Melrose Jewelers Advertised a genuine Mint Ladies Rolex DateJust all original on eBay I recieved a $20 FAKE for my $3,395.00! Los Angeles California

Same thing happened to me--they sold me a fake watch, which I got appraised.  The appraisers verified that it was fake. I told Melrose to verify that it was all real.  They never said it was.  This is all bs from crooks.  Now they're getting sued by Rolex for this, but only for trademark infringement.  This doesn't help consumers.  

Email me at suemelrosejewelers@gmail.com with your name if they defrauded you too.  I'm a lawyer in California where they're located, and I want to file a class action lawsuit against them for their mass fraud.  Get some money back from these crooks.

I don't think this involved ebay at all. I'm saying this based on the initial report. If you put the puzzle together you'll see that even the notion of a hacked ebay doesn't make sense. First you have an ebay item # that does not exsist.....then the claime about the wire transfer instead of paypal....then you have a company thats involved that does not even sell on ebay.
Reports like this are probably not true. Probably a competitor.

First off, NEVER, NEVER wire money on an ebay transaction. That just screams scam. You will never see that money again, and you fell right into their trap. Sounds to me like a decent seller had his account hijacked, and the scammers made themselves $3,395.00 and are having a good old time on yours and others money. Ebay has it posted all over NEVER do a wire transfer, as its probably a rip-off, and you can't get your money back, nor will they help you. Unfortunately you saw a "too good to be true offer" and took the bait.

This post does not apply to MelroesJewelers.com (MJ). MJ doesn't sell on eBay, this item # doesn't exist on ebay, we have no employees named Kris Lee nor have we ever had an employee of that name, nor do we have any customer with this name or from this city. In fact, we have taken painstaking efforts to find out who this individual is. We invite him to call us so we can resolve any issue at 323-650-0229. We are open from 7am to 7pm almost every day of the week. MJ has also written over 500 authoritative articles about the counterfeit Rolex industry in order to warn, educate, and inform consumers on how to tell the difference between genuine and fake Rolex watches. Here is just a sample of what MJ has written in the past year and what is available on MJ's Rolex Education & Information Section.



HOW TO TELL BETWEEN A FAKE AND A REAL ROLEX

The Rolex counterfeit industry is growing at an ever-increasing pace. This criminal expansion poses a real threat to Rolex because it adversely affects the market for genuine Rolex watches. Counterfeit watches also cloud the enthusiasm and faith of Rolex enthusiasts around the world. Such negativity is especially true in the case of high-end fakes, which are sold as genuine Rolex watches. Although these counterfeits may appear similar from a distance, they can in no way match a genuine Rolex in terms of functionality, performance and precision. Ignorant customers are attracted to their cosmetic features, but feel cheated when their watch turns out to be a non-genuine Rolex.



In the fake Rolex watch marketplace, you can find a plethora of different varieties and types. While the low level fake watches can be identified even by a child, the high level replicas may fool anyone. As a result, it always is advisable to do an in-depth study of the various features that distinguish a fake Rolex from an original one.



A clear understanding of some thumb rules, along with a close examination of the watch, is sure to help you differentiate a genuine Rolex from a counterfeit model. As described below, the following ground rules will go a long way in helping you identify a fake Rolex watch is sure to help you differentiate a genuine and fake Rolex. These ground rules, as described below, will go a long way to help you identify a fake Rolex:



Weight of the Watch: This is a primary way of finding out whether a watch is a counterfeit. All authentic Rolex watches are quite heavy since they are made of solid gold, steel or platinum. Inexpensive Rolex replicas, on the other hand, will be lightweight.



Case Backs: Many varieties of fake Rolex watches come with a clear case back, which you will never find in any authentic Rolex, whether vintage or modern.



