Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

Another PS5 Scalper Group Brags About Acquiring More Units for Resale

Have you been eagerly awaiting a chance to get your hands on a PlayStation 5, only to be disappointed by low stock and scalpers? Well, it seems that one scalping group is not only taking advantage of the situation but also publicly boasting about it. Meet Carnage, a UK scalping group that recently secured an additional 2,000 PS5 units during a GAME restock, intending to sell them for a hefty price tag of $1,000 or more.

The group took to Twitter to brag about their success, stating that acquiring stock is getting “easier every time.” While this may seem insensitive considering the struggles many individuals face in obtaining just one console, it’s unfortunately not unexpected. Scalping has become a prevalent practice, and until retail processes change, we can expect such groups to continue making highly desired consoles unattainable for many. It’s worth noting that scalping itself is not illegal, and retailers should take more proactive measures to address the issue.

Despite facing backlash, Carnage decided to make their Twitter account private. However, as they say, the internet never forgets, and a screenshot of their boastful tweet was captured by TheGamer.

Scalping groups like Carnage operate as a collective, making it easier for them to secure large quantities of stock. They employ various techniques, including bots and similar programs, to streamline the checkout process and conduct multiple transactions simultaneously.

Getting a new console at the beginning of a new generation has always been challenging. However, the current pandemic situation has exacerbated the scarcity due to increased demand and complex manufacturing processes. As a result, the low-stock-high-demand cycle for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is likely to persist for the foreseeable future.

For those unfamiliar with scalping, it involves purchasing highly sought-after items with the intention of reselling them at a significantly higher price. Scalpers have been known to double the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, sometimes even reaching the $1,000 mark. As long as there is demand and retailers fail to implement more effective stock control and checkout processes, scalping will remain a profitable endeavor.

This isn’t the first instance of a major scalping group making headlines. CrepChiefNotify, another well-known group, openly admitted to taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdowns to maximize their profits. They monitored the stock of hot tubs, which were in high demand during the pandemic, and alerted their members to buy whenever new stock became available.

In conclusion, the issue of scalping raises important questions. Should we allow scalpers to profit from their activities, or should corrective measures be taken? Feel free to share your thoughts on this matter in the comments below.

FAQs

Q: What is scalping?
A: Scalping is the process of purchasing highly coveted items with the intention of reselling them at a significantly higher price.

Q: Are scalping groups like Carnage and CrepChiefNotify illegal?
A: Scalping itself is not illegal. However, retailers and companies should take more proactive measures to address the issue and prevent scalpers from exploiting the retail process.

Q: How can retailers and companies control scalping?
A: Implementing more effective stock control and checkout processes, as well as improving stock alert systems, can help mitigate the impact of scalping.

Q: Will the scarcity of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles improve in the near future?
A: It is unlikely that the scarcity will be resolved in the immediate future due to increased demand and manufacturing challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic.

Q: What can consumers do to protect themselves from scalpers?
A: Stay informed about legitimate retail channels, be cautious of inflated prices, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.