EB Games rips off crime victim

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The sad thing is that this doesn't really surprise me at all. I know they shouldn't be required to just give it back to her and take a loss but look at it like this. Let's say they did give it back to her at a loss, think of all the positive PR they would recieve. On the other hand now people will feel justified in saying oh who cares about the little store I'm gonna go save myself a couple bucks at Target.
 
They are breaking state laws so I hope they have to pay some really large fines for this. It is horrible that they will not provide her back the property for the price they paid the thief. Why should EB Games make a profit on a deal that they did illegally! :shock:

I guess this is why most stores do not pay cash for games.
 
all this bad press over $87. what was EB thinking. give her a giftcard or something. I felt so bad for her. I can't believe that the entire EB chain of command refused to cooperate or show some compassion.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']On the other hand now people will feel justified in saying oh who cares about the little store I'm gonna go save myself a couple bucks at Target.[/quote]

EB Games may as well be Target - they're both big-ass chain stores. I hope no one thinks that a place that you can find in any mall in America is "the little store"...if this had gone down at a small store I can't imagine the proprietors not returning as much of the merchandise as they could. I have to say though, this is pretty despicable behavior even for a big chain. Of course, if there's enough hype from this story, they will give her a brand-new PS2 and credit for games, I would imagine, in an effort to save face, because clearly they're going to skate until they feel that the media is making them look bad. Further proof that they couldn't care less about their relationships with their customers.

Idiots.

I am hoping with all my might that they get hit with some fines. SOMETHING, anything.

They should put up contact info for the chick that got ripped off. I'd gladly send her a cheap-a$$ game to help replenish her collection.
 
They should have given her stuff back just for the PR value.
Other than that, couldn't it be claimed they were trafficking in stolen goods?
not to mention not obeying the law that said "all merchants who deal in secondhand goods are required to hold those goods for 15 calendar days before selling them."
I hope she countersues them or something.
Companies have to have policies, but they also need to have managers with the b*lls to say Okay, I'm stepping over the policy here.
 
This story broke in January...I wonder if there is a follow up story somewhere.

I can't imagine a company like EB not trying to make things right for this woman.
 
[quote name='CheapyD']I can't imagine a company like EB not trying to make things right for this woman.[/quote]

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be part of their plans... :?

This is just so...wrong.
 
By seeing this story, does it effect your future purchases from EB?

Pesonally, I don't shop at B&M EB stores, and I have only bought one thing from their online store (Rygar), so it doesn't really change my opinion.
 
[quote name='Santorum X']By seeing this story, does it effect your future purchases from EB?

Pesonally, I don't shop at B&M EB stores, and I have only bought one thing from their online store (Rygar), so it doesn't really change my opinion.[/quote]

Doesn't change mine...I wouldn't shop in the B&M store on a dare, especially after reading the above "news" item. Their prices are f'ing ridiculous and the folks I've encountered working there are, in general, idiots. Video games are cool, but playing video games does not alone make you a cool person - I've never seen so many geeky late-teen and early-twenties folks walking around like they're in on some magic, special secret that no one else is privy to simply because they work in a video game store. Since when did working retail give you the right to strut around like an f'ing peacock and treat people like crap?

That said, I like the on-line store, but only because they have some cheap-a$$ deals. I'm a whore for cheap-a$$ deals, and from what I can tell the web store and the B&M locations seem to operate somewhat independently.

Ahh, santorum. It's frothy!
 