Case Back Markings: Fake Rolex watches may be engraved with the famous Rolex crown logo, model numbers, serial numbers and other reference numbers on the case backs, which are not found in genuine Rolex watches. All authentic and current Rolex models have a hologram-encoded sticker on the case back that contains the watch's model reference number along with the Rolex Crown just above it. There are certain exceptions, however, such as the following:



-Some Ladies' Rolex watches had the case back engraved with Original Oyster Case by Rolex. This is often true for models that were produced before the 1990s.



-Rolex Sea-Dweller models are engraved with Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve on the case back. Some early models may also include Rolex Patent or Patent Pending. Also, these models made for the COMEX employees usually bear the Rolex and Comex names along with a two, three or four digit identification number used by Comex.



Sweeping Movement: In genuine Rolex watches (except the Oysterquartz), the second hand displays a sweeping movement as it ticks at the rate of 5-8 times per second. On the other hand, cheap Rolex replicas feature a second hand that ticks only once per second. Although better quality counterfeits may give you a sweeping movement of their second hand, they will not be as precise as an authentic Rolex.



Crystal: All Rolex models that were rolled out after 1991 were outfitted with laboratory made synthetic sapphire crystal. These crystal models have a clear white appearance. Most of the counterfeit Rolex models, however, feature either a glass crystal or plastic (acrylic) crystal. Some may also have a milky white appearance.



Finish: Fake stainless steel Rolex models are the most difficult to identify. This difficulty is not true in the case of gold versions, as fake models look brassy unlike the 18k gold look (in some earlier models even 9k and 14k gold are used) found in authentic Rolex watches.



Cyclops: The Cyclops lens, attached to the crystal and found over the date aperture does the work of magnifying the date by 2.5 times. In fake Rolex watches, this lens is not so powerful and magnifies the date to a maximum of 1.5 times. In cheap replicas, the lens is not even functional. Another way to distinguish fake Rolex watches from genuine ones on this basis is the positioning of the Cyclops. In many counterfeit varieties, the lens is positioned incorrectly, either a bit higher or lower on the crystal.



Illumination Markings: In authentic Rolex watches, the illumination markings on the hands and hour markers glow for a longer period of time in the dark once charged with direct light. However, do not expect vintage or older Rolex models to glow at night, as the effectiveness of this chemical does not last for an indefinite time. With cheap replicas, the illumination markings are only for show. Even in better quality replicas, it may not glow for an extended period. In addition, if seen with the help of a hand lens, the illumination fillings may not look smooth, as in the case of genuine Rolex watches.



Winding Crown: The genuine Rolex watches feature a winding crown that is not only smooth, but also makes no noise while you unscrew it. In contrast, fake winding crowns are not smooth to operate. In addition, when you set the time, the second hand jumps aggressively whereas in the case of authentic Rolex watches, the second hand moves by only 2-3 second markers. It is interesting to note that Rolex produces winding crown with its Crown or Coronet logo engraved on it. However, in many fake versions, the logo is simply glued on the end of the crown.



Crown Seal: All those Rolex models, which feature a Triplock Crown have an additional seal. Looking like a black rubber o-ring, it can be seen when you unscrew the winding step completely. Such a seal is not present in most of the counterfeit models.



Date Wheels: A very prominent feature that you will find in all genuine Rolex models is the positioning of the date wheel. Placed exactly at the center of the date aperture, the date wheel also gives a clear view of the number along with clear background color. On the other hand, misaligned position of date wheels in fake models is a common phenomenon. Besides, the rough background color on the date wheel is an immediate signal of an inauthentic and cheap counterfeit.



Important Functionalities: Rolex introduced the Hacking Feature around 1972. All current models have this feature where the second hand stops dead when the winding stem is pulled out to set the time. In low quality Rolex replicas, there is no hacking feature. Take this into account before you make any purchase decision.



Similarly, if the Quick Set and Double Quick Set features (found in only Date and Day-Date models) work in a jerky manner or simply drag, they indicate a fake Rolex.



