No way to help e-bayers about to be cheated

[SteveB]

I was looking into buying a cable/converter box because I'm getting a new tv and need a box with HDMI connections. I looked on e-bay and found a box I could use. The seller described the box as a Comcast HD DVR but didn't list a model number. I sent a message asking for the model number and he replied that it was a DCH 3200. I did a little research and found that this model number is NOT a DVR. I sent him a message asking if he gave me the right model number and if so that number is not a DVR. He said that he had been using the box for a few months and using the DVR. I noticed in his ad that he is moving from his current home in a month or so and that's his reason for not needing the boxes, he has 3 different auctions for 3 different boxes.
Bidding on one of his auctions is already over $100 but the other two are just over the starting bid. I would hate to be the guy that wins this auction and then find out that it is not a DVR. With this new anonymous bidding you can't contact the bidders.
LOL, I guess I won't try to cheat the cable company and lease another box from them.

[InfiniteNothing]

It sounds like he's genuinely confused. I'm guessing he doesn't know what a DVR is.

[Jeffbx]

If you think it's a scam, there's a 'Report this auction' link at the bottom of every auction. I've used that before when I've seen an obvious scam, and they're really quick about pulling the auction.

[SteveB]

I don't know that it's as much a scam as simply misrepresenting the item. Would that warrant reporting it?

[cadetevon]

I don't know that it's as much a scam as simply misrepresenting the item. Would that warrant reporting it?

Um. Misrepresenting the item is an attempt to scam the bidders.

[ufcrusher]

First, I would report it. Either its intentional and he is attempting to fleece the bidders or it is an innocent misunderstanding and he needs to correct his description in order to avoid fleecing the bidders.

Secondly, you are going to be paying for the use of the box whether you own it or not since they charge for accessing the content not the box itself. Given this fact, why would you want to buy the box.