Hi there,

I've wrote this guide to help newcomers (and seasoned users) to avoid being scammed this Christmas when it comes to purchasing a Sony PS3.

It really boils down to using your common sense when reading the listings here on Ebay. If a listing looks to good to be true THEN IT PROBABLY IS!

Here's how some of the scams work. The seller includes a full description of a Sony PS3 along with pictures fleeced from Sony's site. The bidding starts at only 99p but what you've failed to notice is the small text at the bottom of the advert stating:

This listing is for an ebook of PS3 cheats

or

This listing is for information on how to obtain a free Sony PS3

or

This listing is for information on Police auctions where you can get a Sony PS3 at a discounted price.

I have seen these adverts on Ebay with bids over £300! One was simply for a yahoo email address!

Ebay sent out an announcement on the 16th November regarding pre-sales of the PS3. If you see any listings to put money down on a PS3 upfront of the release date (February 2007 here in the European union) then report it to Ebay and for god's sake don't purchase! For more information on the announcement Ebay made view the web address below.

http://www2.ebay.com/aw/uk/200611.shtml#2006-11-16135514

So please be careful this christmas when choosing who to buy from. Look for good feedback reviews from previous customers (make sure the feedback is not for an ebook!) Make sure the seller is in your country to avoid high postage and tax costs. If in any doubt contact the seller for clarification. A legitimate seller will always get back to you whereas a scammer probably won't. If the seller claims to have bought a PS3 but no longer wants it ask to see a copy of the original receipt. A legitimate seller will not say no.

There are PS3's available to purchase on Ebay from legitimate sellers but they must be available to be posted within 30 days of the listing end.

Take care out there and have a great christmas!