Teen Opens PlayStation 3 Box, Finds Phone Book Inside

Fox News - Wednesday, 26 Dec 2007:

A Camarillo, California teen dreamed of getting a popular game for Christmas, and he got it, almost. 13-year-old Brandon Burns tore the gift wrapped box to find that his parents got him a PlayStation 3. But when he opened the sealed box what he found was a yellow telephone book.

He says was amused by the whole thing.

His parents weren't amused. They spent $500 for the PS3 and say they plan on taking the phone book, the box, and their receipt back to the Thousand Oaks mall store where they bought it.

[ The full report is a TV news video clip. ]

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

those parents put the phone book in there.

[Real Gambler]

Well, maybe you could be right too. Parents who are buying those games to their kids don't like them that much either.

Seriously, why is it ALWAYS the PS3s that get stolen.... I guess thiefs know what's good after all : )

[tomfoolery]

Well,he's better off with the phone book.
Without question,he'll get more use out of it.
tom

[MatrixSixaxis]

EB was pretty dumb not to notice the lightness/weight of the PS3 box when picking it up in the back storage room! I'm sure the PS3 is waaay heavier than a 1 phone book!!! Maybe EB swapped it?!?

[BloodySinner]

Comment reported as offensive and you lose a bubble as a bonus.

[Enigma_2099]

You're an @$$hole...

... That is all.

[Lord Cheese]

the only problem with reporting something as offensive is you cant read it! the suspense just makes it more intruiging!

**update** - ok , i just read it on his profile. CodeMonkey you are a complete nonce. Crawl back into your little racist hole and dont come back.

[AzaziL]

The problem here lies in the fact that the parents never checked the box when they purchased it at the store to see if all the seals were untouched. That's why whenever you buy anything, you make damn well sure that it's never been opened and in the case of anything that costs more then a hundred bucks, there would be some kind of seal on the outside so that a consumer will know whether or not it's 'opened' merchandise.

And once your out of the store, there's no turning back and saying it was already opened. That's their way to ensure that people don't pull scams like say the one where someone returned a gutted 360 a couple months back. It can happen both ways so as a consumer you must follow the rule, NEVER BUY OPENED MERCHANDISE (unless there's a good discount and you've checked the contents in store).

[lynx1halo]

Even ive got to admit thats hilarious,,,....honestly who doesnt check the product first???even if its a gift ...since i forked over the cash...I have to inspect the merchandise....lol the parents are idiots and should be b!tch slapped at the kids discretion

[Guwapo77]

Thank goodness you only have one bubble.

[God of Gaming]

Id slap my parents for buying me those two games over the really good games on the system. He is not missing much by not being able to play Pirates. He should exchange those for Uncharted and UT3.

My experience with EB would dictate that they will be jerks about this and not exchange... hopefully they know it was on the news the night before and do the right thing.

[desolationstorm]

That was the first thing that came to mind though skate is a real good game, pirates Id be embarassed to show that on the news especially if I actually want the damn game.

[bozobucketeer]

Right...keep skate and maybe get UT. Rent Uncharted.

[whoelse]

lol my first thought was that.

BTW, thats one rich family! See the size of the TV and there kareoke machine.

[Lord Cheese]

bozobucketeer - agreed - definately dont buy uncharted - just rent it. You'll see all there is to see in a fairly short time. I'd suggest buying r&c myself - brilliant fun.

[Mikey_Gee]

Folks out there like "Feihc Retsam". Read this guys post here

http://www.n4g.com/industry...

Post # 1.4

If you box has phone books or a BANNED machine ... either way ... you are out a machine.

People with this attitude are what causes this to happen. I actually had a friend of mine buy and Elite and get it home to find it weird the box was shut tight with GLUE ... opened it up and he also found phone books.

Lucky for him Wally World was still open and he was just there. He called ASAP and had it sorted out.

As for this kid, I really do hope it works out for him and he gets a PS3 (since his folks paid for it) and the EB are not a$$e$$ about it.

[aba]

Thats why I never shop at EB games.

[sak500]

LOL. The wait begins even before he can use his ps3.

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

the PS3 is all about waiting beyond, and the 360 already came.

That's the story this gen.

[N4M3L355]

You're right, the 360 came.

[dantesparda]

I gotta say, this whole thread is just to funny. Even the usual cast of @ssholes are being funny too. I like when Tomfoolery says its better than the PS3, i knew that was coming, LOL!

[Meus Renaissance]

I really hope the store believes them and the guy gets his PlayStation 3, he seems pretty cool. And please, exchange those crappy games for Uncharted and COD4.

