Getting a PS5 anytime this year is proving to be impossible for the vast majority of gamers. The few times stores have stocked PS5s this year, they have sold out in seconds. Many of the buyers are scalpers with tools like bots to help them get in ahead of other customers. Their intentions? To turn around and sell the consoles they just bought at a heavy mark-up. Now, some of these PS5 scalpers have defended their actions. Let’s see what they had to say.
What Do PS5 Scalpers Have to Say in Their Defense?
The CrepCheifNotify group said, “Lots of our community have been furloughed, made redundant, or at some form of disadvantage due the pandemic. These people have managed to cover their bills, put food on the table and supply Christmas presents to their children. It may be unfortunate that a child won’t wake up to a PS5 this Christmas, but another child may have woken up to nothing. We have no regrets.”
Shockingly, that is not a bad defense. We in no way approve of or condone their actions in any way, but if this is truly the case, we also have a hard time judging them. If nothing else, at least their explanation highlights a severe systemic socioeconomic problem that needs a better solution (policy-based, perhaps?) than scalping PS5s.
Some sellers have gone further than overcharging for PS5s though. Some are baiting customers with fake listings and sending other items.
eBay said, “We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users. We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers. For any purchase, but especially highly priced or in-demand items, buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the listing description. Buyers who receive an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform.”
If you still don’t have a PS5, you will be glad to learn that more PS5 inventory is reportedly heading to stores before next year. You can follow updates on PS5 scalpers, restocking, and more in our PlayStation news.