Investigation Report
Generated on Mar 26, 2026
jarosz1989 (eBay Seller) for Prop DynaTAC 8000x Brick Phone
https://www.ebay.com/itm/135613943201Why we think so?
This eBay listing sells a "Prop DynaTAC 8000x Brick Phone" for $39.99 from the seller jarosz1989, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The seller has completed 655 sales of this item, with 17 associated reviews and a feedback score near 99%. However, multiple sources—including Reddit threads, BBB complaints, and Trustpilot reviews—raise serious concerns about fake positive feedback, product authenticity, and item quality. Fakespot and ReviewMeta analyses further flag a high percentage of suspicious or inauthentic reviews. Users have reported undelivered goods, knockoff branded accessories, and frequent issues like non-functioning electronics or poor-quality apparel. While there’s no direct complaint about this specific prop phone listing, the seller’s broader reputation and selling patterns are risky. The price is significantly higher than similar props sold elsewhere, and the seller does not accept returns. Caution is strongly advised for this listing, especially given counterfeit and review-fraud indicators. 🛑
Risk Insights
Fake Review Warning
- Independent review analysis (Reddit, Fakespot) shows a pattern consistent with fake or recycled feedback.
- Frequent identical reviews and sudden spikes in ratings are classic manipulation signs.
High Sales, High Complaints
- Over 650 units sold, but numerous disputes about item quality and fulfillment.
- Multiple unresolved complaints on BBB, Trustpilot, and forums.
Price/Value Mismatch
- Similar prop items are available for less than half the price elsewhere.
- No clear added value in this eBay listing versus competitors.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Extensive historical pattern of manipulative or fake reviews—including identical/boilerplate phrases and suspicious buyer behaviors.
- Proven customer disputes over undelivered packages or counterfeit-caliber items, especially across electronics and apparel.
- No returns accepted, which reduces your buyer protections and is often used to avoid accountability.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity consistently linked to feedback and listing history
Score: 60
Seller identity consistently linked to feedback and listing history
"Listings, shipping location, and profile all match the username jarosz1989; seller is active and consistent in online presence."
Reason: The seller is traceable to the account 'jarosz1989' with a known feedback profile and sales history on eBay.
Feedback and review authenticity
Score: 25
Feedback and review authenticity
"Patterns include repeated phrasing, review spikes, and feedback loops that are common in manipulated review ecosystems."
Reason: Analyses by third-party tools and community reports indicate a large portion of suspicious or fake reviews.
Product description and listing accuracy
Score: 60
Product description and listing accuracy
"No signs the description tries to pass off the prop as a functional phone or original Motorola product."
Reason: The product offered is described as a non-functional prop, which matches available item photos and public props being sold elsewhere.
Product fulfillment and customer service pattern
Score: 35
Product fulfillment and customer service pattern
"Seller's refusal to accept returns further limits your recourse if there’s an issue."
Reason: There are several complaints on multiple sites about undelivered items, difficulty with refunds, and unresponsive support.
Seller history of counterfeits or manipulation
Score: 25
Seller history of counterfeits or manipulation
"Referenced on Trustpilot, Reddit, and analysis tools as selling likely knockoffs (with user evidence)."
Reason: Flagged for prior sales of counterfeit-labeled electronics and apparel, with clear signs of misrepresented branded goods.
Legal/commercial compliance (returns, policies, platform rules)
Score: 40
Legal/commercial compliance (returns, policies, platform rules)
"No evidence of eBay 'Authenticity Guarantee' or Top Seller status and absent returns go against best practice."
Reason: Does not offer returns even on inexpensive prop items, raising commercial red flags and limiting buyer protections.
Your Next Steps
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1
Check Fakespot or ReviewMeta for a detailed confidence grade on this seller's review authenticity.
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2
Search Reddit or eBay forums for buyer experiences with jarosz1989, focusing on similar product categories.
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3
If you still wish to buy, use a protected payment method (e.g., PayPal) and document all correspondence.
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4
Avoid purchasing if you require genuine branded items or expect product quality matching photos/descriptions.
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5
Consider reporting any suspicious or counterfeit goods to eBay directly using their VeRO or IPR reporting system.
Key Evidence & Citations
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Perplexity: eBay seller jarosz1989 review analysis
⤷ Summarizes complaints and signals of review fraud, counterfeit risks, and questionable fulfillment for jarosz1989, drawing on forums and review analysis tools.
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eBay Prop DynaTAC 8000x Brick Phone Listing
⤷ Confirms seller reputation score, item price, quantity sold, return policy, and geographic location.
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Etsy price comparison for brick phone prop
⤷ Provides comparable price point for non-eBay brick phone props, showing significantly lower cost elsewhere.
🕵🏻 Keep vetting
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