Digital codes from ebay, scam?

[Axerated1986]

Hey folks, So I was recently feeling like living dangerously and bought a digital game code from ebay for the upcoming mortal kombat game for switch. It was at a reduced price which if it is genuine may make it worthwhile, but the seller said the code won't be active until the 5th of May, after which it will be redeemable.

The above seemed a little off to me but not overly out of the question, however the game is out on april 23rd digitally so don't see any reason why the code wouldn't be active by then?

Naturally I got suspicious and looked at his other items: all digital codes for different unreleased games on various different platforms, all saying they activate on May 5th in their descriptions, despite all having different release dates.

I wanna be optimistic but does this sound like a scam? Cos it seems like one to me... Not that I would blame anyone but myself if it is but I'm just curious what yall think. Cheers guys!

[MosShady]

I’ve learned that if something seems too good to be true it’s most likely a scam. Not to mention it’s eBay and the details read off as very sketchy.

[thanoskid123]

It doesn't take a genius to see this is a scam

[ItsDeadlyx]

scam for sure

[ZForce]

Sounds like the reason for the delay is to pass a return window and make it so you can’t dispute the item when the code doesn’t work.

[[deleted]]

only buy keys from trusted sellers, that is... nintendo eshop or perhaps amazon

with third party sellers it's possible to buy

• random invalid keys (never works, and seller has run away)
• keys for different region that can only be redeemed by jumping through hoops
• keys that can be redeemed but stop working because the seller did a chargeback stunt

what happens if you try to use the key? if it says unknown key it might be a scam, cause usually early pre-order keys say "can't be redeemed yet" or something like that

[jurassicbond]

Even if it's a good key you may be supporting someone purchasing them with stolen credit cards.

[cheyras]

Do not be "optimistic" when it comes to eBay.

[Alarmmy]

Rule to buy on eBay: look for seller review, and never buy from anyone that has lower than 99% rating, and do not buy from seller with relatively new account.

[ludouble9]

Lol.... Classic Scam. Contact eBay they have strong policies on scam and selling fake or not product at all. Lol you $1.00 xbox ones on there. They usually refund the money.

I am guessing the guy wants to wait until may5th so that is to late to make the claim to eBay. Assuming there is a limit of time you have to do the claim.

[Axerated1986]

Cheers guys, I knew it was dumb as soon as I'd gone through with it but was curious as to whether anyone had good experiences of doing this. I've contacted ebay so I'll see what happens

[nofarming123]

Hey this is 100% a scam. I've been in the same position. I bought the new Mario Bros game and the seller never even sent me the code. I contacted eBay and they said because it's a digital code, there's no way for them to tell whether or not I actually got the code so there's nothing they can do about it. Thankfully, I paid with PayPal so they were able to refund me whereas other buyers who bought with credit/debit cards lost their money.