trusted delivery service with a delivery time of two or three days. This should make you suspicious if the seller's located in a different country.

4. Try to pass up the deal. If you do agree to buy the laptop, you'll be contacted by the scammer.

5. Exercise caution if you're requested to wire the funds or submit a bank transfer to a location in Romania. The scammer will promise to provide a tracking number for your laptop once he receives payment.

6. Realize that the seller won't send you a tracking number. Know that the seller was a scammer and that he won't answer emails or provide a refund.

Tips & Warnings

• Some scammers may divulge that they are international sellers but will refuse to name Romania as their location because other users may recognize the scam.
• Check a seller's registration date. A seller who has registered within the hour or day is probably a scammer.
• Scammers may also accept untraceable forms of payment like money orders or cashier's checks.
• Scammers are unlikely to use their real names in correspondence.