Just a thought but if they inforced this state law like they do for pawn shops then that would mean we would have to wait an extra 15 days to pick up any used game and eb and gamestop would probably offer much less on trade in's as the value of many games drop so fast anyways. THe eb's and Gamestops where I live require all the info from your liscence taking care of a huge chunk of this problem. Ackkk I would hate to loose so many of the CAG deals because of the enforcement of this law. IMO
 
I'd hate to lose cheap-ass deals too, but I hate more for innocent victims like this lady to get ripped off. Twice.
 
actually this is common as hell. I work for the Homestead Police Dept. In Homestead Fl. and we have many open cases involving minors stealing games from other people via break ins etc. and then trading them into EB and EB not taking responsilbility for not having an adult present when the minors (kids as young as 10) do the trade in. They have some sort of loop hole that protects them. While checking into some of these cases I am already referred to "corporate" and when I go there, i am told it need to go to their legal dept and ill be contacted. I have been checking state and federal stats on this and havent found anything yet. How they get away with it is beyond me. The bad part is you have some employess who see these kids come in, and then on top of the trade in, give them cash for rare games and then play dumb when parents find out and authorities are notified. I happens everywhere. Its a shame truly.
 
MY Grandma lives like 5 miles from there. I do not think I have ever shopped at that EB though and will never even if I travel down there.
 
I am never going to shop from EBgames at all. B&M or Online. I'd rather pay more...that is right. I'd rather pay a bit more. This coming from a cheapass gamer.
 
How's she going to get restitution from the thief? He had to steal games in the first place, admitted to the crime, and probably will have to pay fines for the misdemeanor.

Her small claims suit will cost her much more in time and aggravation than the $90 sh'es been screwed out of. EB games sucks ass for this and should be fined heavily for not following the law for pawned merchandise. What I didn't see mentioned was the buying of stolen property. Irregardless of foreknowledge, most states have criminal penalties for such behavior. Let's also not talk about the lawsuit that will eventually be brought upon EB games and their parent company which will cost them much more that $90 do settle or defend in court.

I won't buy from EB games ever again.
 
ABC Action News report 1/29/04
EB Games still insists it will not refund Michelle's money. If she wants her money back, the company said, she can go through the legal system and get restitution from the thief.
Click to expand...
I can't belive this. EB is very shaddy.
 
So, basically Ebgames made the announcement that "we totally accept stolen goods. All criminals, please bring your stolen goods here...we want to lower our costs, so please, if you are going to steal. Sell to us"
 
Well this is one heck of a mess. I hate to play devil's advocate in light of such an injustice as this woman faced but EBgames in general is being overly criticised for what is really the fault of only one store. The policy as enforced by that one store is vastly different to how it is where I am. Over a year before this incident, the EBgames in my area started employing the use of sherriff's office forms whenever hardware is traded in. The forms are also used whenever cash is given back on a trade or even when there is store credit left after a purchase on trade-ins. Every time one of these forms is filled out the merchandise traded in on that transaction is held for a period of 30 days. These forms require so much detail that information about the traders employer, their physical description, their address and phone numbers, even an ink thumbprint must appear on the form before the transaction can be completed. As for the policy regarding the return of stolen merchandise; as I understand it the EBgames in question places the items in question on hold till they can confirm with the local sherriff's department that they are indeed items that had previously been reported stolen. I also understand that they sell the items back for the amount of credit or cash they had paid the thief. It sucks for the crime victims but if their items were returned for free than EBgames would become the victim of a crime that was not purpetrated upon them.
Now, I have been in a couple of EBgames that do not enforce the above policies before but most offered the explanation that they were still waiting for the proper paperwork to be returned to them from their county sherriff's office so they would be equipped to follow the above guidelines. None of those stores would give cash for trade-ins.
My point is, this is definately a situation that escalated out of proportion and EB corporate did handle the situation poorly but their entire chain of stores are not responsible. Many of their stores are far better at enforcing these things than most pawn shops or other trade-in locations. This whole situation is the result of a single store not following their own companies policies and of it's corporate offices unfortunately standing behind it so they wouldn't have to close the location entirely, losing all their business in the area.
 
What stupid EBgames supervisor made the call not to give her back her items and not give her a free PS2. EB broke the state law by not waiting 15 days to sell the merchandise and should be doing everything possible to make things right since it's there fault for buying stolen goods. Also the bad press about this incident is doing terrible things for there public image. A company that makes millions in profit, going all cheap about $87 and a PS2. This is embarassing to see happen and I hope this story gets a wider press release.
 
