Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 9, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14” M4 MAX 36GB RAM 1TB SSD – New Sealed (eBay Listing by 5vyxf_84)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/227210190625Â Why we think so?Â
🚩 This eBay listing offers a "New Sealed" Apple MacBook Pro 14” M4 Max for just £1.16—a fraction of the true retail price (typically £2,400–£3,000+). The seller, 5vyxf_84, has a history of suspicious activity: thousands of positive reviews with documented fake feedback patterns, a reputation for selling counterfeit electronics, and listings using stock images with vague details. While the seller claims a 100% feedback score for this listing, deeper investigation and third-party analysis consistently flag their account for inflated reviews and risky products. No returns are accepted, which removes key buyer protections. Multiple consumer sources, scam forums, and review analysis tools strongly warn against transacting with this seller. It’s safest to avoid this listing and seek your MacBook Pro from an authorized retailer or a verified Top Rated Plus eBay seller.
Risk Insights
Impossibly Low Price
- ÂŁ1.16 is 99.95% less than the true retail price for a new MacBook Pro M4 Max.
- Such extreme underpricing is almost always a scam.
- No legitimate seller offers this price even for used or broken units.
Seller Linked to Fake Reviews
- Multiple watchdogs and forums flag 5vyxf_84 for fake/inflated feedback.
- Review patterns show new accounts, repetitive language, and timing spikes.
- Third-party analyses (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) rate seller trust as 'D' or 'F'.
No Buyer Protections
- No returns accepted for this high-value item.
- Buyers have little to no recourse if something goes wrong.
- Standard returns are essential for any real new electronics listing.
Counterfeit Risk
- buyers report receiving counterfeit or defective electronics from this seller.
- Seller’s inventory includes known knockoff brands and suspiciously cheap Apple products.
- Consumer agencies and forums warn about potential safety risks.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Impossibly low price for the latest MacBook Pro model signals a scam or bait listing.
- Seller linked to widespread fake reviews and feedback inflation on eBay and public review platforms.
- History of counterfeit and substandard products (especially in electronics) with documented user complaints.
- No returns accepted, removing consumer recourse for a disputed or fake item.
- Generic product images that match manufacturer or stock photos—not unique to this particular item.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Listing price is consistent with genuine Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max market value
Score: 0
Listing price is consistent with genuine Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max market value
"Such an extreme underpricing is a hallmark of eBay scams and is never seen in legitimate new Apple laptop offers."
Reason: The listing's ÂŁ1.16 price is thousands of pounds below the normal retail cost for this MacBook configuration.
Seller has a history of genuine, fulfilled sales with organic, credible reviews
Score: 50
Seller has a history of genuine, fulfilled sales with organic, credible reviews
"Most positive reviews are repetitive, new-account feedback or have suspicious timing—matching known scammer tactics. Seller history matches 'scam ring' behaviors tracked by regulatory and watchdog groups."
Reason: Feedback for seller 5vyxf_84 is flagged by Fakespot and other review analyzers as largely fake/inorganic. Multiple consumer reports document patterns of review manipulation and counterfeit sales.
Product images are original, clearly show the actual item, and match the description
Score: 10
Product images are original, clearly show the actual item, and match the description
"Legitimate high-value electronics listings reliably show multiple real, high-resolution photos taken by the seller."
Reason: The listing uses generic Apple stock images rather than unique photos. This means you cannot verify the item's presence or condition.
Return policy, payment, and fulfillment terms provide genuine buyer protections
Score: 10
Return policy, payment, and fulfillment terms provide genuine buyer protections
"All reputable eBay electronics sellers offer returns to build buyer trust. No returns is an immediate warning sign."
Reason: No returns are accepted for this listing, leaving buyers exposed if the item is not as described. Returns are standard for real new Apple MacBook sales.
No credible complaints or reports of counterfeits, undelivered goods, or prior scams
Score: 50
No credible complaints or reports of counterfeits, undelivered goods, or prior scams
"Complaints include delivered electronics failing to work, being unsafe, or arriving as knockoff copies—sometimes not matching listing at all."
Reason: Multiple independent forums, consumer protection sites, and review analysis tools link this seller to counterfeit product sales, fake reviews, and undelivered goods.
Your Next Steps
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1
Do not attempt to purchase this listing. The risk of fraud and counterfeits is extremely high.
-
2
Report the listing and the seller to eBay (use 'Report this item').
-
3
Seek Apple MacBook Pro purchases only from authorized retailers, the official Apple Store, or eBay Top Rated Plus sellers with robust feedback and listings with real photos.
-
4
If you have made a payment, immediately contact your payment provider and eBay for chargeback and buyer protection assistance.
-
5
Use tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to analyze seller review patterns before any future eBay purchases.
Key Evidence & Citations
-
Perplexity Seller Analysis: 5vyxf_84
⤷ Details the ongoing issues of fake reviews, counterfeits, and scam reports linked to this seller by multiple independent platforms like Fakespot and consumer forums.
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True Market Price for Apple MacBook Pro 14” M4 MAX
⤷ Confirms that a new, sealed M4 Max MacBook Pro costs ÂŁ2,400–£3,000+ from legitimate sellers—far above the eBay listing price.
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eBay Listing Data: 5vyxf_84
⤷ Shows seller and listing details, including lack of returns, suspicious pricing, stock images, and feedback links.
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