The subsidiary dials or registers found in Rolex Daytona also provide you with an opportunity to distinguish a counterfeit from a genuine Rolex. Such dials available in fake Rolex Daytona models may not be functional at all. You also will miss the concentric circles inside these registers that you get to see in an authentic one. Unlike in the case of the genuine Daytona, the registers in fake versions are placed at a distance from the dial markings. Another important point to be noted is the large sweep second hand found in this model for the stopwatch function. In a fake model, it may move even when you have not initiated the stopwatch function.



The extra 24 hour hand found in Rolex GMT and Explorer II models may only be show pieces in the fake models.



The one-way gas escape valve that is positioned on the side of the case just opposite the winding crown in all Rolex Sea-Dweller models is almost always just a cosmetic feature, with no functionality in fake versions of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. .



Dial Markings: When viewed with a hand lens, you will find that the dial markings on fake Rolex wristwatches lack clarity, the right spacing, correct font size and shape. This also is true in the case of hour/minute indices and hour/minute/second hands. In some cheap replicas, you may find scratches on the markings as well as on the dial. Be alert, however, because counterfeiters are getting more and more sophisticated in creating fake Rolex watches. In many instances, you may not find very prominent flaws on the dial. Always try to examine the watch as closely as possible.



One more important way to establish the authenticity of Rolex watch is by viewing the outer edge of the dial from an angle. If the watch is authentic, the outer edge will have the same look as that of the entire case. If it is a fake, you will see a mirror finish on the outer edge.



Rotating Bezel: The rotating bezel found in many sport models like the Submariner and the GMT-Master can be rotated smoothly in 120 clicks (with no sound) covering 2 clicks for every minute. When you turn the bezel in fake models, its rotation either will be loose or it will hang up in the middle. In some replicas, the bezel may make a sound while rotating. There are other counterfeit versions where the bezel completes the rotation in less than 120 clicks.



Case Reference and Serial Numbers: Most of the counterfeit Rolex watches carry incorrect case reference or serial numbers. In low-level replicas, you will find no such numbers.



Bracelet Configurations:

Key points related to the bracelet that you should remember while buying a genuine Rolex include the following



1. As opposed to genuine Rolex bracelets, the counterfeits are tight and often remain tightly kinked when picked up by the buckle.



2. Fake Rolex bracelets tend to have poor quality gold plating.



3. Recent versions of Rolex Oyster bracelets feature unevenness in thickness with links closer to the case thicker than those toward the buckle. On the other hand, fake versions maintain the same thickness throughout.



4. The authentic Rolex bracelet's links are held together with screws unlike the push-pins found in many fake versions. If some high-end replicas feature screw links, a closer examination will help you to identify flaws that are not visible to the naked eye.



5.Rolex Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are stamped on the inside of the folding clasp with the name Rolex The name is surrounded by a series of scrolled lines.



6.Another feature of this stamp is that it bears the logo Coronet on the top. They are also stamped with the Coronet logo on the outside of the clasp. In most fake versions, the stamp is not well-copied. The inferior quality of the reproduction clearly is apparent upon examination. A closer look will bring into light many flaws such as round O shape at the base of the crown instead of the flatter oval shape.



7. Look for the quality of the stamped hallmark found on the inside of the folding clasp in Rolex President Bracelets.



8. Rolex bracelet clasps feature a tiny pin, finished on both ends unlike their fake counterparts, which look like a cut piece of metal.



Whenever you plan to buy any model of a Rolex watch, make sure that you have collected enough information about it so that you can undertake a detailed observation in terms of the various aspects mentioned above to establish its authenticity. You also should employ the help of experts who possess relevant knowledge in this field. The decision to buy a Rolex is too important to leave in the hands of amateurs. When you take the step to make such a life-changing purchase, you deserve nothing less than an authentic Rolex watch.



The Rolex Counterfeit Industry

Since Rolex has been considered the very top of the line in both quality and performance in the field of luxury watches for almost a century, the company and the brand have had to suffer the crime of counterfeiting. It is all too common to find fake or duplicate Rolex watches sold all over the world. You can find them offered at all different prices, ranging from $25 to $1500. In an official report published by Rolex itself, it has been claimed that the counterfeit Rolex industry is growing at an enormous pace. In fact, the total number of fake Rolex watches produced every year is 10 times what Rolex actually produces in its own facilities.



