It’s been nearly a week since the PlayStation 5 was released in specific countries, and unfortunately, it appears that online scammers are already selling fakes to gullible shoppers.
We completely understand that most people are dying to get their hands on this brand-new PlayStation console, but we just want to quickly remind everyone that scammers thrive in situations like this, especially when demand is high and supplies are low.
While there are trustworthy and legitimate storefronts that restock and sell the console periodically, there are some individuals out there who may not have the patience to wait. Therefore, they end up looking for a PS5 online and purchase from sketchy sellers.
At the same time, we can’t blame people for their excitement, especially since it’s quite difficult to buy a PlayStation 5 right now given the fact that so many people want one, too. In addition, it’s possible that there’s not enough of the console in stock, as the sheer amount of people pre-ordering the PS5 is overwhelming.
Along with the fact that the console is undeniably too expensive, we can see why some people would turn to other options such as looking for and buying a PS5 from websites such as eBay and Craigslist. While the featured pictures may seem genuine, there’s no guarantee that you’re buying from a trustworthy seller.
In this case, the best example would be ERN, who posted on Instagram warning people about scammers and reminding them to be wary if or when purchasing a PS5 online. You see, the user found an online seller that had the new console on offer.
When ERN met up with the seller, however, things didn’t go the way he wanted. The seller gave him a PS5 box that looked legit, but the console inside the box was a fake, much to his dismay.
ERN proceeded to kick the fake PS5 console out of frustration, and honestly, he has every right to be angry. What makes things even worse was that the scammer sold the phony console for $1,000, which is more than the original price of a genuine PlayStation 5.
You really can’t be too complacent these days, especially since the PS5 is in high demand and scammers are rampant. If you do decide to buy a PS5 outside of official or trustworthy stores, then you need to make sure that what you’re getting is real by checking the product first before sealing the deal.
Even though Sony’s next-gen console can be purchased in several online stores, it may be for the best if you remain patient and wait for when legit stores restock the product, perhaps during Black Friday.
Besides, there have been a few predictions made claiming that storefronts might start selling PS5s for less six months after its release. So, it’s probably best if you buy one if or when that happens.
We understand if you don’t want to wait that long, but at the same time, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to purchase a discounted PS5 in the safest way possible. While we understand the desire to experience the console as soon as possible, having to wait a few months is much, much better than getting scammed.