[MK_Red]

Good advice on games :)

[crck]

Swapped it out with a phonebook then sold it for some cash. He seems way too happy about getting shafted. This way he gets money + a replacement ps3 from his parents.

But this really is a problem MS and Sony have to address. What happen to the days of factory seal stickers? Do they really cost that much more? Now they just use generic ones. As for Nintendo they don't even bother to seal the Wii so at least you can check inside I guess.

[PS3Freak]

pirates does suck and should be traded for uncharted no doubt, but i loveeee skate and i would take it over COD4 anyday.

[ravinash]

I wonder if the kid is the same person who returned that Xbox360 guttered with a phonebook in the casing.
I'd expect they'll be running out of phone books by now.

[Marceles]

LOL...that was my one fear when I bought mine from craigslist in December...I knew when I opened it, a pile of bricks would fall out. Luckily it was a perfectly working PS3...damn that sucks for him.

"He says was amused by the whole thing."

I would've kicked his ass for laughing at that...a $500 phone book is no joke. That would be a good practical joke if his parents planned it though.

[Skerj]

Haha didn't you check it when you met up with the person on Craigslist?

[Marceles]

Lol yeah...and the other thing that made me feel safe was he had alot of acne, wore glasses, and had on a sweatsuit like he'd been camping out all night for one, which he did, but then said he needed the money back for school. So I got it the day after launch with another controller for $550, without needing to camp out...wasn't a bad deal to me.

[Skerj]

Haha sweet deal, got my 360 the same way. $150 brand new premium, guy said he had two and didn't need it so I snagged it. That kid's parents should have looked on craigslist hah.

[Marceles]

Aww lucky...I should've just got a premium from there, but I was under the impression they RROD'd easier than the elite. I should've just got one anyway...

*looks at $450 elite, tear comes out of eye*

[Skerj]

Nah you're alright, I do believe the elites are more durable than the previous systems without the chip upgrade.

[Darkiewonder]

and call the place where you got the system from. thanks.

[Salvadore]

I hope he gets his PS3.

[rofldings]

it's on the receipt?

[unlimited]

well that sucks..

[gamehendge]

well he still ended up with something more useful and reliable than a 360.

[N4M3L355]

I'm sorry, but that was pretty damn funny. Bubble for you my friend.

[jorellpogi]

Nice one bro. LOL

[PS3Freak]

Thats gotta be the comment of the year, absolutly halarious.

[Milkman541]

Wow, that is werid...it looks like those ppl are loaded anyway...

[picker332]

So true!!!

[The BS Police]

I hope he does get his PS3, something similar happened to me a few years ago, I got a DVD for Christmas and when I opened it there was no DVD at all!

[Mr PS3]

He could have opened it up and a friggin xbox could have been in there !!

[PSWe60]

Good call on the parents' part in contacting a News. I doubt EB Games will exchange the box, the news report will probably catch Sony's eyes and they'll give the kid a PS3 for the PR exposure.

[aaquib5]

They're the ones that hired the actor to talk about how his console was full of dust and Sony refused to return it. After that story, Fox has no integrity to me.

[DarkSniper]

Because of the value PLAYSTATION 3® presents to every human eye on the planet, some must feel the urge to posses what has been considered the gaming mecca of our time. While theft runs rampant across the United States, Dark Sniper isnt surprised that an EB games employee felt the need to ensure he experienced PLAYSTATION® 3 glory any way he could.

Dark Sniper would like to give his best wishes to the Burns family and also would like to thank Mr. Brandon Burns and his parents for making the efficient choice for the ultimate Christmas ever. PLAYSTATION 3®.

$niper

[Koneesha]

whats with talking in the third person?

[Koneesha]

whats with talking in the third person?

[solar]

same reason why Zhuk does his thing. i find them both amusing in their own rights :D

[dantesparda]

That his schtick! He's Zhuk's (the 360 fanboy) alter ego. He's amusing and all, but the guy i liked was "Bill Gates"

BILL GATES WHERE ARE YOU!!!?

Btw, i think he may really be the Hulk

[jonboi24]

even if the parents or sony or the store that they bought it from put the phone book in the box I feel sorry for that kid and at the same time can't help but laugh at him.

[rwalrond]

Didn't know Sony implemented a similar Rain Check program that Nintendo did with the Wii. I guess you could call this a NEXT GEN, Rain Check!! Those Sony guys always has to one up the competition.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

[WeaseL]

Its nothing new people who buy 360's keep getting bricks

[Rattles]

bubbles for for all!!!!!

