Buyer Beware: A Tale of Scams, SNES Carts, and DKoldies.com
In the ever-thriving community of game collectors, authenticity is paramount. Sadly, scams can tarnish this passion. A recent case involves u/TheFlyingSquadron - a buyer who, lured by nostalgia, purchased a SNES cart of "Pocky & Rocky 2" from the online store DKoldies.
It was a hefty sum, costing around $415 USD, but to many enthusiasts, well worth it for genuine, rare games. The excitement quickly turned to shock and anger when the game was discovered to be a scam. Instead of the promised game board, the buyer found a "Populous" board, rendering the purchase both costly and pointless.
This unfortunate event was shared on Reddit's r/gamecollecting community, and the post was met with a mixture of sympathy, anger, and advice. While some found humor in the scam, albeit ruefully noting it was at the victim's expense, others were outraged. Suggestions poured in, from calling out DKoldies on their videos to the idea of reaching out to YouTubers who'd be keen to pick up such content and spotlight the company's alleged deceitful practices.
Indeed, the DKoldies name isn't new to criticism. Several users referenced YouTube videos tearing into the company's quality control and methods, including even some of my own. Notably, some content creators were mentioned for providing detailed technical breakdowns, exposing the company's purportedly misleading refurbishment methods. These creators often highlighted their disbelief at DKoldies' questionable practices, from merely wiping SNES game labels with water to the apparent swapping of game chips.
Yet, it seems that warnings about DKoldies have been around for a while. The company has faced prior accusations, with some users claiming they've been blocked on platforms like TikTok for calling out subpar products. Others expressed astonishment that such scams are still occurring, referencing numerous videos, posts, and even lawsuits pointing to the company's allegedly duplicitous ways.
One recurring sentiment from the community is the necessity for buyers to test and verify their purchases immediately upon receipt. Especially with rare and costly items, the importance of having the right tools, like the Gamebit screwdriver for cartridge inspection, was emphasized.
Adding to the challenges faced by genuine resellers in the gaming community, instances like the recent SNES cart scam associated with DKoldies can pose a major threat, not just from the perspective of customer trust but also from potential fraudulent actions. If any individuals were to exploit such situations and fraudulently claim authentic purchases as scams, it could wreak havoc on a reseller's reputation and finances even beyond what they've already been dealing with. The gaming resale market thrives on trust, and any damage to this fragile trust ecosystem can lead to severe repercussions for businesses.
Resellers like DKoldies not only need to ensure the authenticity of their offerings but also have to be vigilant against possible fraudulent claims, which can be one of the major risks when dealing in the lucrative but intricate domain of game collecting. This kind of thing can NEVER happen. Not even once. Though it is DKoldies we're talking about here, and buyers have been warned plenty.
This ongoing DKoldies drama/saga serves as a sobering reminder for game collectors and enthusiasts. Trust in online sellers is crucial, but it's equally important for buyers to be vigilant. While the allure of nostalgic games is strong, it's paramount to ensure that the charm isn't exploited by opportunistic sellers.
~Smash
Comments