I thought there was an off chance that the chick would have been cute. I was wrong. I think this story teaches us a valuable lesson:
"It's ok to steal from fat ugly chicks."
 
[quote name='JimmieMac']I thought there was an off chance that the chick would have been cute. I was wrong. I think this story teaches us a valuable lesson:
"It's ok to steal from fat ugly chicks."[/quote]

While not being the main reason, you are absolutely right. There is a lot of discrimination against "unattractive" men and women, i.e. if you are overweight, or just generally "unattractive".

However, that may or may not have had an influence. It's just shocking that while they are such a huge company (not a mom-and-pop store!), they make millions, they can't even give her back what's she's out. Even, like someone mentioned, in the form of a gift certificate.

I think they are just too proud to admit they did something wrong: that store wasn't keeping up with policy (i.e. checking up on the trade-in, holding them for 15 days). I mean geez if someone came in with a PS2 and all their games and everything, I'd be a little suspicious. You don't suspect one or two trade-in's.

That's just really terrible. :(
 
Eh, Gamestop looks more and more appealing every day.

Besides smelling like Cheese, my local EB stores have super ignorant, house wives working.
 
[quote name='terribledeli']Eh, Gamestop looks more and more appealing every day.

Besides smelling like Cheese, my local EB stores have super ignorant, house wives working.[/quote]


Don't make assumptions I think the story would have been the exact same thing had the delinquent decided to unload his goods at Gamestop instead. The only difference is they would have sold both the woman and the boy a reserve for a Playstation 3.
 
somehow I don't think Gamestop would have fallen victim. I frequently visit gamestops in 7 metro detroit counties and ALL of them require a photo ID when trading merchandise. And none I know of accept merchandise from minors.

Making a complete record of the transaction is a large deterrent to fence stolen goods. Thieves don't want to be identified by any means, and taking a thumbprint is not uncommon, nor is it that much of a hassle. In fact, I woiuldn't be suprised to see EB and Gamestop implement thumbprints in the near future for liability reasons.
 
[quote name='bmulligan']somehow I don't think Gamestop would have fallen victim. I frequently visit gamestops in 7 metro detroit counties and ALL of them require a photo ID when trading merchandise. And none I know of accept merchandise from minors.[/quote]

Same with my local stores. I think EB is supposed to ask for photo ID, but as I stated, their super ignorant housewives don't care where the goods come from. All they're interested in is finding new info about the sims 2.
 
i will NEVER buy anything from EBgames because of this..........i feel really bad for her because if i was in her shoes...........i would go ballistic if i got my collection stolen
 
[quote name='"OutlawJT"']Well this is one heck of a mess. I hate to play devil's advocate in light of such an injustice as this woman faced but EBgames in general is being overly criticised for what is really the fault of only one store. The policy as enforced by that one store is vastly different to how it is where I am. Over a year before this incident, the EBgames in my area started employing the use of sherriff's office forms whenever hardware is traded in. The forms are also used whenever cash is given back on a trade or even when there is store credit left after a purchase on trade-ins. Every time one of these forms is filled out the merchandise traded in on that transaction is held for a period of 30 days. These forms require so much detail that information about the traders employer, their physical description, their address and phone numbers, even an ink thumbprint must appear on the form before the transaction can be completed. As for the policy regarding the return of stolen merchandise; as I understand it the EBgames in question places the items in question on hold till they can confirm with the local sherriff's department that they are indeed items that had previously been reported stolen. I also understand that they sell the items back for the amount of credit or cash they had paid the thief. It sucks for the crime victims but if their items were returned for free than EBgames would become the victim of a crime that was not purpetrated upon them.
Now, I have been in a couple of EBgames that do not enforce the above policies before but most offered the explanation that they were still waiting for the proper paperwork to be returned to them from their county sherriff's office so they would be equipped to follow the above guidelines. None of those stores would give cash for trade-ins.
My point is, this is definately a situation that escalated out of proportion and EB corporate did handle the situation poorly but their entire chain of stores are not responsible. Many of their stores are far better at enforcing these things than most pawn shops or other trade-in locations. This whole situation is the result of a single store not following their own companies policies and of it's corporate offices unfortunately standing behind it so they wouldn't have to close the location entirely, losing all their business in the area.[/quote]

