An attempted iPad sale at an electronics buyback store in Atlanta, Georgia took an unexpected turn after the employee opened what appeared to be a sealed device box and found it filled with pieces of metal instead. The customer immediately walked out of the store, with the entire encounter captured on video and later going viral online.
The video comes from Fo-Mart Buyback, an Atlanta-based electronics buyback business that regularly shares videos of device inspections and alleged scam attempts to help consumers safely buy and sell high-value electronics. In one of the business’s latest videos, a Georgia man can be seen at the counter signing paperwork as he attempts to sell an iPad to the store.
Before handing over the cash, however, the employee opens the box of the iPad that the man was attempting to sell. Thing is, when the employee opens the box, there’s no iPad inside — just an orange piece of cardboard covering what appears to be a pile of metal hardware. The Georgia man briefly glances at the employee before quickly turning around and casually heading straight for the exit.
Accompanying the video is onscreen text that reads, “He ran when we opened the iPad.” In addition, the caption gives some additional context:
This individual completed five previous iPad transactions with Fo-Mart totaling over $5,000. Those devices were later discovered to be counterfeit.
via fomartbuyback on TikTok
He returned with another iPad. During inspection, we opened the package—and he immediately ran out of the store.
This footage is being posted to warn other device buyers to open, inspect and fully verify high-value devices before payment.
#RiverdaleGA #ClaytonCountyGA #SouthsideATL #AtlantaBusiness#DeviceBuyers
Social Media Reacts to Alleged Counterfeit iPad Scam
Many viewers couldn’t get over the man’s reaction after the box was opened. One TikTok user joked, “Did he not think u were going to open it🤣,” while another compared the awkward glance he gave the employee to a comedy sketch, writing, “This is some Kevin Hart comedy… tell me why he made eye contact like he was giving you the map to Narnia.” Others poked fun at the contents of the box itself, with one person quipping, “This who be taking all 10mm sockets when we ain’t lookin😂.”
Reddit users, meanwhile, focused on how the alleged scam had reportedly succeeded multiple times. “Fool them once, shame on you. Fool them five times, shame on them,” one commenter wrote, while another questioned, “How tf did he get away with this 1 time let alone 5?!” Others echoed the video’s warning, with one user adding, “The Apple seals look genuine. This is a serious warning [to] anyone buying second-hand but new kit—always inspect it.”
Whether the alleged scam was an isolated incident or not, the viral clip has prompted many viewers to echo the same advice: always inspect high-value electronics before handing over any money.