Known as Folex or Trolex or Fauxlex, the fake Rolex watches are available on the street as well as over the Internet. The business of fake Rolex watches over the Internet via e-mail spam has grown rapidly in recent years. It is worth noting that the quality of these fakes is quite astounding. Some of the counterfeits are so good and exact that even trained jewelers sometimes can be fooled.

Mass Produced Counterfeit Rolex Watches

The mass produced Counterfeit Rolex watches are available in the market at a price as low as $25. This category includes a wide range of counterfeit watches starting from low-level replicas to high-level replicas



-Cheap Low Level Replicas: These watches primarily are produced in China and Taiwan and serve the fantasy of people who wish to flaunt a purchase engraved with the name Rolex. They wear such cheap fakes irrespective of their poor functioning or appearance so they can be associated falsely with the very best. Some of the prominent features that may help you identify them as fake include the following



1. Incorrect stamps, model number engravings or hallmarks on the caseback, and even featuring clear casebacks.



2. Lightweight and even flimsy in construction.



3. Quartz movements requiring a battery. This becomes evident if the second hand ticks instead of the standard sweep movement.



4. The movement and the inside caseback contains no Rolex markings.



5. The dial sporting poor markings (often incorrect), wrong sized hands, poor quality Cyclops with no magnifying effect.



6. Brassy finish in the case of gold versions and such a finish usually wears off in a few months.



7. Bracelets featuring push pins, and not the screws used in authentic Rolex watches.



8. Loose crowns and bezels.



9. Non- functional registers in special Rolex models such as the Daytona.



- Improved Versions of Low Level Replicas: As low-level replicas are easily identifiable, some counterfeit Rolex manufacturers have started improving on certain features. Moreover, to increase the demand of such watches from a high class of customer, they have started offering their watches over the Internet, charging comparatively higher prices ($200 and sometimes more). These watches are on the heavier side, but not as heavy as a genuine Rolex. Although these watches have a brassy finish, the quality of the gold plating is better than the low level replicas. But do not expect high performance from these watches. Their overall performance will be comparable to any low-end watch. Areas where such watches score higher when compared to low level replicas include the following



1. They feature a sweep second hand, although it always appears less convincing when compared to a real Rolex watch.



2. The cases are equipped with screw-in case backs that you find in an authentic Rolex. The markings on the movement, however, or inside of the case back may be absent. If there, are such markings, they invariably will be incorrect.



3. Bracelets may have solid links with screws, but such links are of poor quality when compared to an authentic model.



4. Such counterfeits may be water resistant, but not waterproof.



- High quality Replicas Available in Large Numbers: Known as Italian or Swiss made, these watches are better in every respect from the previous two categories. Nevertheless, remember, they are nowhere near as precise or of the same level of artistry as a genuine Rolex watch. High-level replicas command a higher price in the market. In particular, replicas of Rolex gold watches and other popular models are very expensive. Some of the features of these watches which may fool almost everyone include the following



1. Convincing sweep movement of the second hand



2. 17 or 21 jeweled movement.



3. Effective water resistance, but still can not be worn while diving to greater depths.



4. Screw-in case back that can be opened only with Rolex-style tools.



5. Good quality illumination markers which tend to fade after a few years of use.



6. Proper markings on the dial, at least to the naked eye.



7. Bracelet featuring solid links with screws, but the quality may not be very fine.



8. The serial or model numbers engraved on the lugs or other parts may look convincing and would require a close inspection by a trained professional.



9. The counterfeit has an effective Cyclops lens.



10. Stainless steel models may look like just any authentic Rolex model. Gold versions feature thicker gold plating that may last for many years. Still, what is essential for any customer to understand, no matter how high the quality of the counterfeit may be, it is still nothing but a counterfeit in the end and not a real and authentic Rolex watch.