If you’ve purchased golf clubs off eBay, there’s a good chance they’re counterfeit! The group operated out of Great Britain and Thailand, and sold primarily counterfeit golf equipment and fake golf balls that often times exploded when hit. They also sold accessories, clothing, airline lounge passes, and memory sticks.
The golf clubs, such as the fake Odyssey putter shown above, cost less than $5 to make and were typically sold for over $160. The conspirators were able to successfully operate for nearly five years under the radar by providing refunds to any customers that complained.
The leader of the group, Gary Bellchambers, lived in a very modest house in Great Britain and drove a beat up car (part of his effort to not draw attention to himself). However, he went by the nickname “The Man” in Thailand where he owned multiple homes, and part of a $2.5 million yacht.
The group was finally caught, after a disgruntled customer complained to authorities. Her multiple emails weren’t responded to by the company because Bellchambers was busy “relaxing” in Thailand at the time.
To give an example of how much money was made, in November of 2006 at least $119,000 was made. Unfortunately, I have a feeling eBay isn’t going to be providing refunds if you discover that you’ve been duped!