Where there's a will there's a way, and where there's a new console, there's also a potential scam in the works. Someone with deep pockets and an apparent aversion to call their local Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart or what have you to reserve a console all their own decided to sift amongst the usual assortment of overpriced pre-orders that tend to litter eBay whenever a new console starts making the rounds.
True, there's nothing abnormal about that, especially since stores have been full of pre-orders to sell one day, only to be out the next. Not willing to risk waiting for the shiny new Sony hardware to hits store shelve, this very "special" eBay buyer grabbed a very "special" PS4 pre-order, oh so special because the price tag was just shy of five friggin figures.
$9,999 was what eBay user countryboysks was asking for, and it looks like that was exactly what he got, all for a lonely PlayStation 4 pre-order. No extra games, no additional controllers, just the console.
The reason for asking such a high price? According to the listing, "My wife and I are going through a very tough time and need financial help. We have our first baby on the way and are very excited but need help. Thank you very much. I also am donating a large percent to Make a Wish Foundation."
I'm not a father, though I do know the pressure of bills, and typically, if you're desperate enough to ask for such an exorbitant amount of money, in this case, a whopping 25 times the cost at most major retailers, scraping together what you can to ready you and your family for the arrival of a baby, not only will you more than often accept some pretty low offers, but any kind of donation is traditionally out of the question. According to the USDA, the latest figure for raising a child over 17 years is now $235,000. Do the math, and that breaks down to almost $14,000 a year. Keep in mind that this new figure doesn't adjust for inflation.
Is it a scam? Maybe, but the user sure doesn't look like he has a history of shady dealings. Out of 227 sales in the last 12 months, he's received only 1 piece of negative feedback. However, he also other listings open featuring quite the varied amount of merchandise, none of make the same mention of his forthcoming child.
For those of you scanning craigslist and eBay for bargains, this isn't the time to find it. All you'll more than likely find are offers commanding prices that far out measures what you can get your preferred next-gen system for at a reputable retailer.