[Laexerias]

AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH

phew that was good.

[Lumbo]

hmm, there is a reason why people should let a shop staffer OPEN the box in front of them when purchasing a $100+ item, i would never trust the storage goons they hire at minimum wages.

[Sarick]

I didn't look on the PS3 box but a lot of consoles I owned have the serial numbers clearly visible from outside the box. The N64 was one if I remember correctly. It'd be easy to look inside and see there is no console if PS3 boxes had this feature. No need to open the box then.

[radical_pi]

the 360s have the holes in the boxes so theres no question if the box has been altered. with a ps3 the chintzy tape seals tend to look damaged a lot of the time... so its always questionable whether or not the fedex guy took a piss on it.

[kalistyles]

How do you not know that there isn't a game system in there? Lets see a phone book weighs about maybe 2 pounds and the PS3 is about 10-15 lbs. Stupid parents.

[macalatus]

Yeah but then again what do non-gaming parents know anything about the PS3.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

It is a Microsoft conspiracy.

[macalatus]

Whoever stole the damn thing is an idiot! Why in heaven's name would someone use a phone book listing for the same area where the same store is located. Someone nominate the thief (more than likely a store worker) for the Darwin awards!

[crookie-crook]

I guess store clerks would risk a silly move like that for a PS3, who wouldn't? LoL

*edit* less silly if it was a full-proof plan, if they know the ins-and-outs of the workplace, camera placement, who's rostered and who to trust not to speak

[Sarick]

From my understanding this generation all consoles have a unique serial number that can be tracked if a console connects online. This number can be used to lock players off the network completely. (console ban.) It's linked to the actual serial number on the device. Ever wonder what DNAS is?

It'd be easy to find who stole this PS3 if this is true. The victim would only need to send the box including serial number back and report it stolen. Sony would then setup a registration rule that searchs for this serial number. The moment that console logs on to PSN a red flag will pop up saying this console was reported stolen to Sony.

DNAS is included on all PS3s the moment this thief logs on to PSN Sony can track this PS3 down. If the thief sets up an account with real user information that makes it that much easier to find him.

I bet most people are completely unaware of these technologies built into gaming consoles. I just thought everyone should be made aware that this technology is part of all next gen consoles currently on the market. By signing up to these online services you agree to these terms. To put it simply unless your an all offline gamer your console can be tracked through it's service legally.

Although personal information isn't given out from just connecting the console. DNAS has this console red flaged. Once identifiable information is given to out the thief is busted. Even if this info is forged the thief can still be traced if authorities deem it necessary. With todays technology it's hard to believe people still think they have no enmity. Do to the nature of this being illegal activities the privacy policy would easly be circumvented if requested.

Alternatively, just ban the console. The thief calls SONY and they give personal shipment information to Sony repair. When the thief gets the console return box he's busted when he signs for it.

*DNAS information*
http://www.us.playstation.c...

*PSN privacy policy*
http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-e...

*PSN terms of service user agreement*
http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-e...

On a side note this victim should get their system replaced undisputed. If this person actuality is trying to cheat people they can get caught doing it.

[Mr_Kuwabara]

LOL that's pretty funny right there. Must be some bastard that stole the console and put that book to act the fool.

[RoseSapphire]

I have sympathy for the extremely slim chance that this really happened and the parents weren't trying to bilk someone for a free system, but at the same time I absolutely don't believe them.

In the event it is real, I know for a fact that they're going to make an issue out of it with the store, where there is a 90% chance it wasn't their fault. Chances are this would have been done by a disgruntled factory worker or UPS shipper if it was done at all and it should be up to Sony to fix the mistake, not the store they bought it from.

People need to realize that retails stores only sell the product, they don't make them. They are not obligated like a manufacturer to stand behind the quality of something, especially a name brand product.

[Zhuk]

He should be happy, he'll get more use out of a phone book than a PS3

[RoseSapphire]

On a side note - That family definitely isn't short any money after seeing their living room. Not that, that matters in this case.

Also, yes, the son definitely didn't look like he cared in the least bit and even the mother didn't look overly concerned as she tried to stress "if they believe us and why would they."

The fact that it is mentioned they would most likely sue the store doubles my disbelief of their claim and ensures that they are absolutely ignorant and looking for money. Again, this isn't the stores fault unless it is proven it was one of their employees. This would be an issue for Sony to replace it, not the stores. Were I managing that store there is no way I would return the product for her. I would not take a $500 hit to my shrink.

