Is Bonanza a Scam? How to Spot Red Flags for Sony A9 III Camera Purchases

Phishing 'Booth' Verification: Be extremely cautious of any unsolicited messages, particularly those claiming your account is suspended or requires verification. Scammers may create fake Bonanza interfaces or send links that mimic legitimate Bonanza communications to steal your login credentials or personal information. Never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive data outside of Bonanza's secure platform. Bonanza explicitly states they will not ask for personal information like social security numbers or banking details via internal messaging or email [4, 6, 7, 8].

Untraceable Payment Request: Scammers often pressure buyers to use untraceable payment methods outside of Bonanza's established system. This includes requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If a seller insists on payment methods that do not offer buyer protection or traceability, it's a significant red flag. Bonanza's BBB complaints show instances where payments made through PayPal were not acknowledged, and disputes arose when sellers insisted on direct payment methods [3, 5].

Ghost Inventory Listing: This scam involves sellers listing items they do not actually have in stock. This can be used to lure buyers with a seemingly good deal, only for the seller to claim the item is out of stock after the purchase and offer a less desirable alternative or simply disappear. For a high-demand item like the Sony A9 III, sellers might create fake listings to gauge interest or gather buyer information. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true for a brand-new, sought-after camera [2].

Bait-and-Switch Electronics: Similar to ghost inventory, this scam involves advertising a desirable item (like the Sony A9 III) at a very attractive price to draw customers in. Once a buyer expresses interest or attempts to purchase, the seller claims the advertised item is unavailable and tries to sell them a different, lower-quality, or significantly more expensive product. Always verify the exact model and specifications before completing a purchase.

Overseas Shipping Extortion: While legitimate international sales occur, be cautious of sellers who suddenly demand additional shipping fees or import duties after the initial purchase, especially if they are based overseas and the initial shipping costs seemed reasonable. This can sometimes be a tactic to extort more money from the buyer. Always clarify all shipping and potential import costs upfront.