"White Van Speaker Scam"

[Gunman]

I've run into this scam a few times, when I lived in FL, back in the late 80's. Never bought them though.

[cjd]

Originally Posted by geezerbrzeezer

I'm confused - you said you got scammed, but that they sounded great and lasted 20 years??

Kinda sounds like not a bad deal.

That's the scam - they actually sound like crap, and people don't realize it. Kinda like people who can't tell even a low bitrate mp3 sounds horrible (let alone high bitrate) or... well, Bose.

What sells in a showroom is high frequency impact and for some, ~50Hz bloat. That's pretty easy to put together in a system. Good luck listening to it without being worn out for any length of time, though.

/mildrant

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by geezerbrzeezer

I'm confused - you said you got scammed, but that they sounded great and lasted 20 years??

Kinda sounds like not a bad deal.

it was still a 'scam' as the speakers weren't what he said they were, but yes, it did turn out to be a good deal after all. he made money on the speakers and we got our use out of them.

[themadscientist]

I don't see what all the fuss is about. My RoleK is sweet!

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by cjd

That's the scam - they actually sound like crap, and people don't realize it. Kinda like people who can't tell even a low bitrate mp3 sounds horrible (let alone high bitrate) or... well, Bose.
/mildrant

yup - the scam is that the speakers are being advertised for something that they're not (high quality speakers). even they're sold to someone who can't really tell the difference. kind of like selling a fake diamond to someone as the real thing, even if they're happy with how it sparkles.

[hmong337]

Man these guys are everywhere! I've ran into them like 3-4 times. Always wanting to sell me a 4k projector or whatever.

The one guy came up with a story that they invoiced his bosses company for 4 stereos systems but there was an extra one that wasn't on the invoice and he was trying to get rid of it quick. Conveniently, he was sitting outside the regular ATM I always go to. Truth was, I already have a 5.1 Dolby surround system and no interested in any electronic stuff. He kept pushing so I told him I'd give him $20 LOL and he fucked off.

My cousin recently bought a projector off one of these white van scams. He didn't know. We tested it out. It's okay I guess. Nowhere near 4k!!! It's like barely 720p LOL. He only paid like $120 for it so whatever...

[raven1231]

So best case scenario you're committing a felony and buying stolen merchandise? Worst case they're not actually stolen but your intent was still there and you get shit generic speakers? Sign me up...

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by raven1231

So best case scenario you're committing a felony and buying stolen merchandise? Worst case they're not actually stolen but your intent was still there and you get shit generic speakers? Sign me up...

sometimes it's the middle case where you get what you pay for. crap speakers for a crap price. if you're in the market for shit generic speakers, there ya go.

[joe strummer]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Is this a Canadian thing .. ??
humfrz

No, because if it was, the scammer would apologize as he took the money.

[geezerbrzeezer]

Why do they always seem to be driving white vans?

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by geezerbrzeezer

Why do they always seem to be driving white vans?

Rentals? also very generic, and work vans are usually white, so it adds to the story.

[Impureclient]

Originally Posted by swarb

I was a little scared because they wanted me to enter their van to look at them, thought I was going to get abducted

You almost got Buffalobilled! They were going to make a skin suit out of you.

[TofuJoe]

Psst. You guys need some speakers?

[Speed2th]

I brought a set speaker off a white van before, same excuse like other white van. The seller claim it used same driver as Bose. I forgot what was the brand (unheard of) but the quality looks good for $150. I made sure it is exactly the same item they show me and went home tested it, it sounds really nice. Show it to my roommate and my friend, they were really impressed how clear and nice it sounds. They went out to hunt down the mini van and brought 2 set of same speakers.