While Nintendo looks to ramp up production of the Nintendo Switch to meet demand, scammers around the globe are cashing in on the console’s popularity. Gamers have recently discovered numerous Amazon third-party listings for the Nintendo Switch at well below retail price, which is causing a lot of headaches for potential Switch buyers.

For those unfamiliar with Amazon’s system, consumers can purchase items directly from Amazon or from third-party sellers that make their wares available through the online retail site. Naturally, there are some who will use Amazon’s system in an effort to scam people out of their hard-earned cash, especially when an item is in high demand.

While large retailers like Best Buy and GameStop are getting periodic shipments of Nintendo Switch units, the consoles sell out before many even know they’re available. So it’s not surprising to see many people hunting for any way to purchase one.

When it comes to Amazon sales, gamers should be very careful of too-good-to-be-true deals. Right now on Amazon, there are quite a few third-party dealers claiming to sell the console for under $100, and for the unsuspecting consumer, that seems too good to pass up. However, most of the offending accounts are brand new and have only one or two reviews, if they have any at all. Obviously, this is a red flag that any potential buyer should be aware of. While Amazon is actively removing offending accounts, there are new ones popping up all the time.

With demand for the Nintendo Switch so high, potential Switch buyers should know that purchasing the console at or below retail price won’t come easy, especially when purchasing online. Those who really want the console will undoubtedly end up paying well above retail price, at least until Nintendo’s supply can meet demand.

Since this is an Amazon issue that extends beyond just the Nintendo Switch, there are a few things people should keep in mind when purchasing anything from the online retailer. First, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Second, pay attention to how long a seller has been live and how many ratings it has - a seller with a long history of sales and positive reviews is usually legitimate.

The last consideration is the shipping time frame for an item. Often times scammers will push the shipping schedule out by a couple weeks to a month in an effort to collect the money before Amazon shuts them down. When a consumer purchases an item, the seller can receive the money before the buyer requests a refund.

Those who have fallen victim to a Nintendo Switch or any other Amazon scam can get their money back thanks to the Amazon Guarantee Program, but the process can take a week or two to complete.

In the end, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to making purchases online. So those looking to pick up a Nintendo Switch should be careful when buying online and even wait a little while if necessary in order to avoid any potential scams.

Source: Amazon