[aba]

"dang those elves jacked my playstation"? WTF! No you little f@g, your out $500. But you don't care, mommy and daddy will buy you another.

[UltramanJ]

Years ago while working in the electronics dept of a well known retail chain, I was restocking some returns. It was after Christmas when the lines are long and customer service reps aren't as thorough with checking items.
The Sega CD box I was putting back felt odd, so I opened the box to find a bunch of books inside. That took some real guts to pull off such a stunt, but whoever did it got away with it.

[The Dark Knight]

electronic must have my a$$

i bet sony put it in there cause they are so cheap. hahahahah

[aba]

I bought a 360 at toys-r-us, got it home, opened it and found the thing in shambles. The plastic wrap the consoles in was torn up and the 360 itself had scratches. When I picked it up it sounded like I was jingling a pocket full O' change. I was a tad pissed. I take it back and the freakshows working there are looking at it and checking the serial number, they didn't match apparently. So she says I have to go through Microsoft to get this fixed. I said bullsh*t, I better get a new one or i'd punt her across the store (she was a midget). Eventually they got the guy who sold it to me and he said that he probably shouldn't have sold it, thats what got them to give me a new one.

EDIT: WOW they actually returned it? Those guys are f@gs, "yeah im so badass, I buy expensive electronics and break em derrr" Retards, so while the people who waited in line to get one will get theirs, these douchebags waited in line for nothing.

[resistance100]

You didn't get the one smashmy360 did did you? lol. they put theres together and took it back to the store and got a refund on it

[Yoma]

Oh great, another rumor by Fox News.

[name]

I bought a PS2 game before and got an AOL trial disc for some reason. I'm sure he'll get his ps3 though.

[sevanig]

hahaha... what a crack up

[Xabrophazon]

Unfortunately, something similar happened to other GameStops near me. Two stores close to mine had PS3's bought, and then returned, but with a large rock inside instead of a PS3.

It happens more than you think, thus, we now completely gut open a PS3 box if someone tries to return one.

[pshizle]

just because he thinks that the ps3 is garbage

[dema 24]

codemonkey1
never the blacks, all ways the whites.

[funkycoldmedina]

I would be furious if I was in this situation. $500 dollars later and still nothing to show for it. EBGames/Gamestop are places I avoid shopping at unless in dire need. I've had good and bad past experiences with exchanges and returns with both stores. Lots of shady employees and not very customer friendly store policies. I'm sure these folks will not have a easy time trying to get an exchange or even a refund, but I do hope they get their PS3 though.

[MADGameR]

Because he's going to get CAUGHT! ROFL!!! Because the box has the serial number of that PS3 LOL!

[Sarick]

This thief may get caught if authorities or Sony wish to take action. I highly doubt an investigation will be made over this $500 issue. Standard insurance should cover this theft. Going though steps to track down the thief would probably cost more then $500. So whats the point of doing a full investigation. Sony can still ban the linked console resulting in the owner of the stolen PS3 contacting Sony support.

This reminds me of a thief that stole a Radio Shack (display model) scanner. Later that week he came back asking if they sale manuals for that item at another nearby store. The guy even brought it back to the store with the serial number in tact when the management requested to look at it.

[funkysolo]

when you buy a ps3 or a 360 they scan the serial number on the console when they open the small opening.

[Sarick]

The PS3 boxes have a serial number taped to the outside of the box located near the plastic handle at the top. I haven't seen any PS3 boxes that still have visible portals into the package showing serial numbers.

If the box had a serial number on the outside and a portal window to the inside it'd make fraud like this a lot harder to get away with. Serial numbers wouldn't match up allowing easy detection. Already most large department stores and retail chains are placing the actual serial numbers on the receipts.

[GlossGreen]

still happen though. Remember the story about the empty 360 case stuffed with paper and returned to the store? If case was there, a serial number was there also. I know it was a completely different situation, and probably would never happen in a sale.

[radical_pi]

as far as i know, almost every retail computer system requires the serial number to be entered in to the computer so the system can be tracked through daily sales reports (as a security measure). it is also a requirement that the serial number be put on the receipt for warranty purposes (so that you cant bring your receipt to return your buddy's broken system)

[Silvanos]

"According to a spokesperson for the store involved, the matter has since been resolved."

[fanboi hater]

in similar fashion. I go to buy a brand new copy of ut3. I pick one up everything is fine, i get home pop it in the ps3 no disc icon pops up. i take it out flip it over huge scratch on the back. Don't think twice about it and head strait back to best buy wait 30 minutes in the return line for them to tell me they won't exchange it because it's a cd with a f*cking glued on cover. (police have been finding them) Then it hit me the scratch was actually glue. even though i had bought it like 50 min before they didn't return it so now it looks like i might have a suit on my hands.

