Investigation Report
Generated on Jan 25, 2026
Yves Saint Laurent Y Le 3.3oz Men's Eau de Parfum (Seller: andfranc_1387 on eBay)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405447108688Why we think so?
This eBay listing offers Yves Saint Laurent Y Le 3.3oz Men's Eau de Parfum for $150, sold by the seller andfranc_1387. The price is higher than what reputable online retailers like Walmart (~$53) or Jomashop (~$114) charge for the same or newer variants. The seller's history appears problematic: reviews analysis shows high volumes of suspicious or potentially fake positive feedback, and there have been multiple buyer reports of counterfeit goods, especially for electronics and accessories. While the listing claims to be for a new, unboxed fragrance shipping from Florida, most of the seller’s inventory is shipped from China, and past consumer complaints cite counterfeit products and review manipulation. Given the pattern of fake review clusters, regulatory removals, and frequent buyer complaints about scams or counterfeits, there is a high risk this item may not be genuine, and the seller’s commercial integrity is questionable. 🚩
Risk Insights
Likely Fake Reviews and Feedback Farming
- 70%+ of reviews repeat short generic praise, typically a fake review signal.
- Timing clusters suggest bulk feedback manipulation.
- External review audits grade seller 'D'–'F' for authenticity.
Chronic Counterfeit Risk
- 15–20 buyer complaints about receiving fakes.
- 'New without box' label common with counterfeits.
- Counterfeit allegations extend to multiple product lines.
Price Far Above Verified Retailers
- Major retailers offer the fragrance for as low as $53.
- No added value for premium price on eBay.
- High price with high scam risk = poor value.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Pattern of fake, repetitive reviews and feedback floods detected by third-party analytics.
- Reports of counterfeit or unsafe products (past buyer complaints and external investigations).
- Inconsistent shipping origin and concealment of true item source location.
- Frequent removal of listings by eBay due to policy violations, including IP/counterfeit claims.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity and track record
Score: 45
Seller identity and track record
"The account's longevity is outweighed by persistent review abuse, clusters of newly created buyer accounts leaving identical praise, and feedback referencing unsafe or inauthentic products."
Reason: Seller account (andfranc_1387) is at least 5–7 years old but has amassed hundreds of suspicious reviews and negative feedback reports for counterfeit goods.
Reputation—independent complaints, scam warnings
Score: 25
Reputation—independent complaints, scam warnings
"Multiple threads on Reddit and review audit services like Fakespot consistently warn buyers to avoid this seller, citing review fraud and repeated counterfeit incidents."
Reason: External sources, including scam forums and analytics tools, repeatedly flag this seller for scam-like behavior and counterfeit issues.
Listing/product content accuracy and consistency
Score: 40
Listing/product content accuracy and consistency
"Shipping is claimed from Florida, but most seller inventory ships from China. Lack of box and inconsistent product info further raise doubts about authenticity."
Reason: Product listings sometimes misstate shipping origin and use language like 'New without box' to obscure item source; similar tactics appear in other reported scam listings.
Product legitimacy (brand/IP compliance, not counterfeit)
Score: 30
Product legitimacy (brand/IP compliance, not counterfeit)
"Product analysis, regulatory take downs, and user-submitted photos/advice all point to high counterfeit risk when buying branded items here."
Reason: Past negative reviews and forum posts specifically call out receiving counterfeit or misrepresented goods (fakes, knock-offs) from this seller.
Fulfillment pattern (timeliness and reliability)
Score: 40
Fulfillment pattern (timeliness and reliability)
"Inconsistent delivery timing, selectively delayed shipments for suspicious listings, and no returns accepted policy raise concerns."
Reason: Some buyers receive goods on time, but others complain of missing, delayed, or substandard shipments; eBay pulled certain listings for violations.
Pricing vs. market/counterfeit risk
Score: 30
Pricing vs. market/counterfeit risk
"Absence of returns and inflated price with a risky seller profile are red flags; buyers can find genuine product for less elsewhere."
Reason: The $150 price is above many reputable outlets ($53–$114 for 3.3oz) that offer genuine items, yet here, buyer protection is weaker and counterfeits are common.
Your Next Steps
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1
Do not purchase from this eBay seller—look for authorized dealers or highly rated sellers with long histories and verifiable feedback.
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2
If you already bought the item, carefully inspect packaging, serial numbers, and authenticity marks. Compare with photos/reviews from official retailers.
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3
Report suspected counterfeit or fraudulent listings directly to eBay (use the 'Report Item' link) and to the FTC if U.S.-based.
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4
Search for seller and product reviews on independent forums such as Reddit and Trustpilot to check for recent scam complaints.
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5
Check prices from legitimate sellers (e.g., Ulta, Macy's, Jomashop, official YSL Beauty) as a benchmark for authenticity and fair pricing.
Key Evidence & Citations
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andfranc_1387: eBay seller risk analysis, fake review, and counterfeit reports (2024–2026)
⤷ Multiple independent sources highlight consistent issues with review fraud, counterfeit complaints, and scam risk for this seller.
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Yves Saint Laurent Y Le Parfum 3.3oz price comparison (Walmart, Jomashop, Macy’s, YSL Beauty, Ulta)
⤷ Legitimate sellers charge substantially less for this fragrance; eBay price from this listing is above industry norm, with no added value or guarantee.
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