7 Warning Signs of a Sony A7S IV Scam on eBay

Beware of 'Photo Only' or 'Box Only' Listings: Scammers may post listings that only feature images of the Sony A7S IV or just the empty box, with the actual item never intended to be sent. Always scrutinize the full description for any such disclaimers, which might be hidden within lengthy text [1].

Suspiciously Low Prices: If a Sony A7S IV is listed at a price significantly lower than its market value (around $3,999 as of early 2026 [13]), it's a major red flag. Scammers use unrealistically low prices to lure buyers into making impulse purchases [3, 6].

Requests for Off-Platform Payments or Communication: Be extremely cautious if a seller insists on communicating or completing the transaction outside of eBay, for instance, via direct email, text, or through payment apps like Zelle or Venmo. This bypasses eBay's buyer protection and is a common tactic for fraud [1, 2, 3].

Fake Invoices and Non-Delivery Tracking: Scammers may send fake invoices or provide tracking numbers that show initial movement but never result in delivery, or the tracking is invalid. Always verify tracking information directly on the carrier's website and be wary of emails that appear to be from eBay or PayPal but are not [2, 4, 8].

Buyer Overpayment Scams: While less common for sellers, some scams involve buyers appearing to overpay and then requesting a refund of the difference. This can lead to the loss of the original payment and the item if the initial payment was fraudulent [1].

Replica Designer or Counterfeit Goods: Be wary of listings that may try to pass off replicas or counterfeit versions of the Sony A7S IV as genuine. Check for authenticity guarantees and scrutinize product details and seller reviews for any inconsistencies [1, 3].

Account Takeover Listings: Scammers might compromise legitimate accounts to post fraudulent listings. Always check the seller's feedback history and look for inconsistencies or a sudden change in the types of items they are selling [1, 4].