Marksmoddedpods (Ebay) Investigation & Evidence Report
Generated on Jan 26, 2026
marksmoddedpods (eBay seller/store & listing: Custom Modded Apple iPod Classic 5.5 A1136)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236572057049Why we think so?
marksmoddedpods is an eBay store focused on custom and upgraded Apple iPods, including the listing for a custom modded Apple iPod Classic 5.5 Gen A1136. The seller appears active, with nearly 700 units sold on this listing and over 53 watchers. Their store features a handful of iPod and upgrade service listings. Feedback for the specific listing number (mandm_boys3245) is shown as 100 on eBay, but extensive online research highlights several concerns about fake reviews, review manipulation, and product authenticity issues tied to this seller across their broader product offerings—mainly vape pods, but also modded electronics. The iPod price is roughly market-matching for custom refurbishments and is not dramatically suspicious on its own. Notably, there have been multiple independent third-party analyses (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) and buyer reports flagging a high percentage of suspicious/fake reviews across marksmoddedpods’ listings, a pattern of review bursts, and periodic buyer complaints about inauthentic or faulty items—particularly in their vape category. These indicators suggest you should use caution: while many buyers do receive working products, authenticity, review credibility, and after-sale support cannot be fully trusted with this seller. Proceed only if you’re comfortable with these risks and compare with reputable alternatives such as Elite Obsolete Electronics, which has a track record in this niche.
Risk Insights
Suspicious review patterns
- 33–50% of feedback linked to this seller is likely manipulated (identical phrasing, review surges, low-activity buyers)
- Review analyses (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) give failing grades for authenticity
Product received vs. described
- Most iPod buyers report working items matching specs
- Some secondary complaints about quality, but far fewer than for vape category
Competitive market pricing
- Custom iPod price matches reputable alternatives (Elite Obsolete, $142.99–$272.99)
- No excessive underpricing (which would signal high scam risk)
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Fake and manipulated reviews widely observed in seller’s overall profile (33–50% suspicious per Fakespot/ReviewMeta).
- Counterfeit and quality complaints are persistent in the seller’s vape-related listings and at least a few modded electronics reviews cite failures.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity and operational history
Score: 65
Seller identity and operational history
"Operations appear ongoing. Seller has around four products and provides standard eBay contact (through intermediated FAQ). However, no independent verification or strong, long-running brand presence outside eBay."
Reason: marksmoddedpods is an active eBay seller with a functioning storefront, basic contact link, and multiple live listings including the modded iPod.
Listing transparency and consistency
Score: 60
Listing transparency and consistency
"Product images show a real modded iPod and selection menu has explicit configuration variations. Seller is clear about cosmetic wear and used components."
Reason: The listing shows full product details, customizable options, and a clear photo set, matching what's expected for custom iPod builds.
Product authenticity and quality guarantee
Score: 30
Product authenticity and quality guarantee
"Even if not directly tied to iPod listings, consistent evidence shows risk of inauthentic/misrepresented items, and seller does not offer manufacturer warranty or returns."
Reason: Persistent buyer reports, third-party detector flags, and brand warnings about unauthorized selling and counterfeiting on this seller’s accounts (mainly for vapes—but concerning for all inventory).
Review and feedback authenticity
Score: 40
Review and feedback authenticity
"100 feedback for this specific listing may be accurate for shipped items, but at least a third of all seller feedback is believed to be manipulated."
Reason: Multiple analytics sites (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) find a large portion of feedback is likely fake—identical language, review bursts, and low-credibility account sources.
Market price comparison
Score: 72
Market price comparison
"Elite Obsolete Electronics, widely trusted for refurbished Apple gear, offers modded 5.5 Gens at $142.99–$272.99 with similar hardware and configuration options."
Reason: Prices align with legitimate modded and customizable iPod providers, neither undercutting nor overcharging standard market value.
Legal and platform compliance
Score: 68
Legal and platform compliance
"Not deplatformed despite periodic eBay buyer and brand disputes, but not verified as compliant for all inventory types."
Reason: While the store remains open and most sales are fulfilled, the seller is not on authorized reseller lists for modded Apple products. Repeated brand warnings and buyer complaints on their vape-related items put compliance at risk.
Your Next Steps
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1
If you decide to buy, document your transaction and keep all communications on eBay.
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2
Check the serial number and details of the product upon arrival; use Apple’s official guides to verify authenticity.
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3
If you encounter issues (including counterfeits or misleading descriptions), immediately open a dispute with eBay and consider reporting to brands/manufacturers.
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4
Consider contacting more established, niche retailers (e.g., Elite Obsolete Electronics) for modded iPods if authenticity and support are a priority.
Key Evidence & Citations
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marksmoddedpods on eBay – Custom iPod Product Data
⤷ Provides the specific listing info including seller, number sold, feedback for this listing, variants, and store link.
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marksmoddedpods: Third-Party Reviews & Counterfeit Complaints
⤷ Multiple review aggregators and Reddit threads show high rates of fake reviews and persistent risk of counterfeit/quality issues (especially in vape products).
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Elite Obsolete Electronics – Legitimate market pricing/examples
⤷ Helps verify that listed iPod prices are comparable to non-scam, specialist refurbishers.
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