In conclusion F**K best buy

Sorry for the rant i'm just pissed

@below
thanks dude. thats cool you could exchange it but best buy is too unprofessional to do the same. i'm going to try to straighten it out AGAIN tomorrow, but if not this sh!t isn't going to fly.

[macalatus]

Dude you have every effing right to be pissed! I remember getting a Road Rash PS1 game for Christmas 11 years ago, opened it, and found...nothing!! My sister thought I was just pulling a prank on her, but thankfully she was able to exchange it for the REAL game!

[Fluffy2Duffy]

PARENTS fault!!! i'm sure before they purchase it, they were checking the box and probably saw that 7KILO on it,

[Matpan]

have the box opened and re-sealed in front of you. I don´t know why this isn´t a MUST DO policy on every single stor that sells boxed merchandise.

They should also have a set of cables and a TV ready for fast testing the system for any first hand malfunctioning issues... I guess sometimes stores are too busy and crowded for that, but it would be the ideal thing to do.

Not that this is the case... I mean if I would be waiting for a next gen console but got a phone book instead I´d be thrilled to tears :) I would be forever thankful to my dads and periodically visit the seller and eventually become true friends and why not date his/her sister... NOT!!!

[radical_pi]

dont work in retail. we expect the manufacturer to release a working product to be bought without worry. in the rare instance that something like this does happen (and considering how many consoles are sold like this each year it is rare) thats why we have customer service representatives.

for what i get paid, i could give a damn if youre one in a thousand who this happens to.

[AliC]

I'd be more disappointed if I was given Pirates for Christmas, god that game sucked.

[Vip3r]

I bet that guy was Round Peg with his partent giving him a phonebook so he can actually make some friends.

[otherZinc]

he should use that phone book to find a # & buy a 360 to play some AAA games.

[AngryTypingGuy]

That's what he would do if he was smart.

[Amsterdaam]

and how is that different from getting a PS3? I don't understand.

I kid, I kid, I have a PS3 as well.

[bym051d]

Those parents should be arrested for buying their kid Pirates of the Carribean and the PS3 version of Skate.

[Lord_Mike]

Wow $500 gift for a 13 year old. Kid was amused, spoiled kid. He probably owns almost everything.

[Guardian0fPeace]

I mwas thinkin the same thing, lol. Still, the parents were foolish to buy from EB or Gamestop in the first place, both are true scam artists.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

The kid should use that phone book and call to find out how to find a 360 ("true" gaming console)

[GlossGreen]

are not true gamers, let alone know what a true gaming console is. The only true gaming console is...none of the above. All the consoles are great in their own way, and any true gamer would recognize that fact.

[Kylen08]

Who gives a crap? really? if this is news then i am tom hanks

[Stiffler203]

The funny thing is that kid would get more use out of the phone book then he would PS3.

[Kyur4ThePain]

We heard you the first time.

[Leg-End]

That wasnt funny. Un-inventive and Un-original

[Leg-End]

this wouldnt pass as "news" in the uk

[Machiave11i]

The parents should have opened the box and checked for the merchandise beforehand.

For all anyone knows, the box contained a PS3, the parents removed it, placed a phone book inside, filmed this little piece and plan to scam the store they purchased it from. They cannot provide any legitimate proof that they DID NOT receive a PS3, technically.

This reminds me of the instance several months ago when the CompUSA stores were going out of business and putting their items on liquidation. A guy walked in and bought a digital camera for $250 and when he returned home, opened the box and found it to be empty...then when he tried to return it, CompUSA told him he was on his own.

There is no way to prove that his box didn't contain a camera (you would think someone would notice the weight difference in an empty/full box...) just as there is no way to determine that the PS3 box in question didn't have a PS3 inside of it.

[GITPWNED]

Kid would have been better off with the phonebook.

[TwissT]

I was gonna do a prank of the same thing. I was gonna get a next-gen console box, fill it with a dictionary, wrap it up and give it to my friend as a Christmas present lmao.

[Cat Eye]

I can't believe there's this much of dumb people out there , Man.
I mean really....can't you see it's Fox Channel for the second time. First there was the dusty boy , now this. Just think about it why is it Fox the first and only channel that shows bad news about PS3 for the second time?

[weren]

This may have been brought up already but the controller and cables were all in the video. Seems to me if you were gonna steal the ps3 youd need to take those as well to make it work. I smell trickery.