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Investigation Report

Generated on Jan 24, 2026

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mike_gamesnmore (eBay seller) – Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones Black SEALED

https://www.ebay.com/itm/227186299939
Geo: unknown
Website: Site icon
Category: Ebay
Recommendation
Caution
Overall Summary
Suspicious
  Why we think so? 

This listing is for a pair of Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless Headphones, sold as new and sealed by the eBay seller mike_gamesnmore. The price on eBay ($153.99) is notably lower than on major platforms like Amazon, where the same model typically sells from $214.99 and up. The seller has a very high reputation (over 10,000 feedbacks and a 99.6% positive rating), and their store history looks established with a variety of high-demand tech and gaming items. However, public forums and buyer reports do mention some isolated concerns about possible fake reviews and, less frequently, counterfeit or misrepresented items—mainly in connection with gaming products (not specifically these headphones). Most buyers report satisfaction, and return rates are low, but for high-value electronics, there is moderate risk of counterfeiting given the price gap and known issues in this market. If authentic, this is a great deal—but if you proceed, protect yourself by paying with PayPal or a protected method, carefully checking the item on arrival, and reporting anything suspicious to eBay.

Confidence Score Our overall confidence rating for this entity based on public signals, activity, and risk checks.
73%

Risk Insights

⚠️

Significant Price Gap

  • Listing is $60–$80 cheaper than mainstream authorized stores.
  • Large underpricing is a common counterfeit red flag.
  • Research authenticity carefully before purchasing.

Seller Reputation Strong

  • Over 10,000 positive feedbacks.
  • Long selling history and large inventory.
  • Most buyers are satisfied.
⚠️

Community Counterfeit Warnings

  • Some buyers on Reddit/YouTube received non-gaming counterfeits.
  • No headphone-specific counterfeiting complaints found so far.
  • Isolated issues, but due caution is sensible.

Category Scores

Red Flags & Warnings

  • Offer price is well below major authorized resale channels; this is a classic indicator of potential gray-market or counterfeit products.
  • Community and review forum reports raise moderate concerns about review authenticity and rare cases of counterfeits from this seller.

Detailed Checks & Insights

0-100 Scale

Seller identity and history verification

Score: 85
Passed

"This identity profile is consistent with established, legitimate eBay operators."

Reason: The seller has over 10,000 feedback ratings, a 99.6% positive score, and an active US-based store since at least 2015.

Product authenticity signals

Score: 50
Failed

"While no mass reports of fake headphones exist for this item, the price gap substantially increases risk."

Reason: The item is priced $60+ under prevailing new/sealed market rates from official sellers, which is a classic risk marker for counterfeits.

Review and feedback authenticity

Score: 75
Passed

"Tools like ReviewMeta and Fakespot rate feedback as B-grade (mostly genuine); only about 5-10% appear potentially incentivized."

Reason: Feedback is mostly genuine, with some minor suspicious patterns (copy-paste phrasing, bursts from new users), but no systemic abuse.

Listing transparency and description detail

Score: 80
Passed

"Detailed product info and high transparency. Not accepting returns is not a scam signal but does impact buyer comfort."

Reason: The listing clearly states condition, main specs, images, quantity sold, and location; returns not accepted, which is less buyer-friendly.

Commercial activity & fulfillment pattern

Score: 80
Passed

"This is far above the volume seen in most single-use scam stores or drop-shippers."

Reason: Over 23,400 units sold, mostly positive reviews, and steady inventory history reduce fraud probability.

Legal/enforcement/redress history

Score: 70
Passed

"While some buyers voice concerns, authorities have not identified systemic fraud for this account."

Reason: No regulatory actions, class lawsuits, or shutdowns are documented for this seller; low dispute rates based on feedback.

Your Next Steps

  • 1

    If you buy, use PayPal or a credit card for payment protection.

  • 2

    Carefully inspect the item upon arrival—verify the packaging, serial numbers, and compare with Sony's official resources.

  • 3

    Check seller feedback for recent patterns of complaints about this specific item.

  • 4

    Avoid if you prefer zero risk—buy from Sony, Amazon, or verified big-box stores for guaranteed authenticity.

Key Evidence & Citations

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