Olympic folly?
Earlier this morning I overheard a story on the radio about Olympic Torch Bearers for London 2012 selling their torches on Ebay. I pursued the story a little and found that indeed it was so. One runner in particular, who had been nominated to run for charity, was selling her torch and torch-bearer’s outfit for the charity she loves. Whilst I am not sure I could equal her sacrifice, her motives seem entirely in keeping with the charity she represents. She is more interested in the charity’s ongoing work than in owning a piece of history.
Digging a little further, I found the following item on Ebay.
If you click on the photo and visit the item, you will find that the seller has been completely transparent in describing this as a photo of the torch. All three questions at the base of the item ask whether this is a photo or the item itself – and all are told that it is just a photo, and can be produced in any size.
Given that this is so – can someone explain why over 70 people have bid nearly £151,000 for it? Unlike another ‘photo’ bid, it does not appear to be selling for charity – so what is the explanation?
Maybe “gullibility” has been added as a sport for London 2012?
A few moments after this posted, the item sold for £151,100
Well found! Users sometimes bid up items massively if they feel the item is a scam or morally wrong. Ebay vigilantes making sure no-one ends up paying for them!
They will most likely have used a new account so they don’t have to pay up if they win.
Sadly over the years people have been caught out by the ‘photo of …’ scam rather than the item itself.