This happens far more than most people know. EB Corp has no policies set forth to assist local law enforcement, or even themselves as far as stolen goods. This isnt a one time deal either. They use the same licenses as a pawn broker in regards to their buy ins and trade in. Out of 25 EBs i called and visited (10 visited the rest called) None hold traded in or bought in merchandise. Also when someone does have a police report and it is proven that EB or wherever else has the goods, it doesnt cost them anything to get their property back if it is on scene. The store(EB) would have to go and get their $$ back from the person who sold the games since that person defrauded EB. The victim is entitled to their items back. EB never held the items, and still doesnt in a great many of their stores, and are breaking the law in regards to that on a daily basis. I know of the cases I deal with personally down here where I live, and i cant wait to see the others that come out of the woodwork. Many EBs also never ID people, you can just pop in, seee or trade and haul butt, and then write any name on the slip. A minor can go right in as young as 11 and trade in without mom and dad and no ID and its all good as well. Their policies need a serious upgrade and employees if they are breaking policies should be dealt with. Then again EB itself needs to be watched as well since on a manager, District Manager, and Corp level these practices are known already. EB makes tons of $$ off of the trades and also give incentives for large daily, weekly etc totals for trade in and re sells. With any luck they will take care of their end of this and start playing by the rules
 
[quote name='terribledeli']Eh, Gamestop looks more and more appealing every day.

Besides smelling like Cheese, my local EB stores have super ignorant, house wives working.[/quote]

Hiring people who openly do not care about gaming will ensure that employee theft is minimized. ;) Besides, a middle-aged female is a hell of a lot less likely to steal a video game than a teenage male.
 
Wow. Just last week some guy was in my EBGames giving this guys description and a bunch of games (Good ones too!) because someone traded in a ton of his collecton that he stole. The ebgames guy was an ass about it. He kicked the kid out and said we'll let you know. Ironically listening to the entire conversation he never gave any contact info....Great. EB really sux0r.
 
I thought with used games, once someone traded something in it would be shipped out to a central location and then redistributed.
 
This wont make me stop shoppinf at EB (even though i hardly do that anyway). I agree this is just one store's stupid mistake, and with such bad press they'll probably go out of business. The EB in the mall near me takes your Driver's License info with any trade in, software or hardware.
 
I wouldn't stop buying games from EB as well. As long as they are giving out good deals and discount, I will keep coming back, after all I am a cheapassgamer. I wouldn't want to miss a good deal.
 
The EB where I traded in games made me write down my name, home address and phone number on this form. You'd think they'd use that somehow to dissuade that sort of stuff from happening. But I guess I could see people writing false information down.
 
Neither the EBGames or the Gamestop I go to has ever asked for id, when trading or buying, just write information down when trading (which could easily be false). Even when I was a minor I was never given any trouble buying or trading any games, even M rated even when I was about 14.
 
> As long as they are giving out good deals and discount

EBGames deals are not all that - in fact, you can get far better deals on eBay, or just watching for good deals on CAG.

EB broke the law in a big way, and there is NO defending their actions. They suck, they have always sucked, and they will conitue to suck. Sure, there are occasionally 1 or 2 decent employees there, but if u think this company gives a rats @ss about you, you are either smokin crack, or they have totally pulled the wool over your eyes.

What if they were YOUR games That u had to shell out bucks to get back?

Wake up and learn to respect your cheap ass selves and stop shopping at companies that obviously don't respect their customers, selling used games as new, opened games as new, and even sellin ggames without their instructions and packaging because they are too lazy to take care of the merchandise.
 
donssword, its cool you're passionate about that and all but do you think any company truly cares about their customer. I don't think any corporation these days is free from any dirty laundry. Its all about the bottom line when you start dealing with big corporations like EB. Maybe you can start a boycott, but in my opinion there's bigger issues out there to get worked up about. EB will definitely get some bad press, hounded by the BBB or a lawsuit from this no doubt. Depriving yourself of a good deal for some nebulous moral point won't do anything. You may feel better in the morning but EB will still sell their games whether you're buying or not.
 
