Buying a Used PS4: Safety Tips

It’s prudent to take certain precautions when purchasing a used PS4. Before you make the purchase, there are several factors at play that’ll determine the outcome.

Like whether the seller is trustworthy, will they accept liability should the transaction not progress as desired, whether the purchased item is genuine and how you can protect yourself from getting scammed.

That said, take time to read this well-researched article on the safety considerations you’ll need to make before purchasing your much-coveted PS4.

Is it safe to buy a used PS4?

It’s safe to purchase a used PS4 only if you’ve done a thorough background check of the seller, the item on sale, and taken all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your hard-earned cash. Some sellers aren’t genuine and are only out to obtain your personal information. Stay alert.

Tips to safely buying a used PS4

What now? Good question.

Before you embark on this shopping expedition, here’s a glimpse into what you need to look out for.

1. Run a background check on the seller 

If the seller isn’t well known to you, get into Sherlock Holmes mode. You want to be sure about this person’s validity. That they’re running a legit operation, and whatever they’re selling is legitimate. 

Ask them for references. If they have a site, check the reviews. If you come across reports of scams or excessive complaints, cancel the deal.

Need more proof? Run a check on trustpilot or engage a screening company to pull up a basic report confirming their personal details and criminal history. This will probably set you back $15 – $30.

If the results yield positive feedback (to your satisfaction), continue by requesting for the console’s information.

2. Ask for detailed information about the item on sale

Now that you’ve established some reasonable comfort level with the seller, ask for photos, the console’s condition, its repair history, and proof of ownership.

A standard PS4 gaming unit is comprised of:

• A PS4 Console 
• Dualshock 4 Controller, can be 1 or 2 depending on the bundle.
• HDMI Cable to connect to the TV for display
• Power Cable 
• Manual with instructions
• In some cases, a number of games in addition to the console.
• A storage space with 500GB or 1TB, this you can confirm on the system’s settings.

Don’t just take their word for it; ask for high-resolution photos accompanied by clear descriptions. If there are specific parts you’d like to see up close, let the seller know. 

A serious, reliable seller will go out of their way to provide detailed information, even video shots of the item, to ensure you’re well equipped to make an informed decision. 

If possible, ask for a demo or on-site verification visit to check out all the parts for yourself to confirm that they’re working and nothing’s missing. 

At the same time, get in on the documentation. Specifically, obtain a detailed original receipt that isn’t handwritten and has the receipt number, purchase date, purchaser’s name, and cost. 

This receipt will also prove useful when you need to use the warranty because the manufacturer is under no obligation to handle the console without it. 

If the seller rejects a demo and doesn’t have original receipts, but the photos are good, walk away. It’s probably a scam.

If a console is stolen, the manufacturer can track it. What happens is, they’ll obtain the PS4’s MAC address and mark it stolen. To trace it, they’ll place an instant alert as soon as someone logs in to the PSN, then track it using their IP address.

3. Low pricing

A glaring point that should pique your interest immediately is unrealistically low pricing. This could only mean that either the item is non-existent, stolen, or counterfeit.

To guard against these types of scams, arm yourself with sufficient information about the product from the manufacturer as well as sites that regularly sell PS4s or have passionate gamers constantly sharing information.

When you get accustomed to tracking information via price guides, you’ll have pretty good insights on the minimum and maximum prices plus what’s acceptable in the market.

4. Don’t share your personal information

The first thing to note when purchasing stuff online is for sites that ask for unnecessary information. Beware of requests for details like your date of birth, social security number, or such similar information. They don’t need it to approve your purchase.

A good practice is always to have strong passwords for your online accounts, a mix of upper case, lower case, a digit, and special characters. A phrase or sentence is equally advisable.

Avoid using the same password for multiple logins because if one site is compromised, others will be too.

Also, make a point to only shop on secure websites that have taken all precautions to protect your information like eBay, Amazon, and Sheepbuy. 

How can you tell a site is authentic?

• It has an SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. This is identifiable from the https:// URL where the S stands for secure.

• It has the padlock symbol next to the website address.
• Some browsers and websites have their addresses turn green.

When you click on the padlock, you’ll see information on the site certificate that tells you who the site is registered to. But should you get a warning, avoid it altogether.

One more thing, instead of giving out your home or work address, look for the most convenient delivery point and use that as your pick up point.

5. Mode of payment

You’re safer using a credit card as opposed to a debit card, especially if something goes wrong because credit cards offer protection from identity theft.  

With a credit card, your liability for fraudulent charges caps at $50 as long as you report the fraud within 30 or 60 days, depending on the company.

If this is too much of a hassle, try third party payment options like PayPal to avoid giving your information directly to the seller’s site. Something you should never do is pay by cash or money transfer like Western Union. Always be sure to leave a paper trail.

6. In-person meetings

If you meet in-person, ensure that you do so in a public place or better yet, a police department at a convenient location –seriously. If this isn’t possible, at least have someone accompany you to the designated location even if they are at a distance, say a few feet away from you.

Money shouldn’t change hands till you’ve verified everything. The agreement is documented. You’ve agreed on specifics like a return policy, who’ll pay for shipping or restocking fees, and agree on the modalities to work out should you discover the machine has issues.

As soon as you have all the documentation for this purchase: The receipt, order confirmation number, and postal tracking number, keep them safe. You never know when they might come in handy.

Should things go awry even after all the precautions taken and trying to work things out, file a complaint with your county or state consumer protection agency, state attorney general, federal trade commission, or the better business bureau.

If you are thinking about buying a used PS4, read this article with some helpful tips and considerations. 

Related questions

1. What is PS4 shelf life?

A properly maintained PS4 can last between 4 – 7 years. To get there, you’d have to dust it regularly and keep it well ventilated. Handling needs to be gentle to avoid scratches and damage to the body and surface. To ensure that it doesn’t overheat, don’t stack other devices on top of it and don’t keep it in a closed glass or wood cabinet, especially when it’s running.

2. Is pre owned better than refurbished?

Whether pre-owned or refurbished, it all depends on individual taste. Pre-owned means it’s used but has resale value if already vetted and valued. A refurbished one is used but had issues that needed to be sorted for it to be appealing again. Some people prefer refurbished because they view it as a more reliable alternative. Others prefer pre-owned because chances are they can stumble on an almost new console.

3. Is it worth buying a PS4 in 2020?

It’s worth buying a PS4 in 2020 because it’s still unclear how much a PS5 is likely to cost. PS4s are also currently at half the price they were at launch. In addition to these price reductions, you’re guaranteed full enjoyment with the access that this console affords you to some of the best console games of the past decade. Definitely worth it!

Are you also thinking about buying a used Nintendo Switch? Here’s an article with some useful information.

Conclusion

When buying a used PS4, safety is a huge consideration. A minor issue can cost you heavily, and there’s simply no point to that if you’ve got the arsenal to ensure your protection. 

Take your time to sift through information about PS4, read voraciously, do thorough research, seek ardent gamers for additional tips, and always trust your gut’s instinct.

Before you leave…

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a PS4, consider selling your older console to make some extra cash. Sheepbuy is a great place to list your items because we don’t charge a commission on sales, and you’ll enjoy having up to three active listings at any given time, free of charge. Find out more about our how to sell online for free here.