White van speaker scam
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The white van speaker scam is a
The speaker scam was common in the 1980s. Despite widespread information about the scam on consumer forums and watchdog sites, the scams continue operating across several continents.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
Process
The typical white van speaker scam involves one to three individuals, who are usually casually dressed or wearing
The operators often claim that they work for an audio retailer or audio installer and that, through some sort of corporate error (
If the mark declines the offer, the scammer uses various high-pressure negotiation sales tactics. Among these techniques are producing glossy material that details the quality and high retail value of the speakers, and bombarding the potential customer with technical jargon, whether correctly or incorrectly used. If still unable to convince the mark that he or she would be turning down an incredible offer, the con artist will almost always lower the price significantly.
Overall, the quality of the product is inferior. White van speakers are often partially filled with concrete or rocks to increase their weight and create the illusion of high quality. Another common characteristic of white van speakers is an unusually high wattage rating for their size, for example 1000 watts for a 3-inch speaker, which in reality may be rated as low as five watts. In some cases when a buyer tries to hook up the home theatre system to a high-definition television set, they find that it cannot be done, and the claim of HD compatibility made for the white van system is just another element of the scam. Systems (typically amplifiers with speakers, sold as sets) with only two or three inputs and a lack of video inputs, with only analogue L/R/6ch RCA jacks, are common in this scheme.
Logistics
Despite the age of the scam and its dubious legality, white van scams often have relatively sophisticated logistics. Distributors rent a warehouse and obtain licenses and distribution rights, then import large quantities of cheaply made goods. They ship these goods to local warehouses in major cities and hire 'salesmen' to distribute the shoddy goods.[citation needed]
In the United States and Canada distribution is often in major cities. The marketers at each office establish a promotion, benefit, and bonus scale for the speaker sales teams. Bonuses may be paid in cash, checks, fake credit cards or speakers.
In Australia the same tactic is used. Receipts are issued, but the contact details are usually fake so that the goods cannot be returned. As an added measure, vehicles are leased so that they cannot be traced to either the distributor or 'sales person' driving.
More recent versions
In more recent versions, the white van speaker scam has turned into an electronic product sold on second-hand goods websites. The most notable example features video projectors (sometimes accompanied with a projection screen or speakers). The packaging for such projectors will claim high specifications such as 4K resolution, high lumen ratings, and high contrast ratios. The actual resolution is 720p at best, with relatively low contrast and brightness. Scammers create a website for their created brand so it will be referenced by search engines and thereby build credibility around their scam product. As usual, the product is sold at a much lower price - as much as one-tenth that of the putative retail price.
The latest variety of the white van scam was observed around "commercial grade" trampolines on eBay, Craigslist and other classified sites. They are typically listed as refurbished or like-new with a story about why they are so deeply discounted and need to be sold so fast, often referencing a poorly made, fake vendor website with listed prices. These list prices are significantly higher than comparable premium products to give the illusion that the trampoline is a step up over regular "consumer grade" trampolines. Googling brands and models often leads to completely unrelated products via Google AdWords or consumer reviews on competing products, often placed there by the scammers themselves. Safety is often highlighted on these scam listings whereas the actual origin of the product is unknown hence its safety is also questionable.
References
- ^ a b "Buyer falls victim to speaker scam". The Windsor Star. 2008-01-30. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
- ^ "The Long History of the White Van Speaker Scam - Digital Trends". Digital Trends. 30 August 2015.
- ^ "Victims still fall for white van speaker scam". smh.com.au.
- ^ JAMIE SMALL (23 January 2015). "White van speaker scam". Stuff.
- ^ "EEVblog Tears into the White Van Speaker Scam". Hackaday. 8 October 2014.
- ^ "Inside a white van speaker scam: Don't buy a 'rolkolsen'". metronews.ca. 13 February 2013.
- ^ Gary Harper (11 May 2015). "'Speaker Scam' thrives in the Valley". cleveland19.com.
External links
- EEV Blog #671 - White Van Speaker Scam Teardown, YouTube, 2014-10-07, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, examination of a typical speaker system sold by white van scammers
- "Suckers", an episode of This American Life which includes a segment on white van speakers
- Scamshield archive of white van speaker brands and locations
- Crimes-of-Persuasion.com on speaker scams