[quote name='donssword']They suck, they have always sucked, and they will conitue to suck. Sure, there are occasionally 1 or 2 decent employees there, but if u think this company gives a rats @ss about you, you are either smokin crack, or they have totally pulled the wool over your eyes.

What if they were YOUR games That u had to shell out bucks to get back?

Wake up and learn to respect your cheap ass selves and stop shopping at companies that obviously don't respect their customers, selling used games as new, opened games as new, and even sellin ggames without their instructions and packaging because they are too lazy to take care of the merchandise.[/quote]

They don't sell used games as new. Every video game store sells opened games as new as they have to open a few copies of each game and remove the disc/instructions so they have something to put on display for the game. Also every store that deals in traded games is just as bad about instructions and original packaging. A lot of people only trade in the disc when they trade in games so it's not the store's fault they are unavailable.

As for whether or not they care? On the local level I believe there are some employees that care at some locations for all chain stores. In general however, no corporation truly cares about it's customers. For corporate with any company it's all about the bottom line and the profit margin. To find stores that actually care you have to find your local mom and pop stores. Unfortunately mom and pop stores can't afford to offer the kind of deals that chain stores do. They'd go out of business trying.

Oh, and to the person who said that EB, Gamestop, etc make unfair profits on used games you are right. Since they only make between $2 and $5 on every new game they sell their profit has to come from somewhere, however. In most cases their only real profit is made on their used games and hardware.

Oh, and EB's policy is they have to fill out that little slip with your address, phone number, id#. Here they ask for a picture id but if the person has no id they ask for the information. In any case, those slips are supposed to be filled out by the employee and not you.
I will say there is one thing I am horribly against in gaming stores. They are not required by law to adhere to the ESRB rating system. A 5 year old could walk into any EB or Gamestop and buy a copy of Manhunt so long as they say their parents let them play games like that. Legally speaking it is the same for buying movies. Legally anyone of any age can buy a mature rated game or movie. I think the ESRB ratings should be enforced regardless of the letter of the law. Selling Manhunt to a 5 year old is just plain wrong.
 
Who would have thought my response would have even mattered on this subject?

If u review posts here at CAG, u will see that EB has a history of selling used games as new - sometimes thru mail and sometimes thru the actual stores. I am not making up these stories, merely mentioning what has been reported by many people here. Both EB and Gamestop have faced legal action over this practice as well, and the judges in both cases did not side with the stores.

EB DOES have good people working there, but they also have bad people. It was the bad people that screwed up what could have been good publicity for the company.

The only reason EB and Gamestop stay in business is because younger buyers do not have credit cards, and some people don't trust/use eBay. The novelty factor of a VG only store plays in here as well.

I generalized in my statement yes, but EB stole money from a victim of crime. I refuse to argue about whether or not she filed a police report, or EB held the merchandise long enough before they sold it.

The fact of the matter is, the store manager KNEW what he was doing when he made his decision. Did he help out a customer? No, he helped out a theif who knew he could easily pawn off the merchandise.

Shameful.
 
Just a random thought. I bought Metal Arms from EB, but found out that I could probably get it for less buying it online and using a voucher. Anyways, I didn't even open the game, it was still in the factory sealed plastic. As I watched in awe, the manager took out his pocket knife, took off the plastic, slit through the Xbox sticker label while leaving it intact, and opened the box to see if the game was inside.

I remember thinking that he would probably sell that as new, even though technically it was. I'd hate to get a game like that though.
 
The EB in question is at the mall in the city I live in. I refuse to shop there for the simple fact that they only hire elitist fucks who treat the kids like shit. I seen quite a few kids treated like shit because they ask questions, and the employees dont even look up from the game they are playing.
 
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